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Thread: Electric Hofner with no SN

  1. #1

    Default Electric Hofner with no SN

    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
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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    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..
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  3. #3

    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    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.

  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    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.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  5. #5
    Registered User mandorando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    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
    Randy

  6. #6

    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    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

  7. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Electric Hofner with no SN

    I think that the selling price listed is very generous.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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