Hofner Guitars 457

I really wanted a Gibson 335 and hankered for years; then the 80s arrived and suddenly all the old and unloved semi acoustics were being touted about by the new British Invasion so anything was game.

I spied my E457 on a back wall of Kingfisher Music in Fleet UK and asked about it. Apparently it was on sale or return as the shop didn't stock Hofners and the Hofner rep was just passing. I asked to hear it and the guy put it thru a Mesa Boogie of all things! but thank God he did cos this thing rocks! It is not your typical country/Jazz beatbox, it has attitude and a beautiful range of plugged and unplugged tones. It can double as a acoustic as it has great projection and clarity.

The Pups are microphonic and it will squeal if too loud/gainy but in a controllable and musical way - in fact ppl buy gear to try and achieve this nowadays!

Finish is beautiful, neck sublime and it is a rare beast. I bloody love mine!

If you add some chorus you will get that Billy Duffy/Cult LOVE album sound with ease. In fact it is very similar in tone to a Gretsch White Falcon!