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gbisignani - Posted - 02/19/2018: 08:35:47
Hi,
I'm really a banjo guy and a member of the banjo hangout but have a question about a mandolin. Back in the 1970's I acquired a Hofner mandolin in a trade for a tenor guitar I owned. Recently I've been trying to find out some info on it. I had it re-strung by a local luthier and he said he thought it might be a good instrument. It's a Hofner . The back of the headstock says A Genuine Hofner Original Made in Germany. It's an A shaped with F holes, dark brown sunburst. Cannot find any other markings inside and the only other thing that's noticeable is a piece of MOTS on the bottom of the heal. Not really looking for a selling price but just want to know if it's a decent instrument. To me it sounds good but I don't have an ear for good/bad when it comes to mandolin.
Thanks,
Glenn
Rickker - Posted - 04/27/2019: 02:01:08
Hi Glenn, I know it's been well over a year since you posted the question but thought I would reply anyway. Does it have "cat-eye" sound holes? If so, it is a Höfner 545, likely built and sold during the 1960s. Considered a good quality instrument, not top quality high end, but not entry level either. I have just acquired one of these, and it also does not have a serial number anywhere. I have more information, but will wait to see if you or anyone else is out there to respond.
....Rick
MandoTom2 - Posted - 04/27/2019: 05:39:05
Sorry to poke my nose in here, but I was curious to 'see' what the (cat's eye) thing was all about...
Style-wise, the Cat's Eye sound hole design looks like it was borrowed from the 1930s Art Deco craze...
I like the looks of it...
As soon as I saw what you were talking about, Rickenbacher guitars immediately came to mind with a similar sound hole design idea (See pics below):
Richenbacher Guitars:
Cool stuff...
MandoTom2
gbisignani - Posted - 04/27/2019: 06:15:12
Hi Rick,
I forgot I even posted this question. I guess you can see that I never heard anything back until today !!
Thanks for getting back to me !!
No cat's eye holes...F holes kinda like an F style mandolin has.
I basically haven't been able to find out any information about this model Hofner. I think I remember (from over a year ago) that the cat's eye models were of a better quality.
The reason why I asked was the luthier said he thought because it was made in Germany it might be a better quality than Asian. I really have nothing against Asian (especially Japanese). I currently own a very nice Asian banjo.
Thanks again for your response !
Glenn
