Hofner John Stowel Verythin

[Aleks Di Roma]

I know this is an old conversation, but I just picked up a used Hofner JS Vintage from a member of this forum and absolutely loving it, so I thought I'd post a response in case anyone has a similar question. Being a Jazzica Custom Vintage owner and fan already, I loved the feel, tone and esthetic of this instrument and was thrilled to find a JS in violin varnish. It is bright (in a very pleasant way), but you really can get a dark tone out of it, especially with the right strings and amp. Very different from a 335 - it's an amazing mystery how authentically Hofner got the feel and tone of an archtop (just quieter) in such a thin semi-hollow guitar. I am very impressed and really enjoying this instrument - pretty certain it's one I will not be letting go.

I'm strongly considering buying a hofner Verythin John Stowel model and am wondering if anybody here can give me some input on them?

I I was told that they sound very acoustic and like an archtop, but are more comfortable to play.

Since its maple, spruce, and ebony I expect it to be bright, but how bright...? Can it get dark? My current semi has a midscooped sound that I'm not the biggest fan of.

People who own or have tried one how does it compare with a 335?

On on a different note and very different guitar....if anybody knows where one of the jimmy Bruno prototypes might be for sale I'd be interested...

[Aleks Di Roma]

Here is a pic - Jazzica Custom Vintage & JS Vintage, both made by Thomas Stuhlein in 2004 merely 2 months apart.

[GuyBoden]

Hofner John Stowell Very Thin on sale for £2,200 on UK ebay. (It's in better condition than my JS.)

Looks to be in good condition too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116037689918

[Hammertone]

Seems like as good a time as any to mention that my pals at Höfner have re-introduced the "made in Germany" Verithin on a very limited basis. It combines elements of the Verythin Classic and the Verythin Standard. Lovely guitar. It comes in two versions - slightly reliced shellac "violin varnish" finish and a more reliced version. Only a handful have been made/will be made, so, step right up, queue forms on the left.

Here's what Höfner has to say about it:
Verythin 'Violin Finish' H-VTH-CV-0
Verythin Relic - H-VTH-RLC-0

[dmorash]

Seems like as good a time as any to mention that my pals at Höfner have re-introduced the "made in Germany" Verithin on a very limited basis. It combines elements of the Verythin Classic and the Verythin Standard. Lovely guitar. It comes in two versions - slightly reliced shellac "violin varnish" finish and a more reliced version. Only a handful have been made/will be made, so, step right up, queue forms on the left.

Here's what Höfner has to say about it:
Verythin 'Violin Finish' H-VTH-CV-0
Verythin Relic - H-VTH-RLC-0

Those look great. I like the idea of full sized humbuckers- something you can swap out if you need to.

[Rango Blindheart]

I am considering a Verythin JS but noticed a video (below) of the man himself playing one seated and I noticed the position of the fingerboard in relation to his head and body. If I play a Strat in the same position then the 1st position falls roughly level with my eyeline. JS' eyeline falls level with the fifth position on the Verythin. Is JS not very tall?

Just trying to ascertain if playing it seated and neck-up makes playing chords uncomfortable towards the headstock.

[GuyBoden]

I am considering a Verythin JS but noticed a video (below) of the man himself playing one seated and I noticed the position of the fingerboard in relation to his head and body. If I play a Strat in the same position then the 1st position falls roughly level with my eyeline. JS' eyeline falls level with the fifth position on the Verythin. Is JS not very tall?

Just trying to ascertain if playing it seated and neck-up makes playing chords uncomfortable towards the headstock.

I had a Hofner JS for many years, I had no problems playing in the lower positions.

But, I have big hands.

[Rango Blindheart]

I had a Hofner JS for many years, I had no problems playing in the lower positions.

But, I have big hands.

There is probably a joke in there somewhere Guy but I guess the joke is on me because I haven't. I used to have an Epi Lucille and that made my wrist sore in that position. It's down South so I wouldn't. be able to try it first.