Hagstrom H45 Acoustic Guitar (circa 1963-1966) – Very Good Condition

Description

Introduction

This is a listing for my used – but carefully repaired and restored – Hagstrom H45 (also known as a Hagstrom J45).

The guitar was my father’s guitar, and spans from, I believe, circa 1963-1966. It is a pre-1967 model.

After decades of sitting unused in my attic, this Swedish-made guitar was carefully and painstakingly repaired and restored by Jimmy Egypt, of Jimmy Egypt and Sons Musical Instruments (based in Glasgow), in circa June/July 2025.


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The Naming Convention for This Guitar – H45 Versus J45 (Both Names Are Viable)

The Hagstrom H45 and J45 are essentially the same model.

The official Hagstrom designated name is H45. That is the name that appears in the official historical Hagstrom marketing materials I have found (from circa 1966).

Meanwhile, J45 is the designation that is typically used, interchangeably with H45, due to the guitar being Hagstrom’s interpretation of the Gibson J45. i.e., Hagstrom H45 guitars were known as “J45 inspired copies”.

Moreover, Bjarton (a collaborative manufacturing partner) versions of this guitar were denoted as J45 (instead of H45). Bjarton and Hagstrom, both Swedish companies, had a significant collaborative relationship, particularly in the 1960s. Bjarton produced acoustic and later semi-acoustic guitars for Hagstrom. This partnership allowed Hagstrom to expand its guitar offerings, leveraging Bjarton’s expertise in acoustic guitar construction.

As a final aside, Hagstrom’s naming conventions were sometimes quite fluid (and somewhat inconsistent), with different designations used for similar models or even different pickguards appearing on the same models. Nonetheless, the above still stands as my best understanding.


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Guitar Design, Construction and Sound

This acoustic guitar is a dreadnought model, with a “sunburst” design on the body.

The guitar features a pleasing block inlaid fingerboard, “classic” headstock with a script logo, and upgraded key stone tuners.

These guitars are known for their full-bodied sound, with plenty of bass, strong mids, and a bright treble response.

According to some old Hagstrom sales/marketing documentation (available online, via a search of “1966 Hagstrom Catalogue Acoustic Guitars”), some extra details about this guitar are as follows:

* 16" body; 4 and 3/4" deep.
* Deep resonance, strong/powerful tonal sounds.
* Slim, fast action, with adjustable rod.
* Close grain spruce top with mahogany back and sides.
* Shell pick guard.
* 3-piece mahogany neck with cross grain inlay.
* Bound rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl inlay.
* Pearl inlaid headpiece.
* Individually enclosed machine heads.
* Rosewood pin bridge.
* Chrome alloy steel strings.


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Version of This Guitar – Pre-1967 Model

I believe this guitar was manufactured between 1963 to 1966. The model was first introduced in 1963. By 1967, it had a bolt on neck and unbound fingerboard, and by 1968, a tailpiece. So, this model, which is a “pre 1967 model”, is a more desirable version.


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Repair and Restoration

This guitar is in good condition. I had it repaired and restored, diligently, by Jimmy Egypt, of Jimmy Egypt and Sons Musical Instruments (based in Glasgow), in circa June/July 2025.

A crack on the neck has been expertly repaired. The evidence of the prior crack is now very hard to pin-point from the photos, such was the quality of the repair. Jimmy demonstrated playing the guitar in his store, and I was reassured that the neck is now very comfortable and the playing action is very good indeed.


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Heavy Duty Fender Case and Guitar Stand Included

I will include a heavy-duty – and very well-fitting – Fender guitar case, plus a fairly generic guitar stand, along with this guitar.


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Conclusion

Thank you very much for reading this long listing for this vintage (circa 1963-1966) Hagstrom H45 acoustic guitar.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Of course, you are welcome to try-out the guitar prior to purchase.

Lastly, if you decide to go ahead with this guitar, I hope it provides you with years of playing enjoyment.

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