Please help identify this old guitar

[Time Pieces]

Was at my cousin's house this past weekend, and she wanted me to re-string her dad's old acoustic guitar.

I've seen it plenty of times over the years, but these are the first pics I've taken.

Only thing my Aunt could say about it was that she bought it for my Uncle shortly after they wed in the '50's. I've no recollection of him ever playing, but he did pass away when I was 12 so perhaps he did. At least must have I guess....

The thing is MINT. And by mint I mean MINT.

Original case to, and of course all original.

Check out the pearliod (sp?) work on the headstock, inlays, pickgaurd and heel.

Dam, I just realized I didnt even look for a serial #!!!!

WTF!

:dunce:


Take a look and help me out guys.......thanks in advance.




http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4690.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4691.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4692.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4693.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4694.jpg



http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4695.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r213/fenderstime/guitar/100_4696.jpg

[Jossy]

Man, what a beautiful instrument!

It looks a lot like this guitar: 1947 Hofner/Framus 457 Archtop. (http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/gallery/archtops2/arch2.html)

I don't really know if that's what it is. Maybe this site (http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/cont.html) could help you find out.

[Time Pieces]

Thanks Jossy!

I've been up laye surfing that site ~ but there are so many to look at, it's taking it's time.

Sure does look like that '47 model......my goodness thats old! Would be around the right time by a few years!

[Jossy]

Sure does look like that '47 model......my goodness thats old! Would be around the right time by a few years!

Yeah, that's what i figure too. Perhaps that same model with a few changes. I don't really know, i'm no expert in vintage instruments.

Hell, i play a Squier like if i was playing a 54 Strat! :smoke:

[Brew]

Nice old Hofner TP...

I'd put it a bit later than Jossy... I'd say it was a Hofner model 456 Acoustic, made in West Germany - from around 1960, onwards - the truss rod cover dates it... AFAIK, Hofners never had adjustable truss rods before 1960.

On UK Market models, the serial number (if it has one!) would be on a paper label inside the top f-hole. This would also have the model number on it... but probably you would have noticed this, if it was there.

Non UK market models sometimes have them stamped underneath the arch-top... near the bottom f-hole. You'll need a small mirror and a mini-maglite to read it off (thta's if it's there at all, that is!)

[Justpickin]

That is a beautiful instrument....and you're right, looks mint! I like all the pearloid on those old Hofners.

[Bytor1975]

Wow! What a beautiful guitar! That guitar is soooo sexy!

[Time Pieces]

It sounds really nice with new strings too, and kept tune which made me surprised the most with those old tuners.......the B string was the hardest to turn, but got there.

The link Jossy sent me, I emailed that guy the picks and he replied right away. Very impressed with how clean and original the guitar is.

Dated it an early '60's model due to the truss rod as Brew mentioned.

Next time I visit, I will take a small mirror and light, look under the F holes for any identification.


Thanks guys!