Hofner Archtop 465s 1957 Vintage

Bass Hofner Paul Mccartney. Not quite! This is a beautifully made Hofner 1957 Archtop model 465/s. The 465 was one of Hofner's top quality archtops. When introduced in 1949 it was the best archtop that Hofner made in the small range of five models with which they re-started the business after WW11. It was described in the catalogue as being of "best master work" and the first examples has the description "Meisterclasse" stamped just below the Hofner logo on the body top.
The 465's reign as top-dog came to an end when the slightly larger-bodied (17-25" body width) 468. (European-market) and committee (Selmer UK market) models were introduced in 1953. Actually, I would say that the same standard of workmanship was used on all three models (465, 468 and Committee) and in fact the Rosewood veneers used on the 465 should actually have given it the edge in that respect. It was just the larger bodied guitars were by then more fashionable. Later models pulled further away from the 465- ie, the Committee Deluxe in 1957 and the Golden Hofner /470 model in 1960, but again this was really down to the body size and quantities of "bling" - not I believe actually due to the workmanship and timber quality.

[@murattaner7384]

Beautiful Hofners were always very good guitars and of course bases, but very good guitars with a character of their own. And what necks!!! :))

[@richardg1878]

Absolutly! Cheers for the comment.

[@murattaner7384]

@@richardg1878 :)))

[@murattaner7384]

@@richardg1878 The late Murat Sezen built some fantastic guitars. Now his son Ali is carrying the name, his then apprentice Briken Aliu (guitars) is now building very good guitars , bases and baritones and carved body models. Check them out, you wont be dissapointed :::Cheeres :))

[@richardg1878]

@@murattaner7384 Thanks for that. Will do.