I purchased my 457 new, in the UK around early '86 from Kingfisher Music and paid £365. I wanted a Gibson 335 but as usual, the price kept keeping a pace ahead of my savings and in the end I got fed up chasing it. So I saw the Hofner on the wall, and when it was brought down and played through a Mesa Boogie amp of all things, well, it was an instant sale - Jeez this thing can rock, but also it has such a sweet natural tone that it has doubled as my acoustic guitar all that time. It is also what I use to teach guitar with. As of today it is in absolutely perfect condition still - not one ding/scratch!
Needless to say, it doesn't sound like a 335 but is more open and hollow... I do now have a 335 but am very glad the Hofner distracted me all those years ago!