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.
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Interesting Acoustic-Electric 7-String
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