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I've been mostly lurking in the selling forum and wanted to contribute something
A Jazzica listing got my attention a year or so ago and started searching for info about Hofner. Naturally, that brought me here and to all the Hammertone Hofner wisdom. After much consideration and hesitation, I finally got a New President. I am very pleased.
I didn't realize how much deeper the body is than an Eagle Classic until I set it down next to mine. Between that and the floater, the acoustic projection and tone is especially remarkable.
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03-22-2026 10:27 AM
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Look at all that pretty flamed wood.
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Hooray for Höfner New Presidents! Höfner made fewer than 1,000 of them, including "Vice-Presidents" and hollow, carved-top Thin Presidents, between 1998 and @2018. GEWA/Thomann (the new owners of Höfner) will not be re-introducing German-made jazz guitars to the catalogue.
Last edited by Hammertone; 03-24-2026 at 02:13 PM.
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Sounds like a good reason to get another one!
Originally Posted by Hammertone
I'm actually seriously considering a German made verythin...
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I've never regretted tracking down a Hofner John Stowell, which sits nicely alongside my Hofner New President. Fabulous instruments.
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Always wanted one, but now they are very scarce, and for the obvious reason that folks who have one never want to sell it.
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Such a great pity that Thomann will not be reintroducing them! I'll write an email saying there are 50 guys on JJG who want to buy one.
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It's GEWA that bought Höfner. IIRC, Thomann owns 40% of GEWA. Who knows, maybe they'll even issue a press release to tell that to the world. The Beatles boys will be happy.
I still have a couple of New President guitars to sell, both sunburst, 22-fret models with two-pickup configurations. I'll get around to posting ads for them eventually.
Last edited by Hammertone; 03-22-2026 at 02:53 PM.
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From Thomann this morning:
Dear Rob,
Thank you very much for your message and for sharing your thoughts with us.
We truly appreciate the passion and insight you’ve expressed regarding the Hofner archtop models. Your feedback is valuable, and we will make sure it is passed on to the relevant departments and management for consideration.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out.
Kind regards
Tiago Martins,Customer Service UK
In other words...don't hold your breath.
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Hammertone, that is a great looking guitar, has the fantastical Committee type headstock.
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I'm sure that the best selling Hofner Beatle Violin Bass will be in Chinese production soon. Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
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Hammertone's presidents remind me of the recent Harmony H62 reissues. By the time I heard about them, they were sold out. I really love these garage rock guitar reissues.
H62 Reissue Electric Guitar, Sunburst – Harmony Guitars
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The Model 501 (violin) and Model 502 (“Club”) basses have been available as lower-cost Chinese-made versions since 2007, as part of the Icon/Ignition, and CT/Contemporary series. These have been successful for Höfner. More expensive German-made 501 and 502 models continued to be made, in much smaller quantities. IMO, none of that will change under new ownership. Originally Posted by GuyBoden
Last edited by Hammertone; 03-24-2026 at 02:16 PM.
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Personally, I think anyone wanting a small sized, light weight, hollow guitar should seriously consider trying the Hofner Club. Either vintage or the newer inexpensive "made in China" models: Originally Posted by Hammertone
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I agree! Originally Posted by GuyBoden
The original Club 40 and 50 guitars are completely hollow. Early versions have carved spruce tops and flat laminated backs. Their geometry is the same as their larger archtop siblings. Very cool guitars, not particularly expensive if one hunts. Here's:
-Club 40, with its control plate removed;
-Club 50, under renovation;
-Club 50 reissue, '59-'60 style, in blonde, awaiting installation of pickups/electronics;
-Club 50 reissue, '57 style;
-Club 50 CT/Contemporary.
Hofner did a short run of reissue Club 40 and 50 guitars in the aughts, including the John Lennon Club. There are built like late '50s / early '60s Club guitars, with laminated tops and arched backs.
Post-millenial CT/Contemporary Club guitars are not hollow. They are semis, with spruce blocks and 16th fret neck joints. They have the same geometry as Les Pauls and are similar in some ways to Gibson ES-Les Pauls.
Last edited by Hammertone; 03-25-2026 at 11:57 AM.
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I used to jam with a friend who had a president. That was a very fine guitar.
For a cheapo Beatle bass, I had a Rogue ( MF house brand) and while the electronics were sub par, the build quality was outstanding. Not good or great for the money, just outstanding!
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Wow, yet another, in the long, long line of Hammertone beauties:
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It's a NOS reissue Lennon Club 50 awaiting the installation of pickups. Originally Posted by GuyBoden
Wow, yet another, in the long, long line of Hammertone beauties:
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Anyway, JT, how are you getting on with your beautiful New Pres?
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It's in regular rotation! I'm especially enjoying it unplugged. Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
I think its one of the best values around in carved top archtops. I was concerned about it being too bright with the 24 fret neck and stock pickup, but I think it sounds great through my bud 10.
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Good to know!
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