2006 Borys B120 Deluxe

**Archie** · 03-09-2026, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by GuyBoden

My 1959 Hofner committee laminated one piece back.

Vintage Hofners have very good laminates and veneers. (IMHO)
Attachment 130190

Good quality is a subjective term here.
You’re not wrong but let me elaborate and then you can decide.

1) Is the veneer figured? Yes
2) How figured? Very
3) What type of figure? Birdseye maple
3.5) is the figuring even and dense with nice grain patterns?
4) Is bird's eye maple harder to find (yes/no)
5) Does it cost more to buy?
6) How thick is it?
7) Do they use it internally and externally?
8) How many layers do they use in their veneer stack?
9) What do they use as “filler”.

The answer to all those questions determines whether the laminate plate and veneer is of good quality. If that birds eye maple is 0.5mm thick, it looks good and gives a perception of quality and indeed is “better” quality over plain veneer, but if your car has metallic finish in a hard to produce colour, but it chips easily because it’s so thin, do you perceive that as good quality? I’m not saying there is a right answer.

Think of paper thin figured veneer like a decorative layer on chip board. It makes the chip board look like a nice panel but serves no other purpose. But given it’s nice and preferable to look at, we use it. But it is like wrapping paper and many look at the figured surface and perceive quality, so people will pay more for a guitar that has it, although it serves no function other than that. It’s basically marketing.

Gibson are almost the only company that doesn't see it this way. Their figured veneer is a core part of the laminates 3 ply, 2 of which are highly figured veneer totalling 3mm. They are not just for decoration.

I’d be interested to see the veneer stack used to make that hofner plate but you’re right, it looks great and I like the detailing.

**GuyBoden** · 03-09-2026, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Archie

Good quality is a subjective term here.
You’re not wrong but let me elaborate and then you can decide.

1) Is the veneer figured? Yes
2) How figured? Very
3) What type of figure? Birdseye maple
4) Is bird's eye maple harder to find (yes/no)
5) Does it cost more to buy?
6) How thick is it?
7) Do they use it internally and externally?
8) How many layers do they use in their veneer stack?
9) What do they use as “filler”.

The answer to all those questions determines whether the laminate plate and veneer is of good quality.

Think of paper thin figured veneer like a decorative layer on chip board. It makes the chip board look like a nice panel but serves no other purpose. But given it’s nice and preferable to look at, we use it. But it is like wrapping paper and many look at the figured surface and perceive quality, so people will pay more for a guitar that has it, although it serves no function other than that. It’s basically marketing.

Gibson are almost the only company that doesn't see it this way. Their figured veneer is a core part of the laminates 3 ply, 2 of which are highly figured veneer totalling 3mm. They are not just for decoration.

I’d be interested to see the veneer stack used to make that hofner plate.

Excellent deductions many thanks.

Obviously, I know nothing about the details of the Hofner "veneer stack". But, the Hofner Committee was a very bling and expensive guitar in the 1950's.

**Archie** · 03-09-2026, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by GuyBoden

Excellent deductions many thanks.

Obviously, I know nothing about the details of the Hofner "veneer stack". But, the Hofner Committee was a very bling and expensive guitar in the 1950's.

The germans typically have good access to high quality woods and veneers. Hofner clearly went through some effort to make theirs appear attractive and of high quality.

**Jabberwocky** · 03-10-2026, 05:41 AM

Originally Posted by GuyBoden

My 1959 Hofner committee laminated one piece back.

Vintage Hofners have very good laminates and veneers. (IMHO)
Attachment 130190

I can't stop slobbering over this bezutiful birdseye maple back. I regret not buying a birdseye maple allover Gibson ES5N Switchmaster. It was listed on ebay asking for $4600. I bought an ordinary flamed maple 2002 ES5N Switchmaster and paid Dave's Guitars $3800 for it.

**GuyBoden** · 03-10-2026, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

I can't stop slobbering over this bezutiful birdseye maple back. I regret not buying a birdseye maple allover Gibson ES5N Switchmaster. It was listed on ebay asking for $4600. I bought an ordinary flamed maple 2002 ES5N Switchmaster and paid Dave's Guitars $3800 for it.

The front of the Hofner Committee looks great too.
2006 Borys B120 Deluxe-hofner-committee-front-rotated-jpeg

I'm the current custodian of the 1959 Hofner Committee guitar, that is displayed on the UK Vintage Hofner web site.
UK vintage Hofner web site: 1959 Hofner Committee

**Archie** · 03-10-2026, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

I can't stop slobbering over this bezutiful birdseye maple back. I regret not buying a birdseye maple allover Gibson ES5N Switchmaster. It was listed on ebay asking for $4600. I bought an ordinary flamed maple 2002 ES5N Switchmaster and paid Dave's Guitars $3800 for it.

Oooh. Yes that would keep me up at night for at least 25 years.

May you find peace knowing the prettiest guitars are usually the worst sounding.

(Guy I’m trying to cheer him up so go with it, I’m sure that Hof is a banger)