VISITORS'
GALLERY
The pages where other people's Hofners are featured.
SOLID BODIED HOFNER GUITARS
- SELMER DISTRIBUTED MODELS
Selmer Advertisement from January 1962 New Musical Express.
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:
THE HOFNER COLORAMA
Selmer consistently maintained two ranges of Hofner solid guitars in their catalogue throughout their distributorship. The budget range was the "Colorama", based on the European 160, 161, 162, & 164 Models. For a detailed description of the Colorama's history, visit the Colorama Fact File elsewhere on this site.
- 1959 HOFNER COLORAMA II
The earliest "Colorama" (as opposed to the European 160/162) that I have seen so far. This one features a body made up of a solid main piece of un-defined wood, with a plywood back plate. The finish was a "hammered-appearance" paint. The model seems to have been introduced to the UK market in Autumn 1959, and it ran for only a few months before being replaced by the next version of Colorama with the red finish and gold side stripes.
- 1959 HOFNER COLORAMA II
This guitar is similar to the above, but finished in gold and maroon hammerite. Owned by Simon Adahl. The old Colorama is shown with Simon's much more modern Ares TC50 amplifier.
- 1959 HOFNER COLORAMA I
A mint condition single pickup Colorama, Serial # 293, in blue "hammerite" finish. This beauty is owned by John Walsh of Basingstoke, England.
- 1959 HOFNER COLORAMA I
A recently restored example of one of the last first version Coloramas made. This one is of interest as it has the lighter semi-hollow construction which was carried on over to the second version. Owned and restored by Guy Audoux in France.- 1959/60 HOFNER COLORAMA II
An example of the second version of the Colorama. This had a "semi-hollow" plywood body of the same shape as the first version, but with a different scratchplate and a deep red finish. This is the Colorama with the twin gold-stripes on the body edge. Owned by John Beer in Somerset, England.
- 1959/60 HOFNER COLORAMA II
And another of John Beer's Coloramas. This one was his first guitar, which he sold in 1961 in order to buy a Burns Artist. It was brought in for repair to his workshop a few years ago, and he was able to persuade the owner to sell it back to him. How's that for a fluke??
- Early-1960 HOFNER COLORAMA I
A single pickup Colorama I that appears to have been made in early 1960 - i.e. after the truss-rods were been fitted from the beginning of 1960 but still equiped with the "Black Bar" pickup. An earlier owner, probably the original purchaser, has fitted a vibrato tailpiece to the guitar. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
- 1960 HOFNER COLORAMA II
A slightly later version of those above - this time fitted with the Hofner "toaster" pickups. A Broadway vibrato unit has also been fitted by the original owner back in the 1960's. Now owned by James Seal, Hertfordshire, England.
- 1960 HOFNER COLORAMA II
An immaculate example of the twin pickup Colorama, showing the twin gold strips around the body edge, toaster pickups, trapeze tailpiece, and a three-piece "set-neck". This guitar was described as the Hofner 162 model for the European market. Owned by John Robinson.
- 1960 HOFNER MODEL COLORAMA I
This single pickup version of the Colorama was purchased new in Germany by its current owner, but it has a Selmer serial number stamped into the back of the Headstock. The European-market equivalent was designated as the Hofner 161 model. Photos supplied by Olaf Poeter.
- 1960 HOFNER COLORAMA II
This guitar left the factory with toaster pickups, but Type 510s are now fitted. Probably one of the last of the single cutaway Coloramas made. Owned by Matt Armstrong of the Kaisers.
- 1960/61 HOFNER COLORAMA II
The third style of guitar to be called "Colorama" by Selmer. This version was called the 164 (163 when fitted with a single pickup) when sold in Europe. It had a set-neck, and was initially fitted with "toaster" pickups and the rectangular Hofner control panel, as in this example. Originally a non-vibrato model, it has been fitted with a Broadway unit by a previous owner. Now owned by Martin Treasure in the UK.
- 1960/61 HOFNER COLORAMA II
A similar one to that above, but still retaining its original trapeze tailpiece. Owned by Graham Taylor in Devon, England.
- 1961 HOFNER COLORAMA II
This one has been fitted with a Bigsby vibrato unit, probably by Selmer before supplying the guitar to the retailer, and is owned by Tim Fletcher from Manchester, UK.
- 1961/1962 HOFNER COLORAMA I
A single pickup Colorama with Type 510 "Diamond Logo" pickups and the set-neck. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
- 1962 HOFNER COLORAMA II
The twin pickup version of the one above, and one of the last Coloramas to have a "set-neck". Owned by Graham Woodier in Cheshire, England.
- 1963 HOFNER COLORAMA II
In 1963, the Colorama was changed from having a set-neck to a bolt-on neck. This one is mint example of that version that even retains its original Selmer case, strap, and truss-rod key ! Owned by Paul Hunter in Middlesbrough, England.
- 1963 HOFNER COLORAMA 1
The single pickup, non-vibrato version of the guitar above. In the May 1963 Selmer catalogue, the Colorama was advertised as being newly available in three lacquer finishes - Red, Ice-Blue, and Cream. This one has the cream finish which has been applied to the neck and headstock as well as to the body. Most examples of this version of the Colorama seem to have continued in the red body finish with the clear lacquer to the neck however, so the cream and ice-blue versions are quite rare. Owned by Dino Galllo in Somerset, England.
- 1963 HOFNER COLORAMA I
Howard Parry from Lancashire owns another single pickup version, but finished in the much more popular red lacquer finish.
- 1963 HOFNER COLORAMA II
One of the very last of the symmetrical cutaway Coloramas to be made. This one was originally finished in the fairly rare ice-blue, although it has since been re-finished in a slightly deeper blue. As with the cream-finish 1963 Colorama 1 above, the neck was also originally finished in the same solid lacquer as the body . This example has a plastic headstock logo instead of the usual decal type, but this may have been added at the time of the re-spray. Owned by Riccardo Abbondanza in Rome, Italy.
- 1964 HOFNER COLORAMA I
The last version produced of the Colorama. Owned by Mark Gibson of Essex, England.
- 1964 HOFNER COLORAMA II
A nice example of the twin pickup version of the last Colorama version with the asymmetrical body cutaways. Owned by Ross Beedle from Northumberland, England.
- 1964 HOFNER COLORAMA II
A tremolo equipped red Colorama, owned by Guy Audoux in France.
- 1964 HOFNER COLORAMA II
This one is fitted with the optional Hofner tremolo tailpiece. Owned by Stephen Jenkins, Hampshire, England. The Colorama seems to have disappeared from the Selmer range by 1965. - 1959 HOFNER COLORAMA II
THE SEMI-PRO HOFNER SOLIDS
Selmer Advertisement for the "New" Hofner "V"-Solid Guitars, September 1960.
The better quality solid guitar alternative to the Colorama offered by
Selmer changed design and name at frequent intervals during the 1960's.
All these guitars were fitted with tremolo arms. The following is a
brief progression through the various models:
The Hofner "V" Solids (First Series) - Set Neck, Built-in Vibrato, and Sunbust Finish, although some later guitars (1961) had a translucent red finish ("red glow"), and some a Bigsby Vibrato Unit. Offered with one (V1), two (V2, or V4 with Bigsby), or three pickups (V3, or V5 with Bigsby). Rectangular Hofner control consul. Produced 1960 to 1961. Hofner European Equivalent - Models 171(i)/172(i)/173(i).
The Hofner "V" Solids (Second Series) - Bolt on neck and Strat shaped body with red finish. Again fitted with rectangular control and choice of one, two, or three pickups. Twin dot fret markers and a clear varnished headstock. Produced late 1961 to early 1963. Hofner European Equivalent - Not sure if there was one?
The Hofner Super Solid - A development from the red V3, but with individual rotary controls instead of the rectangular consul. Either two or three pickup versions available. With exception of early examples, strip type fret markers were used, and a black faced headstock. Produced during 1963 and into 1964. Hofner European Equivalent - Models 172(ii)/173(ii)
The Hofner Galaxie - A revised body, with "offset waist" shape. Also, much more complex electrics fitted, with individual selector switches and "radio" style tone controls for each pickup. Available between late 1963 and the early 1970's. Red cellulose finished body generally, but some sunburst examples were also sold in the late 1960's/early 70's. The Hofner European Equivalent was the Model 176
THE HOFNER "V" SOLIDS:
The Hofner "V" Solids (First Series) - Set Neck, Built-in Vibrato, and Sunbust Finish, although some later guitars (1961) had a translucent red finish ("red glow"), and some a Bigsby Vibrato Unit. Offered with one (V1), two (V2, or V4 with Bigsby), or three pickups (V3, or V5 with Bigsby). Rectangular Hofner control consul. Produced 1960 to 1961. Hofner European Equivalent - Models 171(i)/172(i)/173(i).
The Hofner "V" Solids (Second Series) - Bolt on neck and Strat shaped body with red finish. Again fitted with rectangular control and choice of one, two, or three pickups. Twin dot fret markers and a clear varnished headstock. Produced late 1961 to early 1963. Hofner European Equivalent - Not sure if there was one?
The Hofner Super Solid - A development from the red V3, but with individual rotary controls instead of the rectangular consul. Either two or three pickup versions available. With exception of early examples, strip type fret markers were used, and a black faced headstock. Produced during 1963 and into 1964. Hofner European Equivalent - Models 172(ii)/173(ii)
The Hofner Galaxie - A revised body, with "offset waist" shape. Also, much more complex electrics fitted, with individual selector switches and "radio" style tone controls for each pickup. Available between late 1963 and the early 1970's. Red cellulose finished body generally, but some sunburst examples were also sold in the late 1960's/early 70's. The Hofner European Equivalent was the Model 176
THE HOFNER "V" SOLIDS:
- 1960 HOFNER V3 SOLID
Serial # 100, the first V-solid shipped to Selmer London in 1960. Owned by Nick Sadler, this guitar has been restored by Dave Farmiloe of Woodford near Kettering (Tel: 07929 892077). -
1960 HOFNER V3 SOLID
With a serial # of 103, this guitar must almost certainly have been in the same batch made as #100 above.. As with #100, there are signs of it still being in the experimental stage, with modified Senator tuners being used instead of the special unique tuners fitted to all other set-neck "V" solids later. Owned by Guy Audoux in France.
- 1960 HOFNER
V2 SOLID
The two pickup version of my own V3 featured elsewhere on the site. Thanks, Tony Woollett, for the photo of your guitar.
- 1960 HOFNER V3
SOLID
This guitar is interesting because it seems to have left the factory with the vibrato unit springs set in tension rather than compression as is usual with Hofner vibratos. I have recently seen another similar example to this. Guitar owned by H. J. Kamphuis in The Netherlands.
- 1960/61 HOFNER
V3 SOLID
This guitar is probably the most famous Hofner V3 ever! It is owned by Chris Rea, who uses it frequently on stage and in the studio.
- 1960
HOFNER V2 SOLID
Another ""set-neck"" V2, and this one still has its original Selmer crocodile hard case. Those cases are now fairly rare and definitely collectable !! Guitar (and case!) are owned by Graham Merry who now lives in Germany.
- 1961
HOFNER V2 SOLID
Another V2 - this one has just been restored by Jim Dougans of Bedfordshire, England.
- 1961 HOFNER V3 SOLID
A totally original V3 - it still has the vibrato tailpiece cover and Selmer croc-skin case. Photos courtesy of Anthont Te Paa in New Zealand.
- 1961
HOFNER V5 SOLID
One of the rare V5 solids, with translucent red finish and factory fitted with a Bigsby vibrato. The two pickup V4 and the three pickup V5 were introduced into the Selmer catalogue in 1961. This beautiful and original guitar was found by Matt Armstrong for sale in a music store in Edinburgh. It is now owned by Ian Thomson. - 1961 HOFNER V4 SOLID
The same as above, but just two Toaster pickups this time. The three-pup V5 is quite a rare guitar, but the V4 seems to be even rarer. Nick Sadler is the lucky owner.
- 1961 HOFNER V1 SOLID
This single pickup version of the "V" solids is also very rare. It would appear that not many were made, presumably because most buyers would have gone for a twin pickup Colorama rather than a single pickup - although more expensive - V1 solid. This one is fitted with the Type 510 "diamond logo" pickups, which indicate that it was one of the last set-neck "V" Solids produced.
- 1961/62
HOFNER V3 VERSION 2
The bolt-on neck V3, with the Strat shaped body, but still with the Hofner rectangular control consul. It is fitted with the Type 510 diamond logo pickups which superseded the "toasters" fitted to the majority of V Solids. Photos courtesy of Music Ground, Leeds, England.
THE HOFNER SUPER SOLIDS:
- 1962
HOFNER SUPER SOLID 3
The Selmer model that followed the red V2/V3 Solids, and pre-dated the introduction of the Galaxie. This particular guitar, owned by Ray Pickup in Cheshire England, is a very early example of the Super Solid. It still has the twin dot fret markers of the Red V2/3, and a clear varnished headstock facia. -
c1962/63
HOFNER SUPER SOLID 3
The next development of the Super Solid was the "strip" type fret markers and the black headstock facia. This is the three pickup (Type 510 "Diamond Logo" single coil) version and a nice one, owned by Melvyn in the UK. Purchase price of this guitar was 50 guineas in 1963. - 1963 HOFNER
SUPER SOLID 3
Another lovely example of the Super Solid, still with the adonised steel scratchplate, but now fitted with the later Type 511 "Diamond Logo Super" twin-coil pickups. Owned by Peter Dommett of Music Video Showcase TV.
- 1963 HOFNER SUPER SOLID 3
Same version as the one above, but with more detailed photos. This example comes courtesy of Jono Kirk of The Music Locker, Ripley, Derbyshire.
- 1963 HOFNER SUPER SOLID 3
The next version, fitted with Type 511 "Staple" pickups. and still with the steel scratchplate. This guitar has an original Selmer snakeskin case. A wiring diagram produced by Dan Coggins is included on the photo page. The guitar is owned by Rob Francis in the UK.
- 1964
HOFNER SUPER SOLID 2
By 1964, the "Super Solids" had been improved by the fitting of a micromatic bridge. In addition, the anodized steel scratchplate had been changed to a laminated plastic type. - No more scratches! This guitar is owned by Graham Hall in North Wales, and it still has its original Selmer case. - 1964
HOFNER SUPER SOLID 2
The final version of the Super Solid, made for a few months in parallel with the first Galaxies. This guitar now has the Galaxie-style tremolo cover and arm. Owned by Glen Griffiths of Cheshire, England.
THE HOFNER GALAXIE:
- 1963
HOFNER GALAXIE
Hofner's best known and most loved solid guitar. Plenty of switches on this to satisfy the most demanding technocrat! A nice example owned by Scott Hager of Ontario, Canada. - 1964
HOFNER GALAXIE
A mint example, courtesy of Guy Audoux, France.
- LATE
60's HOFNER GALAXIE
One of the later, and considerably rarer, sunburst Selmer distributed Galaxie's. Thanks to Music Ground in Leeds for letting me photograph this unusual guitar. - 1965/66
HOFNER GALAXIE
Another nice sunburst Galaxies. This one is owned by Paul Hunter of Middlesbrough England, and it still has its original Selmer "crocodile" case and, would you believe, a bottle of the 1960's Selmer guitar polish !!
Guy Audoux's Collection of 1960/62 Hofner Solids
Left to Right: Hofner V2; Hofner (185) Two-Pickup Solid Bass: Hofner (182)
One-Pickup Solid Bass; Hofner V3; Hofner V4.
