Hagstrom - Fantomen Standard White Gloss

Behind its asymmetrical silhouette and snowy sheen, the Hagstrom Fantomen Standard White Gloss hides an arsenal ready for battle. Developed in close collaboration with the members of Ghost, it features a solid mahogany body and a neck bonded using the mortise-and-tenon method, to ensure optimum energy transfer between the strings and the body. The whole thing is topped off with a resinator fingerboard and H-Expander trussrod, a signature duo that guarantees rock-solid stability and playing comfort that even the most hard-hitting players would love.

The 648mm tuning fork accentuates the attack and offers generous sustain, ideal for moving from airy atmospheres to leaden riffs without going to the bench. With its two Lundgren pickups - No. 2 on the neck and No. 5 on the bridge - this Hagstrom demonstrates a rare eclecticism, ranging from subdued sweetness to controlled fury. And to make matters worse, the push/pull action extends the sound palette even further.

When it comes to accessibility, the Fantomen doesn't impose any rituals: full access to all 22 frets guarantees fluid navigation, even at the most dizzying heights. The neck has a slim D-profile, a choice that favours speed without neglecting sustain. Whether you're the type to caress the strings or exorcise them with palm-mute, this Hagstrom responds to finger and eye - or rather fingernail and pick.

Finally, it's hard not to mention the overall look: multiple purfling, pearloid block markers, gloss finish... everything exudes meticulous attention to detail. A sophisticated aesthetic that never overdoes it, but is sure to capture attention on stage and in the studio. In short, a guitar that, even when silent, catches the eye before letting loose.