1968 Hofner 490 - Top & 1969 Hofner 490 - Bottom.
This model was introduced in 1968, but appears from these two examples to have had changes to its specification made by the following year. Note the differences in the type of bridge used, the additional fret marker at the 15th fret, the change from the decal logo at the bottom of the body top to one on the pickguard, and the change from a conventional laminated plastic nut to a steel nut. What isn't so obvious from this photo is that "X body-top bracing is used on the 1968 guitar and parallel bracing on the 1969.
1968 Hofner 490 - Top & 1969 Hofner 490 - Bottom.
A three-piece maple neck has been used on the 1968 guitar. A two-piece mahogany (or something similar) on the 1969 guitar, which also has a "Genuine Hofner" decal on the rear of the headstock.
The screw adjustment for neck rake is common to both guitars. This one (1969) has lost the steel ferrule which fits into the screw routing.
The conventional glued-down pin bridge on the 1968 guitar.
A glued and screwed down bridge with thread-through string location for the 1969 guitar.
The old-style body label of the 1968 guitar.
The new 1969 body label.