50s Hofner 459

[lawson-stone]

Hey on the number... it might still be there stamped inside. I didn't think my Gibson L50 (1954-1955) had any remnant of the factory order number, but I tried different lighting approaches. Red, yellow, glaring white, photo lamps, the works. I also used a really hi-res camera to take pictures of the area where the FON usually is.

Eventually one of the lights m flushed out the very faint FON and I was able in the photo software to raise the contrast and bring up the number, which to the naked eye was virtually impossible to see.

[Jehu]

Thanks, Lawson. Despite my dodgy pictures, I took a pretty thorough look with an LED-equipped HD boroscope and couldn't find anything -- but I may take another crack at it. My understanding is that on these old Hofners, the body date is usually either hand-written in pencil or not at all.

Where is an archaeologist when you need one!

[jazzbow]

Hey Jehu, is this any good for ye?



A complete set from a late 50's Zenith (Framus).
PM me yer address if it fits

[Jehu]

Thanks JB, I really appreciate that. Good people in these parts.

However, I think the tuner post spacing is going to is going to be a bit wide on that one. By my shoddy tolerances I've got 71mm from the centre of the first (D) gear to the centre of the last (low E). Looks like that one is more in the neighbourhood of 75mm, it that correct?

[jazzbow]

Thanks JB, I really appreciate that. Good people in these parts.

However, I think the tuner post spacing is going to is going to be a bit wide on that one. By my shoddy tolerances I've got 71mm from the centre of the first (D) gear to the centre of the last (low E). Looks like that one is more in the neighbourhood of 75mm, it that correct?

Does this help?


From the top of the posts I'm seeing 71.5mm but then again the posts move.

Measuring with the ruler at the base it looks like 72.25mm.

I've put the calipers on the outside of the posts for you to figure out if it's okay.

[Jehu]

Yep, that helps. My calipers in the same spot read ~75.5, so off by a few mil. Nice thought, though -- you're a good man, JB.

[jazzbow]

Yep, that helps. My calipers in the same spot read ~75.5, so off by a few mil. Nice thought, though -- you're a good man, JB.

Aw that's a bummer.

Yes, I have a plethora of half knackered guitars that need some serious tweaking and shed loads of bits.

Have you considered replacing the machine head buttons?

I might have some old bits for that. Let me know.

[Guitarbean25]

I think Hammertone wins at Guitars.

Now I want a Hofner

[Jehu]

Have you considered replacing the machine head buttons?

Yeah, that was the original plan. What complicates things slightly is the bizarre fix by a previous owner:


There is a weird, shaped (and actually quite functional) metal replacement 'button' that appears to be welded (!) on. That would need to come off with a hacksaw or be ground off, I suppose. You can also see that a couple of the key posts are bent. So my current thinking is to leave it for the time being and enjoy the quirkiness, and possibly put in replacements that fit at some stage.

In spite of my usual disposition, I'm wary to do too much surgery on these just in case people come to their senses and these guitars become collectable/valuable.

[Glenn Jennings]

Hi Jehu
Hammertone tells me you are not far away from me. I to have just found a Hofner 459 in reasonable condition but in need of some repair. i will be swinging down to pick her up this weekend. Is a 6 hour drive each way but I am not prepared to risk a nice piece like this to a courier. Once I get it and get it sorted out maybe you might like to meet up and have a drooling session over a beer or two. I have never played jazz but are sort of into blues and country mostly doing my own thing never had the opportunity to play with someone else before so might be a bit of fun even if its just to swap notes on our Hofner 459 finds. If interested give me a call 09 817 3438.

Posted a thread with my baby on it titled Found what I think is a hofner 459 need advice on repair posted 02-07-19

Hammertone has been a great help and I now have a comprehensive plan worked out for the restoration. Cant wait to see her back to her former glory. Hope I can get her looking as good as your one. Nice job!!

cheers
Glenn