Beautiful Hofner 461s Acoustic Archtop 1960s

[cmajor9]

Selling a fine old Hofner acoustic archtop from the early 1960s in excellent used condition. It's a Model 461s, with unique ‘viola da amore’ soundholes plus an oval center soundhole. The guitar is lightweight (2.04kg) and has a rich acoustic sound and strong projection. It has never worn a pickup. Body is 16 x 3-1/16 inches (41 x 7.8cm) with spruce top and maple back/sides. Maple neck with rosewood fretboard, 22 frets. Finished in the gloss black nitro lacquer characteristic of this model, with nickel hardware, and multi-layer headstock deco and fret markers.

Beautifully restored by Luthier/Gitarrenbauer Martin Kemmler (who lives and works near Hamburg) to its original condition. Neck has been reset for optimum string action and new, period-correct Hofner tuners installed. Currently strung with TI Spectrum 12s, but can change to meet buyer request.

I can ship the Hofner anywhere in Europe (Outside Europe also possible at buyer's risk). The guitar will be carefully packed for secure delivery.
Glad to answer questions about this unique guitar in the forum thread. Please PM with offers or requests.



Forum price: 1600€ including shipping & insurance in the EU.

[Woody Sound]

Where's that guy here who was looking for an archtop with unique soundholes?

[Mick-7]

That's remarkable. You say it's black? Looks more like midnight blue.

[jazzshrink]

The "midnight blue" you see is a reflection of the blue sky above.

[Fear the Reaper]

Just lovely!

[Hammertone]

Lovely guitars, one of Höfner's rarer models. Those soundholes do appear on some viola de gamba instruments, but are more closely associated with the viola d'amore.

[Woody Sound]

What a great a black-tie guitar! If it was a bit smaller I'd jump on it.

[cmajor9]

Thanks, Hammertone. I've updated the post, although I think even fewer members will know what a 'viola d'amore' is than a 'viola da gamba'.

[Hammertone]

Yeah, Höfner’s decor schemes on their higher-end archtops were quite interesting in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Those guys were just plain nutty.

[Mick-7]

Yeah, Höfner’s decor schemes on their higher-end archtops were quite interesting in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Those guys were just plain nutty.

It's like a Rorschach test....

Psychiatrist: Holding up picture of Hofner 461, "What do you see?

Patient: "Umm, two seals batting a football back and forth"

[cmajor9]

It's like a Rorschach test....

Psychiatrist: Holding up picture of Hofner 461, "What do you see?

Then how would you describe this:

[Mick-7]

Then how would you describe this:

Taking the seals ball away, how mean!

[cmajor9]

Well, of course its in the "eye of the beholder", but I find more people see them as doves than seals :>)

[Mick-7]

Well, of course its in the "eye of the beholder", but I find more people see them as doves than seals :>)

God, I hope this doesn't mean I have PRS PTSD - or perhaps it was the Hitchcock movie, or both.

Speaking of which, I heard a rumor that someone plans to remake "The Birds" but have the birds fly off all the PRS guitars in their factory and attack the local townspeople.

[Rob MacKillop]

Hey, guys, somebody might be contemplating buying a good guitar. Having everyone laughing at it will not help. Sorry, I suddenly felt sorry for any potential buyer yes, it crossed my mind).

What’s the acoustic sound like? Any soundfiles or video?

[metis]

What a beautiful guitar! I don’t know a ton about these older Hofners - does this have a carved top? Laminated sides, I assume?

[cmajor9]

What a beautiful guitar! I don’t know a ton about these older Hofners - does this have a carved top? Laminated sides, I assume?

Thank you! Yes, I believe that’s exactly right; solid carved top, laminate sides. It’s fairly loud acoustically, with a balanced tone.