Non-US musical gear manufacturers

**Rob MacKillop** · 02-07-2026, 04:19 PM

The Hagstrom HL-550 is a really nice archtop for its low price. This was some years ago, before I sold it to a student who still plays it.

**Mick-7** · 02-07-2026, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

The Hagstrom HL-550 is a really nice archtop for its low price. This was some years ago, before I sold it to a student who still plays it.

It's not a well known brand here in the States, Guitar Center is the only large retailer that sells a few of their models:
Hagstrom HL-550 review | MusicRadar

**Rob MacKillop** · 02-07-2026, 05:30 PM

That’s a fair review, and a good price too.

**Mick-7** · 02-07-2026, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop

That’s a fair review, and a good price too.

They still make them? - I only see used ones here in the U.S.

Hagstrom Jazz Model Hl-550 Hollowbody Electric Guitar Gloss Natural Mahogany | Guitar Center

**Rob MacKillop** · 02-07-2026, 05:38 PM

I’ve no idea.

**bluenote61** · 02-07-2026, 06:05 PM

Impressive listing!

I'm missing Bryant Trenier from France. He makes very fine archtops.
Trenier Guitars

Also Stefan Schottmueller from Germany.
E.g. Lage Lund and Paulo Morello are playing a guitar built by him.
Schottmueller Guitars

**Christian Miller** · 02-07-2026, 07:29 PM

Furch is another one … not sure if they still do jazz boxes tho

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**Rob MacKillop** · 02-07-2026, 07:51 PM

FYI

**Gitterbug** · 02-08-2026, 07:23 AM

Hagström is alive and has a few jazz boxes in their program. They now claim those to be designed by Jimmy D'Acquisto, yet in so vague terms they won't be nailed.

**Hammertone** · 02-08-2026, 08:05 AM

Hagstrom went out of business decades ago. The trademark was picked up by Coast Music, who used the old designs for a line of guitars built in China. Coast was sold awhile back, but the new owners are still distributing Chinese-made Hagstrom guitars AFAIK.

**Gitterbug** · 02-08-2026, 02:12 PM

To confirm: Furch ceased making archtops many years ago. The most recent I've seen used is from 2012. The company was established in the 1970s to provide quality instruments under/despite the Communist regime. Long tradition in luthiery (although many craftsmen migrated to E/W Germany after WWII) and fine tone woods, also pedigree in archtop guitars. The only Furch sample I tried years ago was a beautiful build but acoustically not particular.

I'm confused about the current holder(s) of the Stromberg title, but believe the pricier ones at least are built in Czechia.

**Christian Miller** · 02-08-2026, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gitterbug

To confirm: Furch ceased making archtops many years ago. The most recent I've seen used is from 2012. The company was established in the 1970s to provide quality instruments under/despite the Communist regime. Long tradition in luthiery (although many craftsmen migrated to E/W Germany after WWII) and fine tone woods, also pedigree in archtop guitars. The only Furch sample I tried years ago was a beautiful build but acoustically not particular.

Yes, my impression too.

I'm confused about the current holder(s) of the Stromberg title, but believe the pricier ones at least are built in Czechia.

Mak’s is stocking them in london… be interested to try one

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