Hagstrom Viking Guitar (standard) Albert King Solo

A blues solo I learned from Andy Paoli of thebluesclub.net. I haven't mastered it yet, but it's good enough for this guitar demo. This is also his backing track which I downloaded as a result of becoming a member. Really recommend his site if you want to learn blues. Thebluesclub.net membership includes backing tracks, music and tabs which you can download and print.

The Hagstrom Viking seems to be a descent substitute for the Gibson ES335. It is not the equivalent because I've played the real thing, and the Gibson is considerably better in the feel and quality. But for under $1K, this will scratch all my semi-hollow body itches for now. It actually has some interesting features such as a hybrid "wood" fingerboard they call Resinator, and something Hagstrom calls the "H-Expander truss rod, that amongst other things, keeps your neck from twisting.

I do love the way this guitar feels when I play it. The smaller fingerboard scale is helpful to people like me with smaller hands. Knobs are all responsive, unlike some of the cheaper guitars made in China. This is also made in China in a Hagstrom factory. Don't get me wrong, the Chinese are becoming great guitar makers and have learned to make amazing instruments at an affordable price. Still, I have to admit, I'd love to have an American-made ES335, but that would mean at least $4K for the basic model that I would like to have. For now, my Hagstrom and I are becoming best buddies. Thanks to the Chinese people making these!