The following picture-sets of Hofner solid
body guitars have been sent to me over the years by their owners. This
has allowed me to present a much greater range of models and vintages
than encompassed by my own collection, and maybe this will help other
visitors to the site to identify and date their own Hofner.
Click on the underlined heading for each guitar to view photographs of
that particular example.
VISITORS'
OWN HOFNERS:
HOFNER MODEL 158/159
RANGE
c1966-67 HOFNER MODEL 159
SOLID These models have proved to be somewhat of a mystery. There is
only one Hofner catalogue where they are mentioned (but not illustrated),
although they are referred to in the Hofner 1967 and 1968 Price lists. The
159 model retailed for a similar price to the 164 model shown further down
this page, but the 158 with its simpler electrical circuits, was about 10% cheaper. Both models were
available in red or white vinyl covering, according to what is described in the
catalogue, but
examples have been found with embossed red vinyl and also the white/black as
on this example. The cheaper158 model had only one volume control fitted,
together with a pre-set tone control and two pickup slide switches. The
guitar illustrated here, which I believe to be the 159 model, has two volume
and two tone rotary controls.
1966 HOFNER MODEL 158 SOLID An early
white/black vinyl example of the 158, which has been positively dated as being made in
1966 or possibly even earlier. It has double-dot fret markers along the
whole fingerboard - different to the other examples shown here.
1967-68 HOFNER MODEL 158 SOLID A
nice example of a 158, owned by Guy Audoux in France. By the time that this
guitar was made it would seem that the fret markers on the fingerboard were
changed from the double dots of earlier examples.
HOFNER MODEL 160/161/162/164
RANGE
c1958 HOFNER MODEL 162
SOLID
The 160 and 162 models were Hofner's first ever solid guitars. The 160 (one pickup) and 162 (two pickup) models were
both introduced in 1956, fitted initially with simple rotary volume and tone
controls. A Hofner control consul was later fitted, from mid/late-1958. The
photos clearly demonstrate Walter Hofner's determination to use at the time
timber-based fittings which his own craftsman could make. This avoided the
need to purchase metal and plastic fittings from other outside companies.
Hence the rosewood pickup cases, rosewood bridges, and wooden scratch-plates.
This superb example is owned by Simon Adahl in Sweden.
Early-1960 HOFNER
MODEL 162
The twin pickup version of the 160. A re-finished example owned by H. J.
Kamphuis in The Netherlands. It would appear that Hofner did not get around to
installing adjustable truss rods into the 160/2 solids until a few months
after most other models had been so fitted at the beginning of 1960.
1960/61 HOFNER MODEL 161 SOLID
Late 1959 saw the introduction of the 161 solid and a revised version of the
162 model. The 160 version was discontinued. A semi-solid form of
construction seems to have by now been adopted for the body. The pickguard took on a different
shape, which changed the overall appearance of the guitar considerably.
Also, the "hammered" finishes were out, and dark maroon lacquer was the finish
offered, with gold stripes around the body edges. Initially, the headstock was
three-a-side symmetrical, but very soon this changed to single-sided
asymmetric. This example is owned by Peter from the Netherlands.
1961 HOFNER MODEL 162
A superb example of the twin pickup 162, with semi-hollow
body,
toaster pickups, and a single-sided headstock. This particular one has
a Van Wouw serial number, and so must have been originally sold in The
Netherlands. Owned by Jan Dekker. Photos courtesy of Harry Sibum, The Hofner
House Website.
1961/62 HOFNER MODEL 163 (i)
The nicest version of the 163/164 in my opinion was this one. It would
appear to have been introduced in 1961 to supplement the semi-solid 161/162
guitars, and has a set-neck and fully solid body. Really, it is a lower
specification version of the early Hofner V3. The 163 had one pickup and the
164 had two. This particular example hadn't been played for about 50 years,
before being acquired by its current owner, Olaf Poeter in Germany.
1961/62 HOFNER MODEL 164 V (i) The two-pickup version of the guitar above, and this one is also fitted
with the first version of the Hofner vibrato tailpiece. Owned by Alan Angwin
in Devon, England.
1961/62 HOFNER
MODEL 161 Still the "semi-solid" body and single -sided headstock.
However, from mid-1961 Hofner were fitting the Type 510 pickup to rheir
range of electric guitars. Production of the semi-solid
161/162 continued (or was at least kept in the price lists) through to 1968.
A nice example from the Pyramid Strings Collection.
1961/62 HOFNER MODEL
161 A similar guitar to the 161 shown above, but this one is finished
in a tobacco brown sunburst, which is a little unusual for the 161/62 model.
Owned and gigged extensively by Simon Adahl in Sweden.
1961/62 HOFNER MODEL 161 This guitar is owned by Matt Armstrong in Edinburgh, Scotland and has been
played extensively by him in the "Kaisers". The photos show the guitar in the
middle of a neck-reset, but they serve to show the body/neck joint and the
three-piece neck used by Hofner on this model.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 163 V
(i) A
change to the basic details of the 163/64 took place in 1962; for the worse
I am afraid. The
body was still fully solid, albeit in this case made from a
block-wood core faced with plywood, but it was given a bolt-on neck. This example is a single pickup
guitar, fitted with a vibrato tailpiece, and with a vinyl-covered body. The
owner, Pierre Croisard from France, has provided photos of the guitar
stripped down in order to show the basic construction.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 163 V A brown vinyl covered 163 that was sold by the Van Wouw Company in
Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Now owned by Guy Audoux in France.
1962 HOFNER MODEL
164(i) Another vinyl covered 164, this time with the standard trapeze
tailpiece. Pictures taken during the guitar's recent restoration are
included. Owned by Jerome Nahon of Belgium.
c1962 HOFNER
MODEL 164 V(i) A nice red vinyl covered 164, factory-fitted with Hofner vibrato unit.
This guitar has a neck and headstock finished in black. Many Hofners,
particularly non-Selmer solids have this feature, maybe to cover up any
cosmetic deficiencies in the timber? Owned by Harry Sibum in Holland.
c1962/63 HOFNER MODEL 162
One of the few 161/162 guitars made following the introduction of the
163/164 range in 1961. This particular guitar is even rarer due to its
original ivory-white lacquer finish, which suits the guitar very well
indeed, Owned by Max Junger of Pyramid Strings in
Bubenreuth, Germany.
c1963 HOFNER MODEL
164 V(i) Still in Hofner's "vinyl period". This guitar was one of the first to be
fitted with the Hofner plastic headstock logos, but it still has the early
rectangular vibrato cover. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
c1963/64 HOFNER MODEL 164 V(i)
Yet another brown vinyl-covered 164, but this time with double dot
fret-markers on the fingerboard. Owned by Max Junger of
Pyramid Strings in
Bubenreuth, Germany.
1963/64 HOFNER MODEL 161 Following the introduction of the 163 and 164 models, sales of the
"semi-solid" bodied 161 and 162 appear to have tailed off.
However, Hofner kept the 161 in the price list until 1968. This example is
from late 1963 or more likely 1964 and is therefore with the later features
of "crown" button tuners, plastic headstock logo, and the rather
nice brown sunburst finish which is seen more often on the 176 model
guitars.
1964 HOFNER MODEL 164 V(i)
The white vinyl-finish guitar has a combination of details associated with
earlier and later guitars. As well as the previous rectangular control
console, it also has the "crown" tuner buttons, the white plastic headstock
logo, and the large vibrato plate and rod-type vibrato arm. It also has a
black lacquered neck. Presumably at this stage, Hofner were using up certain
parts of the earlier 164 (i) solids whilst undertaking a transition onto the
asymmetric-bodied 164 (ii). This guitar is owned by Toni Zupanjac in Austria.
1964/65
HOFNER MODEL 164 V(i) This one has the red embossed vinyl finish and Hofner vibrato unit. It
also has the alternative control knobs and Type 510 pickups with "staple"
polepieces that Hofner used on the very last of the Version (i) 164 examples
made, and then proceeded to fit on the initial Version (ii) 164 guitars.
As the one above, this guitar can presumably be considered to be a transition model. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
1965 HOFNER
MODEL 164 V(ii) Same body shape and period as the Hofner 163 above, and produced
between c1964 and c1968. This one is a
little unusual though: it is fitted with Type 510 pickups which have
"staple" type exposed pole-pieces instead of the usual adjustable type,
and also the "alternative" Hofner control knobs which appeared on the 163/164
for a short period c1966. Owned by Jos Wehrens
in The Netherlands.
1965 HOFNER MODEL 164 V(ii)
In 1965/66, Hofner were moving away from the use of vinyl finishes for their
solid guitars, so the red vinyl of this guitar is one of the last to be
used.. As with the guitar above, it has the Type 510 pickups with "staple"
pole-pieces, as well as the unusual control knobs fitted by Hofner to the
163/164 solids for a short period around this time. Owned by Ricardo Hoffmann
in Germany.
1966 HOFNER MODEL 164 V(ii) A similar guitar to the one above, but fitted with "conventional"
Type 510 Diamond-logo pickups and the standard white skirted Hofner control
knobs. A lovely sunburst example owned by Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome,
Italy.
c1966 HOFNER MODEL
164 V(ii) And again with conventional Type 510
pickups, but with the alternative control knobs of the period. Owned by Max Junger of Pyramid
Strings in Bubenreuth, Germany.
Mid-1960's HOFNER MODEL
164(ii) An unusual guitar, in that it has only three rotary controls instead of
the usual four on the 164 of this period. It also has a simple trapeze
tailpiece. Finished in white vinyl and owned
by Ken Palethorpe in Australia.
Mid/Late-1960's HOFNER MODEL 161 This guitar has certainly seen much better days, but it does just happen to
be a fairly rare version of the 161 model. Even though the 161 remained in
the Hofner Price List until 1968, it would appear that very few were
produced much after 1960/61, i.e. the time that the 163 & 164 models were
introduced. Looking at this one, it would seem that a single piece bolt-on
neck was adopted for the 161 (and the 162?) at presumably the same time as
the 163 &164 were given that feature. Please note the "wide" control
console, which dates the guitar to somewhere after 1965 when it replaced the
"narrow" console. This guitar is owned by Klas Kohmann in Norway.
c1967 HOFNER MODEL
164 V(ii) A vinyl-covered version (ii), but fitted with two unusual
single-coil pickups of a type not fitted to any other Hofner model. Owned by
Guy Audoux in France.
c1970 HOFNER MODEL
164 V(ii - iii) Version (iii) was produced from about 1969 up to around 1973....I
think. A symmetrical body similar to a Strat, but with two unusual single-coil pickups
as the Version (ii) example above. This example seems to be actually a
transition model, with the body of version (ii), but with the electrics
of version (iii). It is owned by Alessandro Ciasullo of Italy. Note: see
1970 Hofner 164
Catalogue Scans below a picture of the 164(iii).
Mid-Late 1970's
HOFNER
MODEL 164(iv) This much more numerous version reverted back to the layout of the
164(iii), with
conventional volume and tone control plus two pickup selector switches,
but with an offset-waist body like the earlier 164(iv) above. Several
minor changes with regards to the likes of fret markers and headstock
occurred during its production period from the early 1970's into the
1980's. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
Mid-Late 1970's HOFNER
MODEL 164 V(iv) The vibrato-fitted version in three tone sunburst and
with a mock-tortoiseshell scratchplate. Owned by Max Junger of Pyramid Strings.
c1974/75
HOFNER
MODEL 161 - SCHOOL MUSIC LABORATORY GUITAR This is a single pickup version
of the 164(iv) Solid which was supplied with the Premier Music Laboratory
marketed by Sorkin in the US and Hofner in Europe. A very interesting
little guitar, which is owned by Benny Winterstein
who works in the Classical Guitar Set-Up Department in Hofner's Hagenau
workshop.
HOFNER MODEL 164 -
CATALOGUE SCANS I've scanned a few pages from Hofner and Selmer catalogues in an attempt to
show the variations that seem to have taken place with the 164 model from 1961
through into the 1970's. It is a rather confusing picture,
however........
HOFNER MODEL 165/167 RANGE
HOFNER MODEL 165 SOLID
Hofner's ash bodied budget solid, produced between 1975 and 1983. This
guitar had a "strat-style" body shape, and was finished in clear
polyurethane to show off the grain of the ash. There
was also a three pickup version called the 167, and a bass - Model 183.
Rather strangely, a vibrato tailpiece option does not seem to have been
offered with the 165 and 167. Thanks to Larry for photos of a fine example.
HOFNER MODEL 167 SOLID The
three pickup version of the range, which was introduced less than a year
after the two pickup 165 model in early 1976. Production was discontinued in
1982. Owned by "Gitarrismo" of Hofner Hounds Discussion Group.
HOFNER MODEL 166(i)
1973 HOFNER MODEL 166(i) A
guitar based rather too heavily on the F****r Telecaster Deluxe, and fitted
with a twin coil pickup at the neck position and a single coil at the
bridge. This guitar was introduced for the 1973 Frankfurt Show, but only
seems to have been in the price list for that year.
1973 HOFNER MODEL 166(i) There seems to have been two versions of the 166 produced, this
particular example having two humbucking pickups and a separate
bridge/tailpiece, as compared to one with a combined single coil
pickup/bridge/stop-tail as shown in the catalogue scan above. Perhaps it was
a prototype as both versions were on display at the 1973 Frankfurt trade
show, though of course any 166(i) is a rare guitar! Owned by Michael Bock in
Germany.
1975 HOFNER MODEL 166(i) ......and another immaculate example, this one owned by Max Junger of the
Pyramid Strings Company in Bubenreuth, Germany.
HOFNER MODEL 166(ii)
1975 HOFNER MODEL 166(ii) -
CATALOGUE SCAN This was a guitar with more than a passing resemblance
to Gibson's L-6S solids of that same period. It had a maple body, maple neck,
and maple fingerboard, and the neck was glued to the body rather than bolted.
Introduced for the 1975 Frankfurt Exhibition, it appeared in the price lists
from 1975 to 1979. A six-way rotary selector switch was fitted, which allowed
various combinations of coil tapping from the two twin-coil pickups..
HOFNER MODEL 168 - CATALOGUE
SCAN A very rare Hofner solid guitar, being
only produced for a short period in 1977. Three single coil pickups and a
five-way selector switch. It seems to have been the fore-runner for the Hofner
S5E solid which appeared in 1978 with a battery-operated equalizer. The link also includes description of pickup selector switch
actions.
HOFNER MODEL 169
This model was introduced as an improved version of Hofner's popular 176
model. It had an active pre-amp circuit, which was switched
in by a "mix" switch which replaced the 176's solo/rhythm switch. This provided
a treble/bass booster via a five-way rotary switch which replaced the passive
"Treble-O-Bass switch on the 176. It was
produced from 1969 through to the early 1980's.
1970'S HOFNER
MODEL 169
Another superb example which is now owned by Andre Cau in Norfolk,
England.
HOFNER MODEL 170
This was Hofner's attempt at a "Strat Copy". Everyone else was doing it
at the time, so why not Hofner? Instead of Fender's integral bridge and
vibrato unit, Hofner opted for a separate bridge unit. The 170 was
produced both with (170V) and without (170) a vibrato unit from 1972 through to
1981.
Early 1970's HOFNER
MODEL 170V An example fitted with a vibrato tailpiece. However, this
particular tailpiece is that used by Hofner generally on its 1960's and
early-70's solids. Most 170V examples seem to have been fitted with the
special-design unit which has a smaller cover, like the 170V below. A near mint example owned by Riccardo Abbondanza
in Rome, Italy.
Early/Mid 1970's HOFNER
MODEL 170V An example fitted with the specially designed
vibrato tailpiece for this model. Owned by Marc Moris in Belgium.
c1980 HOFNER MODEL
170 This can be recognised as one of those 170s manufactured after
around 1976 because of the truss rod adjustment being at the body end of the
neck. It also has a natural finish neck/headstock indicating probably a date
of c1980/81. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
HOFNER MODEL 171(ii)
Hofner's copy of the Fender Thinline Telecaster, which were produced
between 1972 and 1977. The 'H' version introduced in early 1973 was fitted with twin humbucking
pickups with split polepieces. These could be switched for phase inversion
and put in series -
see below. Body colours were flamboyant, with red, orange, violet, azuire
blue, dark green, ivory plus sunburst being on offer. A version called the
171V fitted with a Bigsby-style vibrato tailpiece was also available from
1975 through to the end of 1977.
1972/73 HOFNER MODEL 171 An example of the 171 fitted with single coil pickups, which I now believe to
have been the first version produced in 1972 before being superseded by the
more advanced 171H in 1973. This particular guitar, owned by Karl Gormanns in
Germany, has been re-finished in a very attractive brown walnut.
1972/73 HOFNER
MODEL 171 Another 171, finished in orange. Pictures kindly supplied by Arthur Borchers
from Germany.
c1974 HOFNER
MODEL 171H Thanks to Jay Walsh of Boston, USA for the photos of his
vibrant green 171H.
1961 HOFNER MODEL 171
With the twin pickup 172(i) and three pickup 173(i) models, the 171(i) was
Hofner's first attempt at building solid guitars with a built-in vibrato
tailpiece. However, unlike the Fender Stratocaster which would have been the
inspiration for such a concept, the 171/2/3 range initially had "set-necks"
rather than the "bolt-on" type. The 171(i) is a fairly rare model, presumably
because Hofner found that customers would rather purchase a twin pickup 162
solid model and fit a Bigsby unit rather than pay for a more expensive single
pickup 171 solid. The 171 was marketed as the "V1 Solid" by Selmer London in
the UK. This lovely example is owned by Duncan Bailey.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 173
The first version of the 173 - with a set neck and sunburst finish. The
UK/Selmer equivalent was the V3, an example of which is featured
elsewhere on the website in my own collection pages. This first version
was produced between 1961 and 1963. Earlier guitars were fitted with
toaster pickups, but this one has the diamond logo type. Owned by Kevin
K. in Ohio, USA.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 173 A similar
guitar to the one above, but finished in the rare translucent-red finish that
Hofner used for the V4 and V5 Solid models, which they supplied exclusively to
Selmer London. The V4 and V5 were fitted with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
rather than the standard Hofner vibrato fitted to this European-market guitar. Owned by Max Junger of Pyramid Strings in
Bubenreuth, Germany.
c1962 HOFNER MODEL 172
Version 2 of the 172/173 model, with a bolt-on neck but still with the old Hofner
consul type electrics. Only produced for a few months before the consul
was replaced by rotary controls. Soren Koch in Sweden, has written the
story of his experiences with this particular guitar which I have
included with the photo.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 173 The
three-pickup version of the guitar above, and also finished in red vinyl.
Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
1962 HOFNER
MODEL 172
Another second version 172 model which was originally distributed in Holland by the Van Wauw Company, and hence with a serial number stamped into the top edge
of the headstock. Owned by Harry Sibum in The Netherlands.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 173
A beautifully restored three-pickup example, again with a Van Wouw serial
number, owned by Henk van der Graf in The Netherlands.
1962 HOFNER MODEL 172
The white vinyl Hofner 172 that was used by Hugo Fattoruso of the famous
Uruguay band, "Los Shakers", during the 1960's. Now owned by Rodrigo Ordás in
Uruguay.
1963 HOFNER
MODEL 173
Another "transition" 173, this time with the Model 175 neck, heavily
embossed vinyl body covering, red marbled scratchplate/headstock, and
the old style rectangular control consul. The fitting of "Super" Type
511 pickups to this guitar dates it to 1963. A unique guitar, owned by
Richey Featherstone in Durham, England.
1963 HOFNER MODEL
173 SOLID
This guitar is the European market version of the UK distributed Super
Solid 3, with rotary controls instead of the Hofner consul. It differs
from the Super Solid in that it has a black lacquered neck, a more
ornate scratchplate, and of course no serial number. It is owned by
Stefano Aria from Italy who runs the Fetish Guitars
website.
c1963 HOFNER
MODEL 173 SOLID
Another example, but this one has a heavily embossed vinyl body
covering. Owned by Alun who lives near Bristol in the UK.
c1963 HOFNER MODEL 173
SOLID Every 173 that I have ever seen has had a maple
neck.........except for this one! The one-piece mahogany neck on this
example is obviously the original fitted in the factory. It makes a good
match with the guitar's pickguard! Owned by Andrew Cox, California, USA.
1963 HOFNER
MODEL 173 SOLID
A slightly later example than above, as it has been fitted with the
Type 511 "Super" pickups. It also has the strip-style fret markers as
used on the 175 models, heavily embossed snakeskin body vinyl, and the
gorgeous red pearloid scratchplate and headstock fascia. An incredible
looking guitar!! Photos courtesy of Alan Patrick, Berlin, Germany.
1963 HOFNER MODEL 173
SOLID This guitar has also been factory fitted with a Model 175 type neck
with strip-type fret markers and green marble scratchplate and
headstock fascia. A pair of Type 510 "Super" twin-coil pickups as well as a
single-coil Type 510 have also been
fitted. Owned by Stefan Klindt in Sweden.
c1963 HOFNER MODEL 173
SOLID
This guitar is interesting due to the fact that it has two Type 510 at
neck and middle positions and one Type 511 pickup fitted at the bridge,
presumably by the factory. I have seen this feature on several other
Hofner Super 3/Model 173 solids. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza
of the Picxsel
Studio, Rome, Italy.
1963 HOFNER
MODEL 172 SOLID
By this time, the 172's had also lost their rectangular control consul,
and were fitted with rotary volume/tone controls, plus individual
pickup selector switches. This example is owned by Herrie Kamphuis in
the Netherlands.
1963 HOFNER MODEL 172 SOLID
Another fine example of one of the first 172's to be fitted with the individual pickup
slide switches. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy.
1963/64 HOFNER MODEL 173
SOLID
A similar guitar to the one above, but this time finished in red lacquer.
This particular example has a very unusual control knob layout, with which
it left the factory. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy.
Mid 1960's
HOFNER MODEL 172 SOLID
This guitar is finished in a very unusual copper colour. Matched with a
white scratchplate, it certainly makes the guitar stand out from the
crowd. Owned by Thomas.
Mid 1960's HOFNER MODEL 172 SOLID
Similar to the above, but in a more conventional sunburst finish. Owned by
Max Junger of Pyramid Strings, Bubenreuth, Germany.
Mid 1960's HOFNER MODEL 173 SOLID This particular guitar has been factory-fitted with two twin coil Type 511
pickups and one single coil Type 510. Owned by Guy Audoux in France. From
around 1965/66, Hofner began using a rather heavy-looking
bridge that allowed individual string intonation adjustment.
c1966 HOFNER
MODEL 173 SOLID As above, but with an original wood grained effect scratchplate and the
175 style strip fret markers. Owned by Herrie Kamphuis in The
Netherlands.
1970's
HOFNER MODEL 173 SOLID The final version of the 173, with larger headstock, and single fret
marker dots. This fine example is owned by Olaf Poeter in Germany.
HOFNER MODEL 174
The 174 was Hofner's "SG" copy, it was produced
between 1970 and 1979. Initially the 174 was fitted with Hofner's Type 513
"Blade" pickups. This was replaced by Hofner's new Type 515 "Studio"
humbucking pickups for a short period around 1971/72; the wooden-bodied
low impedence HiFi pickups being also available as an option. At the beginning of
1973, the 174 was given improved electrics. These consisted of new humbucking
pickups (Type 516) with additional slide switches on the pickguard which allowed
the pickups to be switched for phase inversion and/or put in series.
The 174 was optionally available throughout the production
period with a vibrato unit in place of the standard stop-tailpiece.
c1969/70
HOFNER MODEL 174 V
It is now apparent that Hofner initially produced the 174 with a
"small" scratchplate, and also with the neck set noticeably
further into the than on later examples. A picture of a similar 174 was shown in the
early 1970 "New Guitars" Hofner flyer. This example, owned by Jos Rijff in
The Netherlands, is equipped with the optional Hofner
vibrato tailpiece in lieu of the standard stop tailpiece.
1970 HOFNER MODEL 174 This 174
example is still fitted with its neck extending further into the body than
later examples. However, it now has the larger scratchplate. Owned by Guy
Audoux in France
.c1970 HOFNER MODEL 174 V
An immaculate example of an early 174 fitted with the Hofner Type 513
pickups (with white plastic inserts around the "blade") and a
vibrato, but by now the neck is fitted further out from the body, similar to the
Gibson SG. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza
of the Picxsel
Studio, Rome, Italy.
c1970/71 HOFNER
MODEL 174 V
This example is
also fitted with Hofner's in-built vibrato tailpiece . Owned by Tonny Froma of The Netherlands.
1971 HOFNER MODEL 174 This
example is fitted with a stop-tailpiece and the short-lived Type 515
humbucking pickups - the version illustrated in the large guitar catalogue
released by Hofner in 1971.Owned by Karl Gormanns in Germany.
c1971 HOFNER MODEL 174 - IVORY FINISH
The standard finish for the 174 was a translucent red, but this example must
have been a special order. Ivory finish was offered as a standard option on
other Hofner solid guitars, but not on the 174. It is fitted with the
short-lived Type 515 pickups. Photos are courtesy of Max Junger of Pyramid
Strings, Bubenreuth, Bavaria, Germany.
1972-1979 HOFNER MODEL 174 - CATALOGUE SCANS At
the beginning of 1973, the 174 was given improved electrics. These consisted
of new humbucking pickups (Type 516) with additional slide switches on the pickguard
which allowed the pickups to be switched for phase inversion
and/or put in series. A similar change was also made at the same time to the
Hofner 171 semi-solid.
HOFNER MODEL 175 (First Type
1963)
In late 1962, or very early 1963, Hofner introduced a more
advanced guitar than the 172/173 models that had been their flagship solid
guitars up to that time. The new 175 model featured an off-set waist body with
sharply pointed cutaway curves, three pickups, and a built-in vibrato tailpiece.
The bolt-on neck was one-piece maple, with celluloid strip fret-markers, and
binding to the edge of the fingerboard. The most radical feature on the guitar
however was the controls for the electrics. "Radio-style" pots were
used for the master volume and three individual tone controls. The only other
controls were a discreet four-way selector for the pickups on the lower bout,
and a Solo-Rhythm slide switch. There was not one conventional rotary control on
the scratchplate, and this gave the guitar an even more un-cluttered and
streamlined look.
The pickups fitted were the new Type 511 "Staple"
units which were introduced into the Hofner range at the same time as the 175.
Several different finishes were available for the 175, most of
which were vinyl. The most dramatic were heavily embossed in either geometrical
patterns or even snakeskin. These were usually complimented with dramatically
coloured scratchplates and matching headstock fascias. Others however were
lightly patterned in more usual colours such as red and white. Some 175 examples
can be found in red or white cellulose lacquer.
Production of the 175 lasted for less than 18 months, before
being replaced by the even more revolutionary 176 Model.
The 175 was never supplied to Selmer London's UK market, but a
slightly simplified version of the 176 did become Selmer's famous Hofner Galaxie
model.
c1963 HOFNER MODEL 175(i)
This one, owned by Anselm Mayerhofer of Bavaria, Germany, has a
vinyl body finish and cool green scratchplate.
1963/64 HOFNER
MODEL 175 (i)
A 175 with the spectacular red/gold "brocade-type" vinyl body covering. Owned byGuy Audoux
in France.
1963/64 HOFNER MODEL 175(i)
Another example of the 175, this time in white and black vinyl and owned by
Francis Viel in Paris, France.
This one has the larger plate over the vibrato mechanism, which replaced the
earlier type fitted to the three guitars above during 1963.
1963/64 HOFNER MODEL 175(i)
Finished in red lacquer, this example has the type of
bridge and string damper as fitted to the 176 model. That could well
indicate that it was one of the last 175(i) Solids made. Owned by Thomas
in Sweden
A very similar guitar to the one above, owned by Guy Audoux in France. There
is a photo of the 175 placed next to Guy's Hofner Galaxie, which clearly shows
the differences in electrical layout between the two models.
c1963 HOFNER MODEL
175(i) Photos supplied by Riccardo Abbondanza of his 175 under
restoration, and showing the electrics on the underside of the scratchplate.
HOFNER MODEL 175 (Second
Type: Telecaster Look-Alike 1970-79)
1970-74 HOFNER MODEL 175(ii) SOLID
The first version, made between 1970 and 1974 was fitted with Type 513
"Blade" pickups, and a small bridge/tailpiece cover. Owned by J. L. Dijkstra in
The Netherlands.
1970-74 HOFNER MODEL 175(ii) SOLID
A similar guitar to the one above, but without the chrome bridge/tailpiece
cover fitted. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
1974-79 HOFNER MODEL 175(ii) SOLID
This example of the second version (1974 -79) of Hofner's Telecaster
copy, owned by Anthony Szwec of Ontario, Canada, illustrates the single
coil pickups and the much larger bridge cover which enclosed the treble
pickup on this version.
1972 HOFNER MODEL 175(ii)
WIRELESS - CATALOGUE SCAN A proposed introduction to the range in
1972, this guitar was equipped with an in-built radio transmitter using the
actual strings as an aerial! A receiver for connection to the amplifier also
formed part of the kit. The guitar was also offered with a microphone
attached by a boom to the top bout of the guitar, rather like one sees on
Les Paul's guitar. Whether this model ever made it past the prototype stage,
I don't know. Incidentally, it was also intended to produce a similar
wireless version of the 4579 solid.
The 176 model was an up-rated version of the 175(i), which it replaced during
1964.
It allowed individual switching of each pickup to provide a total of seven
pickup combinations compared to the 4-way selector switch on the 175. In
addition, an overall tone switch (Treble-0-Bass) was built into the circuit. The
Rhythm/Solo switch on the earlier version, like on the 175, was not adjustable.
Many of the early versions, again like the 175, had bodies finished in vinyl of
various colours and patterns.
The 176 had a long production period, with very few changes other than the
dropping of the vinyl coverings and adoption of polyester finishes throughout,
and the adoption of a screw pot for the balance adjustment of the Solo/Rythm
switch. The guitar finally disappeared from the Hofner price list at the end of
1983.
A similar model called the "Galaxie" was supplied exclusively to
Selmer UK, also from 1964. This tended to be finished in either red cellulose or
red vinyl, and was not fitted with the Treble-0-Bass tone switch. It remained
available into the early 1970's.
Jamie Hince of "The Kills" talks about his own Hofner 176 guitars
HERE
c1965/66 HOFNER MODEL 176
SOLID DE LUXE Many of the early versions, again like the 175, had bodies
finished in vinyl of various colours and patterns. This own, owned by
Torsten Scholz, has a white vinyl front and a black vinyl back. These bodies
were produced for Hofner by the Winter Company who also made all Hofner's
instrument cases. The application of the vinyl utilized a vacuum process that Winter used for
the covering of television sets, amongst other domestic items.
Mid-1960's HOFNER MODEL
176 SOLID DE LUXE This guitar is similar to the one above, but has the dramatic
red/gold "snakeskin"
vinyl covering and a marbled-effect scratchplate and headstock.
Owned
by Max Junger of Pyramid Strings in
Bubenreuth, Germany.
Mid-1960's
HOFNER MODEL 176 SOLID DE LUXE This non-vinyl example one is finished in the fairly
un-common ice blue cellulose. A real beauty, owned by Kevin
Watt, California, USA.
Mid-1960's HOFNER MODEL
176 SOLID DE LUXE Another conventionally finished 176, owned by Martin MacGillivray of Nottinghamshire England, is
finished in a beautiful sandy-brown sunburst.
1968/69 HOFNER MODEL 176
SOLID DE LUXE A slight change to the electrical controls layout occurred from around 1969,
with the Rhythm/Solo switch being re-positioned to above the strings. A
small potentiometer was also provided so that the volume level for the
Rhythm setting could be adjusted. This example has the Type 511 "staple" pickups,
which seem to have been retained on the 176 model until the Type 513 units
were introduced in 1969. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza
of the Picxsel
Studio, Rome, Italy.
1968/69 HOFNER MODEL 176-Z
SOLID DELUXE This is a very rare version of the 176 model. In 1968,
Hofner added a 176-Z model into the price list for just that year and 1969.
The letter "Z" was always used by Hofner to indicate a guitar that
was fitted with an active distortion (or what they called "Fuzz")
circuit. In 1969, Hofner introduced the 169 model, which is very similar to
the 176, but with an active circuit. It would therefore appear that the
176-Z was the precursor to the 169 model above, and production of the 176-Z
ceased as soon as the new model had been launched. This particular guitar is
owned by Rob Francis in the UK.
c1970 HOFNER MODEL 176
SOLID DE LUXE With a sunburst finish, and owned by Martin Blyth
in Scotland, this guitar has the Type 513 "All-Sound" pickups which
appeared from 1969.
Late-1970's
HOFNER MODEL 176 SOLID DE LUXE A nice example of the final version of the 176. It is fitted with Type
513 pickups and has dot fret-markers, which first appeared in the 1976 Hofner
Solid Guitar Catalogue. Owned by Steve Gobble of Alabama,
USA.
HOFNER MODEL 177 "EXQUISIT" (1965 - 1970)
An even more advanced solid than the 176/Galaxie, with even more impressive electronics.
An "Organ Effect" was added to individual pickup switches,
individual tone sliders, the master volume rotary control, and the
solo/rhythm switch. Top quality from Hofner, with a bound ebony
fingerboard and the deluxe mother of pearl "double arrowhead" fret
markers.
c1966 HOFNER
MODEL 177 "EXQUISIT" SOLID
An even more advanced solid than the 176/Galaxie, with even more impressive electronics.
An "Organ Effect" was added to individual pickup switches,
individual tone sliders, the master volume rotary control, and the
solo/rhythm switch. Top quality from Hofner, with a bound ebony
fingerboard and the deluxe mother of pearl "double arrowhead" fret
markers. Owned by Dave Treloar in Devon, England.
c1966 HOFNER MODEL 177 "EXQUISIT" SOLID
As an alternative to a sunbusrt finish, Hofner also offered the Exquisit in
translucent red. This finish appears to be the rarer of the two standard
finishes. Owned by John-Paul Cleary.
c1969 HOFNER MODEL 177
"EXQUISIT" SOLID
It would appear that at some stage, Hofner changed the white plastic
circular control for the "Organ Effect" for a more substantial
(and impressive-looking) chrome lever. This particular guitar, owned by
Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy, is fitted with the lever.
Late
1960's HOFNER MODEL 177 "EXQUISIT" SOLID The Model 177 was offered
with the option of either nickel or gold-plated hardware. The advertised
finishes were either sunburst or translucent ruby red. This particular
example is the gold-plated version, but with an attractive but very unusual
translucent turquoise finish. Owned by Ramin Hesse in Berlin, Germany.
HOFNER MODEL
178 "GRANDE SURPRISE" (1966 to 1970)
This model seems to have been developed out of the Model 177, which was
introduced one year earlier. The 178 was fitted with two pickups
(instead of the 177's three pickups), and debatably improved controls
-a master volume control plus a tone control for each pickup, plus six
press buttons for tone presets which brought in active circuits. Sliding switches were supplied for
pickup selection, and on later guitars a lead/rhythm switch with a
further rotary control for adjusting the difference in volume between
the lead and rhythm selection was fitted. From 1968 there was offered the option
of having a Fuzz circuit was
offered to special order.
Note - it was intended in 1977 that another guitar given the
178 designation should be introduced. This was actually finally released in
Spring 1978 as the S5E graphic-equalizer solid.
c1969 HOFNER MODEL 178
"GRANDE SURPRISE" SOLID A Hofner publicity photo from 1969
showing a 178 fitted with the Fuzz circuit. It would seem that from late
1969, this option became standard on the 178.
Late 1960's HOFNER MODEL
178 "GRANDE SURPRISE" SOLID This guitar was actually assembled in
Spain by the Keller Company, using Hofner parts. It is also fitted with the
optional Fuzz circuit. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy.
1970's HOFNER
MODEL 179 SOLID
Hofner's version of the Fender Jazzmaster, produced between 1971 and
1977. Identical electrics to the Jazzmaster were used, including the
switchable rhythm circuit, together with an asymmetric body shape. Only
sunburst finish was available, but this was set-off by the use of flame
maple veneers on the body front and back. Both tremolo (179V) and
non-tremolo versions were produced. This non-tremolo example is owned
by Olaf Poeter in Germany.
This guitar was developed from the 1970/71 first-series 4579
model, which was actually a semi-acoustic guitar. (See the Archtops
Gallery) The second series 4579(ii) appeared in 1971 and stayed in the
catalogue until 1978. A 4579 HiFi variant, fitted with wooden-bodied low-impedence
pickups was produced from 1971 through to 1975.
Visually similar looking to the Les
Paul, but of different construction
-
Hofner's version had an arched laminated top. Made between 1972 and
1978, there were two versions - the 4579 fitted initially with Hofners Type 515
"Recording" pickup and the 4579 "HiFi" which was fitted with the Type 514
wood Hi-Fi pickup. In early 1973, the Type 515 pickups was replaced by the
larger Type 516 humbucking pickup, but the HiFi option continued. A vibrato
tailpiece was also offered on the standard 4579 model as an option.
1971 HOFNER MODEL
4579(ii) SOLID (PRE-PRODUCTION EXAMPLE) This interesting guitar is in
my opinion almost certainly a pre-production prototype. The type of pickups
fitted were never used during the model's production run, although they are
certainly related to the Hi-Fi pickups which were used. Other features
differing from the finally adopted specification of the 4579 are the simple
dot fretmarkers, the white control knobs, the earlier type of
plastic-buttoned tuners, and the missing Hofner logo on the headstock. Owned
by Mathis Vass in Vienna, Austria.
1970/71 HOFNER MODEL
4579(ii) SOLID Probably one of the first production 4579 solids made. It is
unusual in the fact that it is fitted with Type 513 "Blade" pickups with a
white plastic surround to the center blade, and these seem to have only been
used by Hofner up to around 1971. The 1971 Hofner main catalogue actually
illustrates the 4579(ii) with HiFi pickups and only the new Type 515's
offered as an option. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
Early 1970's HOFNER MODEL 4579(ii) SOLID
This is another early version of the 4579(ii) model, with the pickup
selector located down by the rotary controls. The photos show clearly the
body construction adopted by Hofner to avoid having to carve the body top of
the guitar. The 4579 was not quite as "solid" as its appearance would
suggest! Owned by H. J. Kamphuis in The Netherlands.
Early 1970's HOFNER MODEL 4579(ii) SOLID
This particular guitar has a chrome cover shielding the stop-tailpiece, just
as on the contemporary 170 & 175 "Telecaster" models. Type 515 pickup units
are fitted. Owned
by Max Junger of
Pyramid Strings in
Bubenreuth, Germany.
Early 1970's HOFNER MODEL 4579(ii) Hi-Fi
SOLID
The Hi-Fi version of the guitar above, fitted with the Type 514 wood-cased Hi-Fi
pickups. This example, previously owned by Mark Hill in the UK, has a lovely but unusual
Burgundy-red polyester finish.
Early/Mid -1970's HOFNER
MODEL 4579(ii) SOLID
An earlier 4579 fitted with the smaller Type 515 pickups and with the pickup selector on the top bout.
This guitar, owned by Debie Reid in Canada, is a nice example.
Mid-1970's HOFNER
MODEL
4579(ii) SOLID
Some guitars, like this one, had the pickup
selector fitted down by the rotary controls. This guitar, which is fitted with
the later Type 516 pickups, is owned by Riccardo Abbondanza
of the Picxsel
Studio, Rome, Italy.
Mid-1970's HOFNER MODEL 4579(ii) SOLID
A lovely example with a stop-tailpiece, top-bout pickup selector, and Type
516 pickups. Owned by Jens Neumaier in Barcelona, Spain.
HOFNER MODEL 180 "SHORTY"
& 181 "SHORTY SUPER"
Hofner's "travel guitar", produced between 1982 and 1986. This utilised
a full 24.75" scale length, and was fitted with a Shadow single
humbucking pickup. The body and neck were made of mahogany, and several
appropriate finishes were available - red, blue, white, yellow, and natural
mahogany. A bass version was also produced - the Model 187, and also a "Shorty
Super" Model 181 that came fitted with a built-in amp and speaker for true
portability!! Hofner re-introduced an Asian-made 180 model back into their range
in 2004.
HOFNER MODEL 180 "SHORTY" A white
one this time, but fitted with a matching white Shadow pickup. White pickups
on a Shorty are very unusual. A great little guitar owned by Guy Audoux in
France.
HOFNER MODEL 181 "SHORTY
SUPER" The one with the built in amp and loudspeaker. This one still
has its Hofner carrying case and heavily ornamented Hofner strap. Owned by
Wolfgang in Germany.
HOFNER MODEL 181 "SHORTY SUPER"
A yellow one, fitted rather unusually with a simple strip tailpiece instead of
the usual fully-adjustable Schaller tailpiece. Owned by Pete
Haycock of Climax Blues Band fame.
HOFNER MODEL 191 DOUBLENECK
Produced between 1961 and 1970, this was a hollow-bodied instrument with two necks
for normal 6-string and bass. The first version of the 191 was finished in
tobacco sunburst, and initially had a set-neck joint. Later examples have a
bolt-on neck. It had a single pickup for the bass and twin pickups for the
normal guitar. Production of this version was from 1961 to c1964. A later (c1964
- 70) and rarer version of the 191 had a fully solid body and Strat-type cutaways.
This version referred to as the 191(ii) had two pickups for the bass and three pickups for the normal
6-string
guitar.
A simpler version of the
191(i), named the 190, was produced around 1961.
Apparently it had a red finish and less body binding than the 191(i). No
examples of this rarity have so far turned up.
c1961/62 HOFNER MODEL
191(i) DOUBLENECK
Another set-neck example that has recently been restored. The photos show the
type of neck/body joint used by Hofner on these guitars. Owned and restored by
Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy.
c1964 HOFNER MODEL
191(i) DOUBLENECK
This particular example, fitted with Type 511 twin-coil pickups, is
owned by Alan Wood of New Mexico, USA. Being a leter example that the two
guitars above, it has a bolt-on neck.
1964/65 HOFNER 191(ii)
DOUBLENECK
The second version of Hofner's doubleneck, which seems to have been based on
the 175(i) model. This photo is from Hofner's own archives and shows a
vinyl-covered guitar.
HOFNER FLEDERMAUSGITARRE (THE "BAT" GUITAR)
Whilst not being a "solid" guitar, but actually a
hollow one, this unusual guitar qualifies for being in this section due to its
totally non-acoustic nature.
A very small number (maybe only around five or six) of Bat Guitars
were produced by Hofner both for experimental purposes and also for the 1960 Music Fairs in order to show off
their abilities with guitar electronics. The main feature, other than the body
shape (!), is the built-in 4 watt solid-state amplifier and loudspeaker.
1960 HOFNER
BAT GUITAR (HOFNER FLEDERMAUSGITARRE) This
guitar is one of the five or six originals known to have been made. (There are also several copies about which were not
made by Hofner, but have been made in recent years by others, utilising old Hofner parts and
necks.) It is part of the Christian Benker
Collection.
1960 HOFNER BAT GUITAR
(HOFNER FLEDERMAUSGITARRE) Another original Bat Guitar, but with
different electric controls to the one above. Photos exist of another two Bat
Guitars with different controls again to the two shown here. This serves to
reinforce the fact that the Bat Guitar was simply an experimental model for
Walter Hofner to work on built-in guitar amplification. It is currently
FOR SALE at
Gitarren Meckback, in Berlin,
Germany.
ORIGINAL ELECTRICAL PARTS FITTED TO A
FLEDERMAUSGITARRE IN 1960 These are the parts, including the
amplifier and loudspeaker which were stripped out of an original "Bat
Guitar" during a restoration project. Thanks are due to Christian
Benker for making these available to us.
HOFNER "VENTURE" SOLID GUITAR RANGE
In 1981, Hofner introduced the concept of producing high
quality versions of established US guitars in which lovely exotic timbers and
through-neck construction were used. These were called the "Venture" range.
Initially, copies of the Gibson Flying-V and the Fender Stratocaster were
offered, but by 1982, a third model was on offer based on the Gibson Explorer.
Hofner's own names for these guitars were the Hofner "V", "S", and "E". Very few
examples of these guitars appear to have been produced, as they are rarely seen
these days. The "V" and the "S" were in the price list from 1981 to 1985, with
the "E" only listed in the 1982, 83, & 84 price lists. They were possible
discontinued to make way for the much more radical but better-selling "Alpha"
series.
Early 1980's HOFNER VENTURE "V" SOLID GUITAR
This particular guitar is fitted with Schaller pickups, rather than the Di
Marzio units that Hofner advertised the early Venture guitars as being
equipped with. Owned by Bob Cocozza in Florida, USA.
c1981-82 HOFNER VENTURE "V" SOLID GUITAR
This example has been discovered in a rather poor state, and is due for
restoration. Photos courtesy of Nick Wass of the Hofner Company in Hagenau,
Bavaria, Germany.
HOFNER VENTURE
"E" & "S" MODELS ON DISPLAY AT THE 1983 FRANKFURT TRADE SHOW
The Venture "E" model does not seem to exist anywhere in Hofner's marketing
material, and I have only ever seen photos of one surviving example. This
old photo shows a Venture
"E" on display at the 1983 Frankfurt Trade Show. It illustrates the coloured finishes that Hofner made available on the
Venture range from around 1983. This was presumably introduced in an attempt
to revive the low volume sales of the Venture range.
1982 VENTURE "E"
SOLID GUITAR At last, a real-life Venture "E", and in an original
blue finish! This is a very rare guitar indeed.. Photos courtesy of Nick Wass of the Hofner Company in Hagenau,
Bavaria, Germany.
HOFNER "S" SOLID GUITAR RANGE
Mid-1980's HOFNER S2 SOLID GUITAR
Produced between 1984 and 1990, this guitar had a mahogany body and simple
twin pickup electrics. The photos of this guitar were kindly supplied by
Norbert Schnepel of Musikkeller,
Germany.
1980's HOFNER S2 SOLID
GUITAR
It would appear that both twin and single
coil pickups were fitted to the S2 at various periods. This one, owned
by Martijn Klop of The Netherlands, has single coil units.
1984/85 HOFNER S2A SOLID
GUITAR WITH BUILT-IN AMP & SPEAKERS One of Hofner's quirkier
designs, this version of the S2 above had a built in 2 watt amp and two
loudspeakers.....located directly under the strings! The resulting feedback
could then be fed back through and external amp with quite a dramatic
effect, one would think! The example shown is from the Christian Benker
collection in Germany.
1979/80 HOFNER
S3N SOLID GUITAR
Produced between 1979 and 1986, as an afordable solid
guitar with a body shaped like a combined Telecaster and Les
Paul. Initially this guitar had both the body and bolt-on neck made from
mahogany, and it would seem that these very early guitars were supplied with a
black finish only.Three single coil pickups, with two located close to the neck and wired
so that the middle pickup is out of phase.This one is owned by Guy Audoux in France.
c1980 HOFNER S3N SOLID GUITAR
Fairly soon after the introduction of the
black S3N, a brown
clear stain was adopted as the model's finish, presumably to show off the
mahogany body. This example is owned by Max Junger of
Pyramid Strings
in Bubenreuth, Germany.
1980's HOFNER S3N SOLID GUITAR In
1980/81, yet another change was made to the S3N, with ash being used for the body
instead of mahogany. Thanks Music
Ground in Leeds for allowing me to photograph this guitar which has a clear
lacquer finish.
1980's HOFNER S3N SOLID
GUITAR A very attractive ash-bodied S3N, due to the plain-cut body
timbers and brown staining. Owned by Karl Gormanns in Germany.
c1980 HOFNER S5E SOLID
GUITAR Introduced as an advanced version of the Hofner 168 solid in Spring 1978,
and initially intended to be designated as the 178 model, the S5E was equipped either with two humbucking
pickups or three single coils. Controls fitted seem to have varied in both
type and position, but all had a battery-powered five-band equalizer and a sensitivity switch.
The body and neck were constructed from mahogany. (The superseded 168/178 were
made of maple.) This example is owned by Guy Audoux in France.
Early 1980's HOFNER S5E
SOLID GUITAR The same model of guitar as above, but with a different control layout.
Owned by Bob Cocozza in Florida, USA.
1979 HOFNER S5PA SOLID GUITAR
This version of the S5 solid was introduced one year after the S5E in Spring
1979. An "acoustic filter" circuit together with a pre-amp replaced the
S5E's battery-powered equalizer. Also, the material used for the body and
neck was mahogany. This guitar, owned by Wolfgang in Germany,
is however finished in black polyester, unusual for the S5PA.
EARLY 1980's HOFNER S5PA SOLID
GUITAR A slightly different version of the above S5PA, but still with
the active electronics.This example is owned by Miguel Cejas in the Canary
Islands.
1980 HOFNER S5PA SOLID GUITAR
- ADVERTISEMENT SCAN An advertisement placed by Barratts of Manchester Ltd in the musical
press in March 1980. Barratts were the official UK distributor for
Hofner guitars at that period. The advertisement provides a detailed
explanation of the model's electronics. It also shows the unusual
vibrato tailpiece that could be supplied as an option, and which was a
direct substitution on the studs of the standard bar tailpiece.
1984 HOFNER S6 SOLID GUITAR A very
short-lived model which seems to have been produced specifically for the
1984 Frankfurt Trade Show. (See also the S10 model below.) Fitted with two
humbucking pickups, the shape of this budget solid guitar was based on the
Stratocaster.
1978/79 HOFNER S7L
"RAZERWOOD" 6 STRING SOLID GUITAR One of Hofner's more futuristic designs, these guitars were produced
between 1978 and 1984, and were available with either six (S7L) or 12 (S7/12) strings.
A bass version designated S7B was also available. The S7L had fairly complex
passive electrics, with an 'acoustic filter' rotary control, and two coil tap
switches. This particular guitar is part of the Christian Benker Collection. It
would seem that it was Barratts of Manchester, Hofner's UK distributors at
the time, who first gave this series of guitars the very appropriate
nick-name "Razerwood".
1978 HOFNER S7L
"RAZERWOOD" 6 STRING SOLID - EARLIEST VERSION This is the version of the guitar that appeared at the 1978 Frankfurt Show, and
was featured in the initial marketing. The pickup toggle switches are
mounted on the top bass-side body bout. A special version of the S7L fitted
with vibrato tailpiece was presented to Ricky King, a famous European
recording artist, by Christian Benker in early 1978.
A Hofner S7N version
was listed in the 1978 price list and very vaguely described, but not
illustrated, in the first (1978) Professional-Line Catalogue. This version
does not seem to have been proceeded with and accurate details of it are
unknown. However, a single pickup six-string Razerwood can just be
seen on photos taken on the Hofner stand at the Spring 1978 Frankfurt Trade
Show. It was not present in the 1979 price list.
1982/83 HOFNER S7L "RAZERWOOD" 6 STRING SOLID
GUITAR In early 1980, the S7L's body was changed slightly in shape,
with the previous stub of the treble-side cutaway being changed to a longer
more stylish horn.. This guitar is an example of the later body shape, and is owned by Guy Audoux in
France.
1978/79 HOFNER
MODEL S7/12 "RAZERWOOD" 12 STRING SOLID GUITAR The 12-string version of the guitar above. Active electronics, the
incredible Razerwood body shape, and 12 strings on a solid body make
this a very unique guitar. Owned by David Kelly of Manchester, England.
c1980 HOFNER S7/12 "RAZERWOOD"
SOLID GUITAR Photos of the first version of the S7/12 with the small
cutaway horn body, together with a nice photo of a 6-string and a 12-string Razerwood
together for comparison purposes. Owned by Karl Gormanns in Germany.
1981/82 HOFNER S7/12 "RAZERWOOD" SOLID
GUITAR ....and another S7/12 owned by Karl Gormanns. This is one of
the later Razerwood guitars with the large horn cutaway body and the same
active electrics as the Hofner S5PA solid.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS FOR HOFNER S5E, S5PA,
S7L, & S7-12 SOLID GUITARS Hofner attached tags to these guitars
at the factory which explained what the electrical controls on the guitar
did. In many cases, these tags have now been lost. Hopefully the scans on
this link will assist present day owners get the best out of their guitars!
1984
HOFNER MODEL S9C SOLID GUITAR The S9C was produced between 1980 and 1984. It was a very high quality
solid guitar with a through neck and beautiful maple and bubinga
timbers. The active electronics included three band EQ and compressor
circuits. This fine example is owned by Neal Hargis in Louisiana, USA.
1984 HOFNER S10-2 & S10-3 SOLID GUITARS A
very short-lived range of solid guitars which used the same shape as the S11
model below, but were of simpler (and cheaper!) construction. Two versions
were produced - the S10-2 with two humbucking pickups and active electrics,
and the S10-3 fitted with three single coil pickups and Stratocaster-style
controls. They seem to have been made just for the
1984 Frankfurt Trade Show, because I can't find any reference to them in
catalogues (although they do feature in a special February 1984 Solid
Guitars price list) and also because they were discontinued almost as soon
as the Trade Show was over!
1984 HOFNER S10-3 SOLID GUITAR Finally, an actual example in red of the elusive and rare S10-3 has turned
up! This is fitted with a stop-tailpiece, although vibrato tailpieces
("screwed-on" and "built-in") were also apparently optional. Many thanks to
Nige Davies in the UK for supplying these photos of his guitar.
1982 HOFNER S11 "HEAVY
DUTY" SOLID GUITAR Another top quality Hofner solid, produced between 1981 and 1985. At
the time, this guitar retailed for the same price as the Hofner 470! A
neck-thru method of construction was adopted on this striking guitar,
with two humbuckers plus one bridge mounted piezo pickup for acoustic
sounds. The neck was made from maple and mahogany, and the body was highly
featured Bubinga. This illustrated guitar and most others have a clear
finish in order to show off the timbers to best effect. Owned by Simon Jones of Cornwall, England.
c1984 HOFNER S11 "HEAVY DUTY"
SOLID GUITAR A later version of the S11, with a maple fingerboard
instead of the rosewood one fitted to the 1982 guitar. This particular
instrument is from the Christian Benker Collection.
c1986 HOFNER S11 "HEAVY DUTY SOLID GUITAR -
CUSTOM ORDER This S11 is a factory-modified example with a "Custom
Order" label on the headstock in place of the usual serial number sticker.
The S11 had very low sales figures, and my guess is that this guitar was
made up using fewer and less expensive fittings and electrics as part of an
attempt to use up the stock of completed bodies/necks following
discontinuation of the model in favour of the new Alpha Solid. Owned by Bob
Cocozza in Florida, USA.
HOFNER
"ALPHA SOLID" RANGE
The Alpha solid guitar versions
were produced as
a follow-on to the "S" series solids, from 1986 to 1989. Their shape
was based loosely on that of the Gibson Firebird, and the whole concept
appears
to have been pointed towards the "Heavy Metal" guitarist. A
"Standard" model formed the basis of the range, and this was
supplemented by the Alpha Custom, an Alpha Pro, and even an Alpha
Anniversary
which was a special model to commemorate Hofner's centenary.
A special order form was provided to dealers in order that the customer could
specify his custom requirements on the Alpha model by using a tick-list.
1986 HOFNER ALPHA STANDARD
& CUSTOM
A scan from the Hofner catalogue which provides a photo of the Standard and details,
in German, of both the Standard and Custom versions. These guitars was equipped for both mono and
stereo output.
1986-89 HOFNER ALPHA
STANDARD
A nice example of the Standard version, complete with all-black finish,
including the metal work. Owned by Maximillian Perkins in the UK.
c1986 HOFNER ALPHA STANDARD
Photos showing the details of the Alpha Standard owned by Karl Gormanns in
Germany.
c1986 HOFNER ALPHA
An interesting Alpha in black finish,
which seems to be a cross between the Standard and Custom. It is fitted
with gold-plated hardware, and could well have been a
pre-production prototype. Originally owned by the late Pete Haycock of
Climax Blues Band fame, who had a long association with the Hofner company
and who provided input into the late 1980 guitars such as the
Nightingale and the Alpha.
c1986 HOFNER ALPHA
A very similar Alpha to the one above, although finished in sunburst. This one
was also owned by the late Pete Haycock.
1987 HOFNER ALPHA - 100th ANNIVERSARY MODEL The
Alpha was available, only in 1987, in a special red finish, with gold
hardware, to commemorate the Hofner Company's 100 year Anniversary.
The Reference solid guitars appeared in
1987 at the same time as the Alphas were being produced, but
continued for much longer than the Alphas - i.e. up to around 1995.
They were top quality solids and were obviously Hofner's attempt to
produce "state-of-the-art" guitars, as they incorporates such features
as Floyd Rose vibratos, locking nuts, scalloped fingerboards, and both
passive and active circuitry, dependent on the particular model
variant. Two basic body shapes were used - initially with a Telecaster style
body, the guitar was simply called the "Reference". However, with the
introduction of a version with a Stratocaster style body called the "Reference
S", the Tele shaped version was then called the "Reference T". Stunning translucent flame finishes and gold plating were used on some
models. All-in-all, they represent the zenith of Hofner's solid guitar
making.
The Reference guitars was offered in various "off-the-shelf" options, but for
the first year or two at least, custom-build options were offered whereby the customer could take his choice on
specification by filling in a special Hofner order form that listed every
possible option and accessory available. A similar custom-order system was also
available for the Nightingale, and Alpha models. These were real "Custom Shop"
guitars! Unfortunately, this practice seems to have died out in the early
1990's.
1987 HOFNER REFERENCE CUSTOM One
of the first References made, this example is custom order fitted with the
Reverse-Headstock and Hofner "Classic Tune" Vibrato Unit which
were options available under Hofner's Custom Ordering System.
1987 HOFNER REFERNCE STANDARD
........and a nice example of an early Reference with all standard fittings.
Owned by Karl Gormanns in Germany
1988-89 HOFNER REFERENCE
GHIA Hofner appear to have based this version on the PRS method of
body construction - a carved maple top on a mahogany body. Part of the
Christian Benker collection in Germany.
Early
1990's
HOFNER
REFERENCE "PRO T"
Produced between 1989 and 1995, this was the top of the
range "T" version, with active circuits, a scalloped maple fretboard,
and Schaller Floyd Rose vibrato. It was fitted with a humbucking pickup at the
bridge and a single coil at the neck. (The Reference "Classic T" had a similar pickup arrangement. The Reference
"Special T" had two humbucking pickups.) Photos courtesy of Norbert
Schnepel,
Musikkeller, Germany.
1990-92 HOFNER REFERENCE "SPECIAL T"
This version of the "Pro T" was produced for a very short time, being in the
price lists between 1990 and 1992. It had a quilted maple body instead of
the "Pro T"s alder body, a Hofner vibrato tailpiece instead of a Schaller,
and two twin-coil pickups. This example is owned by Karl Gormanns in
Germany.
The Strat bodied version of the guitar above, again with
all the same very desirable features. Rather strangely, this particular
guitar has not been fitted with the active electronics that are more
usual on the "Pro S". It does however have all the other features of
Hofner's top solid model, including the pearloid pickguard. Two single
coil (Hofner Type VSN10) and one humbucking pickup (Hofner '57 Classic)
are fitted to the Pro "S". (The
Reference "Classic S" and the "Special S" were fitted with three single
coil pickups.) This is another of Bob Cocozza's guitars.
This is rather an unusual guitar in that it has the
pickups of the "Pro S" and the scalloped fingerboard, yet it does not
have gold-plated hardware. The natural body finish is also not a
standard catalogue option, and the guitar's circuits are passive. It appears
that by the mid-1990's, Hofner were producing "Pro S" guitars with
specifications closer to the by mow superseded Pro Classic. This guitar
was bought recently by Bob Cocozza, and was obviously New Old Stock, as
the protective film was still in place on the pickguard.
Mid-1990's HOFNER REFERENCE "PRO S"
Just like the one above, a "Pro S" with matt silver hardware, scalloped fingerboard, and passive electrics. Owned by
Alan Patrick in Berlin Germany.
Mid-1990's HOFNER REFERENCE "PRO S"
This "Pro S" has the rosewood fingerboard without scalloping, which was the
type initially used on the superseded Reference Classic S. As with the two
other Mid-60 examples above, it has passive electrics, and matt silver
hardware. Instead of the usual Hofner '57Classic humbucker in the bridge
position, an unknown make of humbucker has been fitted. Probably one of the
last Reference "S" guitars produced, and owned by Karl Gormanns in Germany.
The basic version of the Reference S, with passive
circuits and three
single coil pickups (Hofner VSN10 Type). A rosewood fingerboard was
fitted to this version instead of the Pro's combined maple
neck/fingerboard, and the Classics board was not scalloped. Hardware
was gold platted however. The body was alder with a flame maple veneer
top. Another of Bob Cocozza's guitars.
SOLID GUITARS MADE IN SPAIN
UNDER LICENCE FROM HOFNER
SINGLE PICKUP
SOLID GUITAR
Owned by Chema Ríos in La Coruna, Spain. These guitars were
made for the Spanish market in Spain during the 1960's by the Keller
company under licence from Hofner. They have different body shapes and
finishes to any German built Hofner that I know about.
TWIN PICKUP
SOLID GUITAR
Two pickups, and the Hofner rectangular control console. This one is
marked "Licencia Hofner Espana". Owned by HUR in the Basque Country.
c1963
TWIN PICKUP SOLID BASS GUITAR
This guitar was purchased new in Barcelona, Spain by Artur Palomer I
Ferrer sometime around 1963. It has the same body shape as the two
guitars above.
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