Hagstrom Swede vs. Kelly Patriot

[Radioboy950]

Both are nice looking single-cut style guitars at similar price points.
How do you think they stack up against each other in terms of build quality, overall playability, frets, pickups, components, etc.?
I'd like to have either one.

[Robert]

Hey, I have both! :eek:

I have the Patriot Shadow.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kmpRYJWvkw0/SXVdnVyk-9I/AAAAAAAAAI8/IRms2OifXXM/s720/P1195609.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_kmpRYJWvkw0/S1NQeHpd3NI/AAAAAAAABs0/6EO9sH2lQmI/s720/P1164758.JPG

[Radioboy950]

Look at you...rawkin' that Patriot \m/

That gold Hag is really nice

Would you say they are pretty equal in quality/playability?

[Robert]

Hmm, they are different. The Swede has better tuners, a more comfortable neck for me at least. It seems flatter. I also prefer the slightly fatter frets on the Swede - easier to bend.

The pickups on both are good, but the Swede has a much more LP like, classic sound. The MK is more modern sounding.

Otherwise, they are both well made for the dollars.

[Carlström]

you can never go wrong with a Swede ;)