Such was the popularity of the instruments in their heyday that Hagstrom estimated 800,000 musicians had played their guitars including Elvis Presley, Frank Zappa and The Beatles.

    Hagstrom Guitars was founded by Albin Hagstrom of Alvdalen, Sweden. Albin Hagstrom began by importing German accordions in 1921 and a year later, Italian accordions which would establish the early Hagstrom affinity for celluloid coverings.  Following the war, music crazes had an enormous impact on the eventual success of the Hagstrom guitar as accordion sales eventually evaporated.  When Albin Hagstrom passed away in 1952, Director Erik Wisen would see salvation in six strings and rock and roll. Following Wisen's death in '67, Albin's son Karl-Erik Hagstrom's observation of the American market would greatly influence the evolution of the Hagstrom line.

    The Hagstrom Guitars thrived from '58 through '83. Hagstrom's first guitars were covered in sparkle and pearloid celluloid, the same materials used on the accordions. In 1958 the Deluxe made it's debut covered in glittering sparkle  plastic.  The Standard guitar debuted a year later, similar to the Deluxe except for the finish and a reverse chronology on body size.  The unique revolutionary aspect of these first Hagstrom's was a versatile design that allowed them to be played as acoustic or electric.
 
    The following years saw the introduction of bass, acoustics, and classical guitars.  Bass guitars such as the 'Deluxe A' (or more affectionately known as the Batman) debuted in '61 offering the new offset double cutaway style.

      The 'Kent' acoustic with the innovative two-pickup swimming pool assembly featuring the newly designed Hagstrom vibrato debuted in '62. Following the Kent in '63 was the more sophisticated two-pickup Impala and the three-pickup Corvette with wider maple bodies and an arm contour. These later guitars were arguably the most endearing Hagstroms and reflected the exuberance of the '60's guitar boom.

    After '65 the Kent changed to the Hagstrom I and the more famous Hagstrom 12 which was endorsed by Frank Zappa. The late '60s through the '70s saw the Viking series, the Kimmy Oval, and the Concord bass. In '67 the Viking Deluxe with it's oval harp trapeze tail and red Hagstrom lion crest was played by Elvis Presley in his wildy successful TV comeback special.

    The Hagstrom II and the Hagstrom III lasted until '72 and some HagstromIIIs were revived in '77. Finally the early '80s saw the Super Swede series; an upscale model with a glued-in neck, a bound ebony fingerboard and a three-way select on the upper shoulder. In 1983, the Hagstrom Ultra Swede made a brief appearance and would be the last of the Hagstrom guitars.

    While integrating all the unique features that made them legendary, Hagstrom guitars are now being crafted with innovations in materials and manufature that dramatically enhance the original designs and more than please all those die-hard Hagstrom fans who have patiently waited for the return of these wonderful instruments since 1983.