SOLD - Vintage Hofner 455 Archtop – Germany 1950s

SOLD

Hand built in Germany beginning in 1951, the Hofner 455 model was the non-Selmer version of the Senator, but with some nice styling tweaks. It is a fully acoustic archtop style guitar, made with care and craftsmanship from another era.

All parts components appear to be original and the guitar is in very good condition, with minimal signs of use.

Features –

Traditional archtop styling

Laminated flamed maple top, back and sides

Brown tobacco sunburst finish

Black and white celluloid binding on top, back, and f-holes

Pearloid / tortoishell design headstock facing

Rosewood fingerboard with white celluloid inlays

Three-per-side tuners

Pearloid pickguard 

Lyre tailpiece

Produced between 1951 & 1968.

This is a lovely guitar to play – quite loud, with a punchy midrange and clear top end. Older Hofners did not have a truss rod, which is the case with this guitar. While everything feels just fine below the 7^th fret, there is a little upward curving of the neck so the action is just a bit under 2mm at the 12^th frets. But it is still quite easy to play in the higher registers.

The original frets are in good condition with plenty of life left. The tuners work perfectly and intonation is good.

Everything about this piece of Euro vintage is appealing. It is an outstanding example of European craftsmanship from an era before accountants managed the quality control. Made without compromise, this is quite rare and most desirable instrument which plays nicely, sounds great, and will look absolutely fabulous in your lounge room or studio.

A real bonus with this guitar is its original case in very good condition.

Video of same model -- https://youtu.be/VW83cfEjsq8