Electric Hofner with no SN

**ctm3rd** · Jan-15-2009, 3:53pm

I received from my Grandmothers estate a Hofner Mandolin. It is in excellent condition and I play it everyday. However, no one seems to be able to tell me what year it was made and the approximate value. If anyone has any info I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
Mitch

**MikeEdgerton** · Jan-15-2009, 5:28pm

Take a look at this site.

In addition here are some other message threads that discuss Hofners. I thought there was a Hofner Museum online but I can't seem to find the thread..

**ctm3rd** · Jan-15-2009, 7:02pm

Thanks for the info. I noticed that the only visible difference between the 545 hofner and my mandolin is the electronics.
I can not seem to find any reference to hofners with electronics.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jan-15-2009, 9:09pm

They popup now and then. You won't find a whole lot here. They have their fans but they aren't a major part of the collecting community.

**mandorando** · Mar-06-2009, 10:08pm

Mitch,
I think the electric version just had an e added to the 545. I think they would be priced fairly close to the non-electric versions, which I've seen selling for around $800 -$900, but that was a couple years ago.
I know they still made them in the early to mid 70's. I have a 545 that the neck came unglued from years ago. I had it reset at a better angle, and it increased the volume and improved the tone. If it had a longer scale it would probably be my main mandolin.

Randy

**mandolinlee** · Mar-09-2009, 3:03pm

Hi:
I bought an unlabeled mandolin brand new in Germany. Stationed there Oct. 1961 thru Oct. 1963.
Mine looks like the electric one pictured, but without the electrics. Mine looks like solid mahogany, but is laminated (plywood) as there is a spot on the top where the maker sanded through the veneer prior to applying the finish. It served its purpose till I got home to my Gibson. One problem with it was the trapese tailpiece. In the 60's I couldn't find ball end strings for it. Biggest problem, I dropped it on the floor and the neck broke off. Glued it back on, currently in two pieces in the case. Had a lot of fun with it, while it was playable.
Lee