Hagstrom Guitars Fantomen Nameless Ghoul Signature Model Review & Demo from GuitCon 2017

From GuitCon 2017 at the Warwick & Framus HQ in Germany
One of the companies that joined us at GuitCon was Hagstrom Guitars of Sweden.
Hagstrom has a long history in rock and roll, propelling some of rock's greatest artists. After a long hiatus, Hagstrom has returned to form with several new and exciting models including this new signature model for the Nameless Ghouls of Swedish metal band Ghost: the Fantomen.
This guitar was made for riffing. This guitar was meant to be played loud! A striking appearance and cutting tone makes the Fantomen a natural guitar for the metal player but is classy enough to be at home with alt rockers or anyone who loves unique shapes.
Find out more about the Fantomen here: www.hagstromguitars.com/electr...
Thank you so much to Warwick & Framus for hosting us at GuitCon 2017.
A big thanks to all the companies for supplying us with cool gear, including: Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ibanez Guitars, Hagstrom Guitars, Schecter Guitars, TC Electronic, Joyo, Reverb.com, Two Notes, Revv Amplification, and more!
A huge thanks to the following companies for outfitting our production facilities including: Triad-Orbits, PreSonus, Sommer Cable, Eve Audio, Two Notes, Universal Audio, and more!
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Hey everyone! My name is Sean Pierce Johnson and I'm the guitarist for the band Cockeyed Optimist. I love demoing effects pedals and all things related to making music.
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SUBSCRIBE TO MY BAND, COCKEYED OPTIMIST: kzbin.info/door/ckey...
A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY FRIENDS AT:
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Orange Amps - www.OrangeAmps.com
Distortion Bros. Guitar Shop - www.DistortionBros.com

[@MrZombiechild666]

Absolutely love this guitar. I ordered the white guitar and it just arrived today.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Jeff Moore awesome Jeff. Enjoy it!

[@greatvanzini]

Framus & Hagstrom! My first two basses,,,, way way back. Loved them all.

[@janminor1172]

That body shape is pretty cool , unique but quite elegant especially in white.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Jan Minor totally

[@mikeglazier5993]

It's a Gibson RD with a pointier lower horn and a longer pickgaurd

[@fullmoon7192]

@@mikeglazier5993 Nobody gives a shit what it reminds you. A hammer (the tool) will always look like a hammer, no matter if some details are slightly different. Feel free to pay big bucks for your beloved Gibson. I'll stick to my *Made in China Hagstrom*, 2 PRS's (SE & Standard), 2 Ymahas, and 5 Godins, each playing wonderfully for a fraction of price that Gibson charges for their crap. Check this two out: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5C7mmx9hplrn7s - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqiUYZJor5iYh8U

[@dhyb4562]

@@fullmoon7192 I don't think he's a gibson fanboy. The guitar is literally based on the Gibson RD lol.

[@ck7559]

Love it, can’t wait to get one.

[@The404Erorr]

As a Swede this pleases me a lot... As an old Ghost fan I'm just screaming inside. :) Awesome job mate!

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Johan Niklasson thanks brother!

[@alien_666]

Johan Niklasson you know the main guy behind ghost (not telling u his name) is swedish

[@The404Erorr]

ΛLıΣП _ aka IM_AN_ALIEN1 Yeah I know he's a cool guy. He did a radio show all summer where he played all sorts of music. It was awesome to hear him speak Swedish again 😂

[@Jonsson474]

@@alien_666 Of course, it’s a Swedish band from Linköping.

[@phillipgohorns]

Just another example of Gibson dropping the ball. These guys were playing vintage RDs and Les Pauls for years but it didn’t occur to them to approach them about a reissue RD Ghost model. So Someone filled the void and it’s cool it’s a Swedish brand. But Jesus Gibson is run by a bunch of idiots.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

possibly...but it wasn't until maybe three years ago that Ghost became a big deal and Gibson wasn't run by very "in touch" people. it's a new day at Gibson so only time will tell. But to that end, Epiphone did put out an RD with Lee Malia and it's a classy looking axe! you should check that out.

[@fullmoon7192]

I'm glad to read your words man: "Gibson is run by a bunch of idiots." If I may add something... Check this one out: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5C7mmx9hplrn7s

[@fullmoon7192]

@@SeanPierceJohnson It's a shame that Epiphone ended up as a "second fiddle" playing for Gibson. It used to be small, but highly respected company. Guys like Joe Pass, or Robben Ford wouldn't touch them if they were no good for nothing. Even now (Despite the fact that their guitars are made in China) Epiphone makes pretty classy instruments. You've just mentioned Lee Malia. Let me add to this list Gary Clark Jr. and his signature Epiphone Casino, not to forget living legend of R&R "Slash", who didn't mind to put his name on one of the cheapest, entry level guitars on the market (Slash AFD Les Paul Special II Outfit).

[@pvtlehto]

Gibson gave them custom rds, but when they swapped guitar players they went another route

[@pvtlehto]

@@SeanPierceJohnson it has nothing to do with gibson being "in touch". There was a firing of guitar players, and therefore a change in guitar preference, which is why they went with hagstrom instead of gibson. Gibson already had made and given signiture models to the original guitar players

[@nikdrown]

I look forward to mine showing up. I did get it for clean/dirt but knowing it has that murky tone is what I wanted. Going to play well with my synth tone riffs and modded Fender HR Deluxe. I can hear it already

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

awesome! enjoy it once it arrives

[@ChrisFranklyn]

I think you'd have to be a fan of the shape, but it sounded the part. It was nice to see the meteOR being used. The JOYO BamtamP range seems to be all reviewed in one go, so all blurs into one.

[@JLindebergful]

Dude, TUNE the damn guitar

[@RyanCalgary77]

Tuning and intonation are definitely off.

[@TheMrturn1]

Great guitar bad tuning or intonation.

[@jeffnichols6448]

My first thought, as well.

[@pvtlehto]

Its a shame with the fancy expanding rod that it didnt get a setup

[@benleese7297]

I wonder if the strings are too slight and it needs a setup?

[@TheJonarmand]

lack of tuning. I never understood why som reviewers don't tune the guitars properly before reviewing. My Ultra Max came accurately intonated and there is no reason why the Phantomen should sound out of tune unless the reviewer is careless about his tuning.

[@nathanoises]

that little guy joyo sounds pretty good

[@buddyluuv4644]

The minute I saw the HagstromFantomen guitar I got exciting but I was concerned about the fingerboard material. When I heard it played I was hooked. The shape is unique & I want the the white one so I'll go to Guitar Center & play it myself & if I like it it's mine. Hagstrom. I thought I would never get one but this guitar is immaculate

[@fullmoon7192]

Watch/Listen to this one before you waste your time at Guitar Center: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6PJioZrpN55l9E

[@thebat6900]

I own one of these and I love it it is one of my favorite Guitar is I own

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Zachary Flowe its a very cool guitar! Glad you enjoy yours.

[@jayarrbobdobbs]

I got mine today (white/Gold hardware) and the jumbo frets are really jumbo. gonna take a little getting used to. Sounds fantastic though and surprised by the overall build quality.

[@Pannemat]

Nice little hint to the Pumpkins in the intro.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

thanks! happy to finally get a comment not talking about how the guitar is out of tune.

[@frantisekvtelensky820]

Great guitar, cool review! :)

[@TheGallery213]

Great demo and tone!

[@MrGroucho1933]

unbelievable guitar for the money, perfect for rock covers band.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

it really was an awesome guitar. would love to play one again...but COVID happened and shipping worldwide is not great right now

[@nazmoking3171]

I agree with the reviewer the coil splits drop volume and give you a not very usable thin sound. Unfortunately, I had the exact same experience with my Ultra Select Swede. Typical Hagstrom. If you want a humbucking guitar with a great sounding coil split and no drop off, try the PRS line. I actually use mine in coil split mode more than humbucking with it!

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

I agree man. the PRS split-coil sounds are far and away the best. don't know how they do it but it works so well.

[@nazmoking3171]

Nice to hear you say that Sean. I have never spoken with anyone else about this but I probably play my PRS in coil spilt mode about 70% of the time. Never expected I would do this and it's not why I bought the guitar. It was a huge added bonus to me.

[@bandname]

Really considering getting one of these, do you know how well it handles gauge 11 strings?

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Wayward Offsider's I doubt it would handle them poorly. Most any guitar can handle any gauge strings you want. And considering Ghost is a metal band I doubt they are playing with gauge 9 strings. So I say go for it!

[@dewyf1354]

Per Eriksson uses gauge .11 so you'll be just fine

[@MrGroucho1933]

@@dewyf1354 he of the white guitar

[@FilippaArendt]

The first 15 seconds sounds like Smashing Pumpkins I think, or maybe Foo Fighters :D I think the body is too big for me. But I like their Super Swede. Sounds great :)

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

thanks Filippa! that riff at the beginning is actually one of my own : )

[@FilippaArendt]

Awesome riff :)

[@FilippaArendt]

You should use it in the beginning of your videos :)

[@rrguitar1]

Upper fret access looks restricted. I was waiting to see if he was going to play some leads up there.

[@MrGroucho1933]

have seen Ghost live rocking uprated fantomens, they have no problem getting to 16 plus

[@wanderergrim]

Absolutley love the guitar but I not sure it could do drop a because thats the lowest tuning I like

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

i'd try out heavier strings but if the scale length is too short yeah it would be a challenge

[@MrGroucho1933]

@@SeanPierceJohnson check out 100 Ghost Riffs on Y T, a lot of the riffs are drop tuned.

[@MrWideballs]

yay now i dont have to pay $2k for gibson rd

[@pvtlehto]

Spend 1500 on a rd, then 500 on a used fantomen 😂😂

[@monsterzero1587]

Try finding an RD Artist in LEFTY! Fantomen only alternative.

[@MrWideballs]

@@monsterzero1587 epiphone may have one. I found a used Eastwood RD for $500.

[@lllStanlll]

It's usually a good idea to tune the guitar before doing a review... actually before anytime you play on it.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Stan Q_Ball yes it is a good idea. But guitar strings don’t necessarily enjoy lots of hot lights being directed at them

[@stevecrisp2008]

@@SeanPierceJohnson No excuse. I've watched hundreds of vids and this is BAD.

[@Prometheus833]

He may have not been a fan of ghost when this was made but I bet he is now.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

what makes you say that?

[@peaceflyer]

So you demo a ghost guitar and dont play ghost songs 🤔

[@fullmoon7192]

Nobody gives a s..... what he plays. This is an instrument demo, not a cover show of some band. BTW... Hagstrom guitars are second to none in their price range but this demo is a disgrace to the brand.

[@pvtlehto]

@@fullmoon7192 its a ghost signiture model you idiot! Thats like saying, i dont care what this guitar was made to play, i just want want some idiot to play it out of tune

[@lacindad284]

I won this guitar and it is signed by Ghost!! Hate me, its ok.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

LaCinda D don’t hate! CONGRATULATE! It’s a sick guitar

[@robertsalvini1]

he knows all about guitars except how to tune one.. Brilliant

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Rob Salvini I never claimed to know ALL about guitars.

[@Davo2233]

Kind of reminds me of my favorite new axe. Diamond DBZ HAILFIRE

[@ericmassicotte378]

I guess with good tuning and intonation it would sound great.

[@markferguson3745]

Hagstrom has been the thing since the 70's , just few knew it.My first real guitar was a LP copy that has blown away every 2000$ + Gibson I've tried since.Their old Strat types give Fender a run for their money as well; hope they remain a (largely) quality over quantity brand, and don't slide into the sea of "off maker" Chinese crap. Their fingerboards, trems, pups, and designs have always been solid.

[@MK-oz2lf]

Inspired by the old Gibson RD. Shame you didn't play any Ghost riffs :-/

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

The Electrocist as I said...I don't really listen to them. And hey, if I can sound like me on someone else's signature model then that's a big plus!

[@currituck]

I like it except for the headstock. I'm picky about headstock's.

[@sickb2200]

If you're electronic tuner is good, then that thing obviously needs a good setup.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

it came with light strings on it...i need heavier gauges for my style.

[@TheColebyArnett]

Come on man, I can’t even watch this if your guitar is out of tune. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

hey, thanks for watching. I always try to keep guitars in check, some are easier to do that on than others. definitely could have checked it throughout the shoot...but then again I have heard worse in some reviews.

[@Justin_Kipper]

Needs a whammy bar.

[@ThomasAshes]

🎸 guitar tuning?! 🤔

[@steveredondo2507]

I will probably buy one down the road. The tone makes me angry. thats a good thing.

[@Jonsson474]

To pronounce Fantomen correctly, you should put the accent on the o and not the a. Fantomen is the Swedish word for The Phantom.

[@Learnerofthings]

Well, you’re a bit tone def, but that is a cool guitar if it can stay in tune.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

tone *deaf

[@Learnerofthings]

@@SeanPierceJohnson it autocorrected. Still a cool guitar.

[@serafsup99]

ARRRRGGGGGHH! My ears have been B-slapped by the tuning demons! If its out of tune so much makes it seem like the instrument sucks! Its so cool looking! But IMA vomit tune splooge all over this review!!

[@lookmanostrings]

Gassing SO HARD... ugh.

[@miguelfernandes333]

The guitar sounds out of tune

[@donayala2756]

Why is he out of tune! ugg...Plus he's playing just mediocre dang it!

[@finisterra8836]

so much effect in the back and such a shitty sound in the intro...

[@Gatecreeper69]

I don’t know the band, I can’t tune my guitar, I can’t play anything but dad rock. Dude, go back to your strat, tubescreamer and noodle scales off camera. This was disastrous.

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

Calm down buddy. It’s a KZbin video

[@matereo]

Sounds seriously out of tune

[@SeanPierceJohnson]

meh...one string is out of tune...not the worst thing in the world