ELECTRICIZED

Hofner President Electric Archtop

1956-1971
Spruce, Maple, Mahogany, Rosewood

Another superb Hofner. The President Electric was a variant of the acoustic model of the same name, which started off in 1953. It is easily recognized by its triple dot inlays and single cutaway (venetian or florentine). Early models had black bar pickups (pictured). Hear it

Photo from Vintagehofner

Hofner Chancellor

2006
Spruce, Maple, Ebony

Magnificient 17” archtop from Hofner.

Golden Hofner

1959-1962
Maple, Spruce, Ebony

Hofner’s holy grail. Rather fatty, its 18” body size is the largest body ever made by Hofner. Mother-of-pearl roses inlays florish through a zero-fret 11 piece laminated neck. Came in three versions (acoustic, electric and thinline).

Sold exclusively in the UK by Selmer, about 100 goldens ended in british homes. The rest of the world had to accomodate with the Hofner 470 model, very similar but smaller in size and with different inlays. If you’re curious, here is a ton of pictures and more details.

1965 Hofner Club 60

Embraced by the figures of the british invasion, this magnificient piece of german craftsmanship quickly gained in popularity, both in UK and US. (although the 500/1 bass was Hofner’s flagship, thanks to Paul McCartney). Maple, Spruce and Ebony (neck and bridge), the club 60 was topping the club series as a “deluxe” model.

For sale

1960’s Hofner Commitee

1960s

Its name comes from the fact that a committee of six well known jazz British guitarists would have been consulted during the design process.

Photo by Margate LTD

A 1961 Hofner 126 Club 50. The added bigsby and the missing scratchplate makes that one unique.

guitar-porn:

A 1956 Hofner 457 Archtop Guitar.

nice full fret inlays

If you can’t decide between bass and guitar, here is Vintage Hofner 191 double neck, early 60s.