• Don't let the price deceive you

  
  As reviewed by Erik on 4/20/2010

  Let me start by saying this is the best guitar I currently own. Compared to my Gibson SG standard and Fender American Standard, this just hits the sweet spot for me. So here is why...the fret board feels extremely natural and the action was just right out of the box. The tuners and head stock also give it a very unique look and seem to stay in tune decently after a couple hours of playing. The pickups and overall tone are just great. All semi-hollow body guitars have that sustain, but this was very reminiscent of the more expensive Gibson 335. The pickups are pretty hot especially when playing with high gain. It sounds outstanding on clean channels as well. There are two things I don't like about this guitar. The location of the pick up switched is extremely inconvenient if you switch between the bridge and neck for lead/rhythm. I'm sure I will get used to it, but it's definitely awkward at first. The second thing is that it didn't come with a case. I ordered the official Hagstrom case after I realized this, but some kind of gig bag would have been nice. This guitar is definitely shaped in a unique fashion so you are safest getting the Hagstrom case, which is very cool looking and sturdy. So to sum up my random thoughts on this guitar. Get it. Don't hesitate. It sounds like you should have paid over a grand and will definitely turn heads when playing out both because of looks and because sound.

  24 of 24 people found this review helpful.
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• If sound is what you want, this is your guitar

  
  As reviewed by BlueV on 12/6/2010

  I've read some of the other 5 star ratings and I agree with all of it. But I wanted to add that this is not a step down from the Gibson 335. It's its own instrument. My '86 Gibson has been in the closet for about a year now because of that. This guitar has personality. My Gibson just sounds old fashioned. It's sweet but it cannot touch the pallet of sounds of the Viking. They are different animals. The Hagstrom neck is faster and easier to maneuver so I play differently, with more ease and air. It's smooth and comfortable and that equals fast. But that's not what distinguishes it. It's the tone and sustain. I suppose what I getting at is that the tone is wide ranging and easily controllable and it just hauntingly beautiful. My bass player turned to me last night and said, " I don't think I want you playing any other guitar." I almost agree. It's that compelling. I've been playing rock and roll, blues and whatever for 40 years. This is a great instrument. So's the Gibson.

  17 of 17 people found this review helpful.
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• Not Bad

  
  As reviewed by Tim Cook on 4/29/2011

  The good: Beautiful finish-cherry with a slight touch of visible wood grain. Fantastic sustain. No rattles, buzzes, etc. Hardware is fine, for this price range. Action can be set very low, without any fret buzz. Neck is very smooth and slick in a good way. PUPS are quite good. Crisp, clear with a nice rounded bass and mid range. Headstock is cool looking. It's different, so if you're boored from the usual Gibson/Fender/Gretsch, etc. styling, you will dig this. All good electrics will play well unplugged...the Viking is no exception. The Ugly: Tailpiece is cheap-looking...going to switch it out for a Bigsby. The Hagstrom Coat of Arms was glued to the tailpiece crooked. Minor binding flaws...but nothing to get ticked about. Bottom Line: If you want to drop 3K on a Gibson ES, by all means do it. However, the Viking comes close to the quality/performance of the ES. The Viking is far superior than a Epi Dot or Ibanez Artcore. It's an excellent value. It fits in an Epi. Casino case as well.

  6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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