Hofner Guitars president/ comitee

This guitar is a Hofner German brand archtop that produced mainly in the years 50/60 and diversified later, but I'm not an expert! ...
I can not say what model it is exactly because I have not yet found a corresponding photos on the internet ...
I have been sold for a 455 S / AR 1963, but the handle looks more like the handle of a President ... difficult to find out more! given many photos found on the internet I wonder if the guitar does not date back instead of the mid 50's.

The handle does not touch the table, which is typical of these guitars. It has a little play but it is very small, it cracks a little when we go high, which makes this guitar .. vibrant and engaging

The pickguard is black but I think it is not original

the microphone is a P90 which I think is not original either

The Tailpiece is against him by the original, and gives a sleek art deco was the guitar

the volume knob can be unique original style speedknob gibson.
button works quite strange: when the runs of 10 to 0, was first a key change that will gradually have to warm and round, then from the first third of it really plays on the volume. .. a little confusing but good fun even qd!

The guitar is equipped with a tune-o-matic which is totally original and quite cheap, I think it is going to break quite a few strings so I upgrade to a wood to make the the less bright and softer

The body color is sunburst, has caused some petes his age but rather well preserved

The neck is amazing for the age of the guitar! very slightly bent, which is quite extraordinary given that these guitars have no trussrod!
The profile is rather round but still very comfortable.
There are inlaid with mother of pearl with small circles, lined by two or three following boxes.

the mechanisms appear original, they do not agree very well but that's part of the charm of this guitar, I think before long v to change I think!

There are just two boxes or frieze ca dangerously but a small adjustment of bridges or a little fret filing should be enough

The guitar is really light compared to many other 3 / 4 body.

UTILIZATION

The handle is quite nice, access to acute facilitated by a good cuttaway.

As said before the guitar is rather light, certainly the absence of a central beam.

by turning the single button was first a change of tone and volume. the sound is always good!!

SOUNDS

I play jazz septet now, and the sound suits me perfectly.
It is warm and round with a superb sustain. The sound is very close to Kenny Burrell on midnight blue!
I played on a modeling amp Line 6 Flextone III XL (2HP 12) with simulations of vintage amp (gibson explorer, blues, blackface) and it's great!
I also tested with a septet peavay Transtube 40W, which mimics rather well the lamp and has a nice reverb, and c magic!
With my preamp vox 30W lamp is even better, the sound is really pure and full, deliciously crunchy!
I really hate to play on a all-tube amp!

Otherwise the sound is rather well balanced and rich, whether in agreement or single notes.

Unplugged it's a nice, rich and generous, well-balanced, though most favor the lower strings, with a reasonable power to work for either.

Basically for me is that happiness!

OVERALL OPINION

I just bought it on ebay for 400 Euros, and I dreaded that the handle is too curved notament but this is not the case then good surprise!
I have the good feeling of having a hand in the vintage guitar that has 40 to 50 years!
I'm already very attached to this guitar has a little something touching ...
Sound blues / jazz I was looking for is finally under my fingers!
It is in very good condition for its age, I say good for her age because I have seen others that were frankly not cool: curved handle, missing parts, jack creaking at the slightest movement, varnish missing. .. of any of this, only qq scratch but hey, age can be seen that these are wrinkles!

I also have an epiphone joe pass with Di Marzio pickups I'm talking about classic air on this site, It has has nothing to do

The HOFNER is much lighter, the sound much warmer, less powerful but more moving. they are two completely different worlds and I do not push the comparison further.
The price of guitars HOFNER with odds of 400 to 900 euros (less if in poor condition) is frankly very interesting for those who want to find the emotion of the vintage without giving her a thrill wallet!

With the experience I launched into a collection well lol!!
it may be as a first step towards the gibson es 125 vintage guitars and ...