I have had this German made Hofner since 1963 (when I turned 18). We bought it in Tacna,Peru. It had a amp and case for a few years but they are long gone. I played it more without the amp. For some reason I pulled the output jack and the pick-up and the switch for the rhythm-solo and volume knob are gone. I've been thinking about doing some repair work on it but I don't know the model number. It looks like a 455 but it has the sickle sound holes. The volume-pod has 250k 371 on it. It has a blue stamped date on the inside thats hard to read but the year does look like 1961. Any help on it will be greatly appreciated. Its had a hard life for the last 57 years.
The guitar appears to be a custom version of a Model 455/S/E1 from @'61 or '62. As usual, the date is marked on the underside of the top, and '61 is a match to the features of the instrument. It has the soundholes that were used on the Model 459 and the Model 464. It was either special-ordered that way (doubtful), was an experiment at Hofner that went nowhere, or was simply a mistake (Hofner served beer at lunch).
Reproduction "teacup" knobs are quite easy to find these days. Correct-looking switches are harder to find, but switches with black covers are around, and the covers can be painted. Complete new 2-pickup control panels are available, with pots and switches - one could be cannibalized for parts, or modified and replace what is currently on the guitar. Less expensive to find a switch and paint the cover (Testor's makes a colour that is a good match, and I can dig up that info if needed)
If you want to restore the guitar with a correct style pickup, I have plenty of them and would be happy to supply you with one. I also have complete new 2-pickup control panels available. I'll send you a message.
Last edited by Hammertone; 09-28-2020 at 01:32 AM.
Thanks hammertone for the info. I like beer for lunch also so I can see where it could be a mistake. I have looked all over the web and couldn't find one that I could say looked like mine so you have been a big help.
I'll get back with you on it.
Well, hey, surprise!
I just came here to read about something else, saw this and guess what - today I also fitted JS112s to my '66 ES125 and - exactly the same: new guitar!
I didn't move the...
I have a 1st generation Parker Fly, never tried, and never needed to turn the rod. More Non-defining info, I know, but a data point on stiff necks and boards.
Thx guys. I should be ok with my existing sounds in my brick and mortar instruments for right now - my organ, and then bass, vibes, rhodes and piano sounds on my digital piano. But I'll probably...
the 120 sounds very different from the 100 or 200. 100 and 200 are more similar. I have not a/b'd them but a friend of mine has both and says the 200 is much brighter. It's a thicker guitar too,...
Reverse! Reverse!
Is anyone else here the right age to be hearing the Cha Cha Slide voice saying that every time someone mentions learning the tune in reverse order now?
No?
Anyone?
…..
Hi,
I've had my full TF subscription for probably as long as TF existed, and recently 2 fantastic jazz comping courses came out that some of you may be interested in.
John Pizzarelli's Jazz...
Haha exactly. I think it's cool that even though our micro generation came of age around the millennium, we were still the last to experience olden type society. I was born in 85 and I remember...
2 new & excellent Jazz Comping Truefire...
Yesterday, 10:22 PM in Comping, Chords & Chord Progressions