Thanks for another great review. For me listening to you talk is an enjoyable part of your reviews. With this type of guitar at this price point, I think minor flaws are irrelevant as long as it's still playable. It's primarily a fast and loose rock and roll machine for people who can't afford "better", and minor flaws just give it character. I also am a big fan of The Clash, and Joe Strummer in particular. Thanks again.
Wow!!! Guitar sounds great!! I think this is my favorite of the inexpensive guitars of recent past. The sound very well just suits my ears. I may have to start looking for one. Thanks Colin, fantastic video!!
7:15 a little translation help regarding the writing on the back of the headstock: "seit" means "since" and is pronounced exactly like "site" (as in "website"). Interesting that they used the english "Germany" and not "Deutschland" in the same line. Well, the expression "Made in Germany" has been used on many products since WW2.
I have one of the German made ones for past 10 years. Signed by one their famous luthiers. Spruce top had cracks so I got it for $4000 off the list price. It works fine. Mini buckers. Flame maple back and sides tone controls work to split coils incrementally by turning counterclockwise.
Legendary pedigree the guitars of choice for those beat groups of the early 60's . Intial reissues were expensive like the blonde Very thin good to see they have a stripped down version in keeping with their legacy
Please don’t stop talking, I think your videos are amazing and always entertaining, your experience and love of guitar is great to see. I love the layout of the videos and actually enjoy the fact that you take your time and talk about what your doing , mistakes you may do and try get give advice. Thanks again and keep them coming 👍👍👍🎸😁
Ha Colin I was looking around for a Crestwood. I looked online at a store I just heard about “Music Go Round” In Bradenton Florida just south of where I’m moving this weekend. So one look at a Gibson Deluxe 2009 in a Heritage Cherry Sunburst. I have to go pick it up Tuesday or Wednesday next week. You should take half the credit/blame:) for getting me interested in that double cut Crestwood. Thank you so much for sharing your guitar enthusiasm I wouldn’t have been looking for another guitar BUT here we are. When I get my hands on it I’ll get you some pictures of it.
Thanks for a great review here! I bought this guitar after watching this review 5 months in and I absolutely love it!!! Plays great and looks cool as f*** at a great price!!!!
Thanks for another great review. This guitar seems to suit you, a real blank canvas. And for that price, it’s impossible to go wrong with it. Very sweet in mid-position
No dot inlays on the fretboard, I really love that look. Stripped down, lean and mean. This could be a good alternative to a vintage Verithin. Another great review!
I've got one of these, bought in Sheffield this Jan for £300. I love the look and the quality for the price is outstanding. To compare, I also have the Verythin bass Contemporary Series, which cost twice the price. But the quality is very close.
I remember the Verythin being in the 1970 Bells of Surbiton catalogue. Wanted it but couldn't afford it , so bought a Shaftesbury 'Rickenbacker' copy. Couldn't get it to intonate, so took it back. Fell in love with a Stratocaster, so bought it on the hire purchase. Still have it. Still have a soft spot for the Verythin.
For what it's worth, John Valentine Caruthers played a Hofner Verythin on the Banshee's 'Tinderbox' album. Friggin' awesome it is too, so really nice to actually see a thorough review of one.
I’m always disappointed when companies are revived or they release reissues of old unique models but they stick generic modern PAF style humbuckers in them instead of something replicating the unique pickups that were in the original. I think Supro, or Harmony, or someone else, did this as well when the companies where first revived.
They're just cheap garbage really. The entire instrument. Each of those you mentioned, they're just playable, about-to-scale models of their often imperfect but far better originals. There's something inhuman about so many things these days. The cosmetic perfection of computer-aided mass production can never spiritually replace the slower, more expensive, less precise by-hand production. Spiritually meaning there's something about an old Super, Harmony, Hofner, Danelectro, even if you black them both out and don't know which is which, soon as you pick it up you'll know. You just do. Soon as you plug it in you'll hear it. Every guitar was just slightly imperfect in minute ways to where the eye could identify something organic about it. Of course, I would assume far, far less guitars were built in the 50s and 60s. There were about half the number of people in the planet, so I would assume, despite the mainstream popularity of rock then v. Now, there were still far fewer guitar players just by virtue of there being far fewer people on earth. Fewer players, fewer people making them, fewer people buying them, fewer orders, fewer amount of guitars in each order, etc. They just had to be better built. Everything was! Standards were higher for craftsmanship, even if the build process and finished products were, by some human-error amount, "cruder." Maybe the sound was less clear, maybe the guitar was a pain in the ass to play because the neck was an old hickory baseball bat, etc. Idk. I don't think it's simply "in my head" that the old ones are way better. I played one in a shop not long ago, and then, without even knowing they remade them, I played a new one in a different shop...both were used. The instant I picked it up and looked it over came the instinctual feeling of, "this is cheaper." Flipped it around, saw the headstock, and sure enough....new.
@@James-mz7tv Yeah, I grew up on the “cheap” Japanese made guitars of the 70s when I started playing back then. Never had a mainstream guitar until I got a California Series Strat in the late 90s. Three of my current guitars are 60s and 70s Kay, Harmony and Silvertone “department store” guitars. Those are keepers. As you said, they have something you just can’t find in guitars anymore.
Hey! Pretty cool review! Very cool that you featured a german brand! As always very professional and rousing! Thanks for your great posts every Friday!😃👍🏼 Btw: "Seit" means "since" in German and is pronounced like your word "side". That ain't no "shehiit"! 😂
That's pretty nice man. It would make a great mod platform if nothing else. It sounded pretty sweet in the playout though so I wouldn't feel like I needed to start changing things right away. I'm really not a fan of the "no position marker" fingerboard. I have a classical guitar that I get lost on fairly regularly...lol. On a different note, I ordered my SG yesterday. I went with the Epiphone SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue. It SHOULD be here tomorrow. That's what they're telling me so far anyway. I guess I'll find out tomorrow!!! Thanks for another enjoyable video, they always make my Friday morning!!! See you next week man, TTFN!!! PS... Don't let your meatloaf!!!🤣🤣🤣
Nice one that's a really cool guitar the Pelham Blue Special!! 🔥 Hey you are going to be particularly interested in next weeks video... 😜 Cheers Joe have a great weekend hope it turns up!
Thanks for another great review! It would be fun to have your review of Gallagher's signature Epiphone Riviera (whenever you're able to grab one) and if the extra money is worth it in comparison to the other semi-hollow and Casino. Cheers!
Cheers man!, I don't think I will be getting one unfortunately... they are so massively oversubscribed that a review sometime next year when I can finally get my hands on one seems a bit pointless! 🤷♂️
Hi Colin, back in the day of course Hofner Burns and Watkins were the only pro choices as F and G were not available. I saw loads of beat bands useing verythins and they were not cheap back then, and i wanted one but to dear for me so it was a Futurama that stripped my fingers of their skin. The things we went througn for rock and roll eh, a super vid of a great icon of the 60s thanks mate cheers Steve.
Cool! I like the sound and the look of this one, Colin. Nice deal. I had a Hofner Clubman when I was late teens but left it with a friend in NZ when I came to HK in 82. Lost touch but I'm sure I can track him down if I head back for a visit - hopefully still in his guitar 'storage' cupboard. Enjoyed your playing this time round - showed off the guitar nicely!
Another great review as always! Not to keen on these and the sound didn't really do it for my ears but still a great review anyways! Have you heard about the new Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera? Looks like a very cool edition - I like how they included the volute like how the original would have had
Awesome review of a guitar that wasn’t on my radar. Might I suggest you look into the Les Paul CM? With one pickup and an affordable price tag it seems like something you would enjoy.
Very nice guitar. Simple lines and minimal bling. I do like to have 4 pots though. I'll see if the pups are any good when you get to the playing bit. I hope so because swapping will be a pain.
great sounding guitar. never played a hofner. impressive for this price. great playing.! dont change the review format. this is the only channel i watch every week and enjoy (with a scotch)
Hofners are really underrated guitars....I've never seen one of these and it's really nice looking, stripped down ...great looking neck...I like no fret inlays on it. I also like that the input jack it on the side instead of top loaded. That's just a bit heavier than my Casino
Mate! All the aces today. The Sandinista of The Guitaristas. Loved that you did a hollow body. Especially a Hofner! I did not know Joe played one in the 101'ers. Always associated him with his tele. Love it. Very relevent too given The Mescalero years has just been released. Well done. I suspect a few upgrades for this one. Cheers, have a great week. 👍
Oh Hell Yes! Thin semi-hollow body is something that I've completely forgotten about ever being created. I'm thinking about building a semi-hollow with a Florentine cutaway (ES-175, ES-135 style) and now that thin body inspiration made it a lot cooler in my head. Thanks for the video man. You rule!
@@MarcinOfTheNuclearVillage The body is two inches deep at the centre (certainly on the originals), which is actually a bit deeper than a Gibson 335, and just one and a quarter at the edge. They sit under your arm really comfortably.
@@BackToTheBlues that's all (the comfy feel) because of the carved top. My initial plans were to make it a flat top but now the thin body construction simply screams 'CARVED'. Anyway, it's a design phase at the moment. I have to finish my GGBO2022 challenge build first, restore two other guitars of my own, hell knows what else... and then get into my first semi-hollow build. Probably not sooner than 3-4 months from now. Fun stuff! \m/
Hiya Colin, what a great video - I'm only halfway through and very intrigued. I had a quick look through the comments and couldn't see it mentioned - the pronunciation of seit is with a long 'I' (in German if you have ei you pronounce 'I' and if it's ie you pronounce 'E' (just think that Wein sounds like Wine with a v)). I am a bit tempted by these guitars but I got a Tokai 335 type during the lockdown so I don't really need it. But if I did, I'd get a gold top one and put Creamery hum-sized P90s in there and some kind of Wang system - either a Bigsby or a long Lyre Vibrola. Looking forward to further videos.
Thank you Colin.. vey enjoyable this! Good jam! was that in standard stuning ?.....Coming to your channel feels a bit like going down a pub and listening to your funny guitarhead mate rant and jam😆👍 Sooo if "SIET " = SINCE in German ! ..And both you and i have been around "SIET ". aprox. 1960 ! then it can be said that we are both full of "SIET "!
As always great demo Colin! Please please please could you use your contacts within the guitar universe to get hold of the new Noel Gallagher epiphone riviera re issue! Sold out at peach guitars in 15 mins! 34 sold! The review on the royal tan riviera you did made me go out and get one! Absolutely love the mini humbuckers! But this Gallagher riviera had alnico classic pros. It is retailing at £799. 👍👌🎸
The other day I tried a used Contemporary and I'm considering going back to the shop and grabbing it. The thing just had a great feel and played great.
You get on fire with this guitar, Colin, great playing 👌, and this guitar really looks absolutely cool, I think, it is something special, worth to consider bying and modding. Maybe with a DeArmond "Goldtone" pickup or a P90 as bridge pickup for example.
I enjoy your plunkin' more all the time... (especially this week's opener) What sort of wood is that purdy fingerboard? ...and is the neck mah-gog-gonney? (Dog gone it) ...and is there/are there any links of you jamming with your mates (current or long lost, either will be just ducky) (?)
Cheers Jonny! It’s Jatoba… mahogany neck… you should watch the film I do mention it 🤣👍 There’s no recordings of my band but I’m definitely thinking of starting up again. I need a singer are you in? 🤔
@@theguitaristas Hell yes and cripes (!) I love singing... It's a buzz way better than artificial stimuli... and I play the 6 string, well, off and on (since ble*ding 1964) When I'm doin' walk-about in Los Angeles, which/whatever song is on 'repeat' in me head comes out and at least I don't thimk I've been frightening any of the local small children and/or me neighbors...
Probably the world’s most underrated semi-hollow body guitars. I regret selling mine which was dark walnut gloss with dot inlays that was apart of a limited run. Put vintage style Kluson’s on it. Looked like a ES 335TD if you weren’t paying attention. These baby’s really sing.
I have a Hofner 4575 (or 65-3, as it was also known), which is a three pickup Verithin with complex but versatile wiring. It's the second one I've owned, as I lost the first in sad circumstances. They're great guitars. They used a few types of pickups, the 'Diamond logo' ones, which are humbucker sized but single coil (not really a con, as there's stuff going on in there to spread the magnetic field) and the 'staple' type, which are humbuckers. It's a narrower pickup, closer to a Filtertron, but not as deep. They have a good tone, but not a hugely powerful output. I prefer the tailpiece style mine has to a stop bar. Mine actually has their own tremelo system, which is a lovely thing, stays in tune, and is easier to load up than a Bigsby. It's nice to see they've bought back that headstock shape, for quite a while they used their 'clipped corner' style, which looks more like an Epiphone in shape compared to this almost Gibson style. To me it needs some something between the logo and nut, but I suppose they've gone minimalist with it, as per the lack of fret markers, and only two knobs. I love the look of the bar fret markers the originals had, though. It's also really nice to see they've put binding on the f-holes - they always look so much classier that way!
Another great video! I've been looking for a hollowbody/semi hollowbody for quite a while now, but havent been 'persuaded' to buy one yet, and dont know which one to get. Seems to me, like they are either all the same/similar in construction, except for the pickups. So Im still searching, maybe I'll come across one in the local guitar store or pawnshop that will call to me. Looking forward to the shootout !
Interesting use of the Timbers in that Beautiful Budget Guitar . SPRUCE for the BLOCK . Mahogany Front . And Maple Back . Something is Arseabout . I think most builders would go Maple Block , Mahogany Back and Spruce Front . One question . Is it Neck through or Set Neck ? Sounds Good and Looks Great . Yes , well Cool . Worth upgrading . Hofner is a " Known " name for well made Instruments .
Thanks for another fine film, mate. That's a very nice looking guitar and I actually like the tone as it has a vintage quality to it. Or maybe I was just listening with my eyes, but it had a nice, clean chime to it. Have a great weekend, cheers!
Where you say the bridge is a different size do you know if this would mean id not be able to fit a bigsby b7? Im struggling to find all the dimensions i need and dont want to fork out for the bigsby and it not fit 😂 Love the review i bought one basically straight after i watched! Definitely upgrading some bits but so far definitely happy
it's a bit tricky getting the right specs as they all seem to be a bit different... it may be trial and error and some deep research and measuring needed!
Cool looking guitar, would like to see your comparison pt2 video sometime. Don’t get why they don’t put the small amount extra into better wiring etc., fret finish. Fussy people like me would buy them even at an extra £50 or whatever but not buying a guitar at any price that needs work done from new. The fret gap would bug me knowing it’s not been done right. Cheers.
My first guitar was a 59 Hofner President I found in my loft so I've always had a soft spot for the brand! I bought a Hofner New President when the UK distributer went bust in about 2007, I got it for £800 which was about half price at the time! Much like Gretsch Hofner have a cheap range and a built in Germany range, the New President was a fantastic guitar and it blew a Gibson L5 out of the water! I side by sided one that a mate had just paid £5000 for and even he said the Hofner was the better guitar! Hand carved top, flamed maple body with an ebony fretboard, pickguard and tailpiece! The floating mini-humbucker was nice too!
Another great review. Anything Strummer played good with me. How does this compare mate to the Epi Dot? Brilliant as always mate. Love these videos Colin
Nice one Colin, very nice sounding guitar, my next door neighbour has an original, he bought it in 1962...needs some resto work now mind but a cool guitar.....
A nice guitar 🎸 and enjoyed the tones on the playout . As an Englishman living in Berlin the word seit means since ! The correct pronunciation would be ZITE , great video and probably a worthy addition to anyones collection 👍🎸
I don't know if it the amp or the guitar itself, but there is this cleanness to the way it sounds. Just a bit of background ring and when the pedals kick un the only difference is the effects intended sound. I don't particularly like the unplugged sound, but then again, thin semi hollow body guitars all sound like that. While watching, I tried to find one, with little success (lots of bass versions). I would replace the tuners, for the cost it might be worth the cost and work. Talk away Colin, that's half the fun watching. How can you review a guitar without talking? ;-)
Hofners are damn near impossible to buy here in America. But there's one website selling new Verythins to America. And I think I'm gonna get one for my next machine. Just a classy machine with a real classic rock sound.
Colin, you seem very inspired with this Höfner, much more than with the Duesenberg. It would be interesting to see you play the same rigs with the Duesenberg. 🙂
Cool guitar … luv the colour vibe body and neck just jell, big fan of slimline guitars got the Gretsch 5622 T … same kind of dark tones but that princeton amp is killer … be cool to see some amp comparisons with a few fuzz lead runs on the neck with the tone dialed down !
First - don't change your presentation. Second - ignore click bait! Screw-em!!! Since the unboxing, you have been playing that thin jewel. Sounds good for the money! Keep up the great work! Firebird next?
'Seit,' in this use, means 'since'. It is pronounced a bit like 'sight'. Very nice guitar. I know and like this model for years. This one is elegant with the matt finish and the fretboard without any inlay. Vintage Verithins (i think they should have keep the original spelling) and some of the reissues often have very original full width stripe inlays. There is also extensive binding job down to the F-holes. This is surprising on such an inexpensive guitar..
I have an Ibanez afs 75t that is a lot like that guitar. It’s one those guitars you cant put down. My les paul hasn’t been out of its case in a year. I like the finish you have the best. Very cool looking guitar.
great review as usual Col , you`ve got me looking again but which one has to go 12 wall hangers and possibly 13 guitars, you keep posing these problems , don`t you fancy a three month holiday it might be cheaper to send you away than watch your reviews, Ha !!love the guitar , love the colour, your deffinatele right with that, keep them coming Clarkson , winter is approaching and dark nights means guitar obsession
... sometimes a certain guitar will take a player to a certain place - put the two together and off they go it doesn't even have to that great of a guitar It's just "one of those things" - and a very cool thing Colin, keep the Hofner! 🎁
2003 Hofner offered s very beautiful flame maple top, back and sides in natural...looked more like creamy caramel...tasty😎👍😁 Saw it hanging on the wall of a favorite guitar store and fell in love with it. HAD TO HAVE IT...!!!😁 Over $1k back then...Reverb has them (used) for a bit more than that. Have to say that this model that Colin has is cool looking in its own right, and sounds just about as good as the higher priced one with the same full sized humbuckers 😉😎👍 What a fun, comfortable and good looking guitar to get your semi-hollow freak on👍😃 And at this price...?👍👍👍 Dig VeryThins😁😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother
@@theguitaristas Let me ask you, what guitar do you recommend for Classic Rick, i.e., AC/DC, Zeppelin, Stones, Sabbath, Greenday. That kind of music. I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio, Gibson '61 SG Re-issue, and Fender Player Series Telecaster. I am asking myself, do I really need these budget guitars? I need a Hollow Body...or a Strat...
Hello again mate, I've owned a Hofner Verythin CT in Sunburst for about 12 years. The volume pot bust on it just today but I'm thinking of replacing all the pots and the pickups with tonerider P90 Rebels.. Is this possible? I've found a Luthier to change the broken pot but on the strength of your Epiphone Casino in worn olive video, I'm thinking of just upgrading the Hofner. It plays really well but the pickups have never really inspired me as put against my Gibson Les Paul Custom, the Hofner gets blown away. I'm really after that jangly, chimey punchy and jazzy sound. PS.. "Seit 1887" means "Since 1887", "seit" is German for "since" and pronounced like "sight" but the "s" should sound like a "z", as in "zebra." Love your enthusiasm, how you put your vids together and your playing. 👍👍👍
I just picked up a cheap second hand dark stain Verythin. Nice to play, but only Ok sound. Compared to my stock Epiphone ES 335 it's not great. I'm thinking of changing the pickups, because i do like the shape, weight and feel.
Hey hey! This brings back some serious old memories! My first good electric guitar was a 1960’s Hofner Viking! It was 1979. I’d been playing guitar for 8-9 yrs by then, and had owned a couple of decent acoustics. A Japanese made OM with a “Fender” decal on the head stock (it was a very playable guitar!) - after which I got my first (of many, since then!)Guilds - a D25. I LOVED my Hofner! This looks like a very good, affordable 335 alternative! I’ll stick with my Godin Montreal Premier for my centre block guitar, though. Peace - great episode!
My very first guitar was a Hofner solid body around 1972 branched to a Acetone Pyramid shape amp. We played Santana stuff on that gear....sounded really loud
My chum had an original Verithin. Sold it a few years back, didn't get as much money as it was probably worth. Looking at you taking out the pickups, it occurred to me, is there any difference if you were to turn those pickups around, and the pole screws would be on the opposite side to where they are now? Do they have lefty oriented pups for left-handed guitars,? Just an idle question, the answer to which you might know. Yeah, I like the lack of position markers on the fretboard, as long as it has side dots.
Hey Robert, I don’t know for sure but I don’t think there is any difference if you flip them… magnets and screws, slugs are the same both sides I think? 🤔
hey, you're finally doing a Hofner!!! they have a bass version of it that I've been wanting for a long time, even when I had an endorsement deal with them. one of the reps still owes me a favor, so maybe one of these days I'll get one.
@@theguitaristas yup!!! what kind of WannaBeatle would I be if I didn't have a couple of them (or more) haha? but, I also have one of their P bass copies, too. it's actually pretty good. it has two mini-hums. I bought it at NAMM a few years back (I'm from Los Angeles and NAMM is super close by to me). my first Hof be-attle bass got signed by a certain left-handed scouser about 20 years ago when I met him completely by chance while I was working on a TV show at a local studio (I also work as a movie extra and actor).
Doesn’t work for me in this series as H7 is really a 335 copy whereas all these others are originals dating way back. But I will probably get one eventually!
Fridays only truly begins when a new The Guitaristas video drops out! Another great review for our enjoyment! Thanks!!
Cheers Leandro! 😎👍
Thanks for another great review. For me listening to you talk is an enjoyable part of your reviews. With this type of guitar at this price point, I think minor flaws are irrelevant as long as it's still playable. It's primarily a fast and loose rock and roll machine for people who can't afford "better", and minor flaws just give it character. I also am a big fan of The Clash, and Joe Strummer in particular. Thanks again.
Cheers Jeff! 😎👍
I spent my teenage years in the 60s drooling over these guitars in the catalogues, nice looking guitar , desirable still.
Never too late Rory! 😜👍
Wow!!! Guitar sounds great!! I think this is my favorite of the inexpensive guitars of recent past. The sound very well just suits my ears. I may have to start looking for one. Thanks Colin, fantastic video!!
7:15 a little translation help regarding the writing on the back of the headstock:
"seit" means "since" and is pronounced exactly like "site" (as in "website").
Interesting that they used the english "Germany" and not "Deutschland" in the same line.
Well, the expression "Made in Germany" has been used on many products since WW2.
I have one of the German made ones for past 10 years. Signed by one their famous luthiers. Spruce top had cracks so I got it for $4000 off the list price. It works fine. Mini buckers. Flame maple back and sides tone controls work to split coils incrementally by turning counterclockwise.
Legendary pedigree the guitars of choice for those beat groups of the early 60's . Intial reissues were expensive like the blonde Very thin good to see they have a stripped down version in keeping with their legacy
Hofner. Never played one but now I feel like I have known about them forever. Thank you!
Your reviews and banter are always a great addition to Fridays, Cheers!
Cheers Michael!
“Let’s get stuck in!” I look forward to these words every week. Cheers, Colin!
😆👍
Please don’t stop talking, I think your videos are amazing and always entertaining, your experience and love of guitar is great to see. I love the layout of the videos and actually enjoy the fact that you take your time and talk about what your doing , mistakes you may do and try get give advice. Thanks again and keep them coming 👍👍👍🎸😁
Cheers Dan, thanks for supporting man! 😎👍
Ha Colin I was looking around for a Crestwood. I looked online at a store I just heard about “Music Go Round” In Bradenton Florida just south of where I’m moving this weekend. So one look at a Gibson Deluxe 2009 in a Heritage Cherry Sunburst. I have to go pick it up Tuesday or Wednesday next week. You should take half the credit/blame:) for getting me interested in that double cut Crestwood. Thank you so much for sharing your guitar enthusiasm I wouldn’t have been looking for another guitar BUT here we are. When I get my hands on it I’ll get you some pictures of it.
I’m impressed with this one. Really cool looking and sounds the part! Great show!
Cheers mate, nice little affordable and different axe this one! 😎👍
Thanks for a great review here! I bought this guitar after watching this review 5 months in and I absolutely love it!!! Plays great and looks cool as f*** at a great price!!!!
Thanks for another great review. This guitar seems to suit you, a real blank canvas. And for that price, it’s impossible to go wrong with it. Very sweet in mid-position
Great stuff, Colin. Yours is the only guitar channel I watch from start to finish these days!
Thanks for supporting its really appreciated!! 🙏😊
No dot inlays on the fretboard, I really love that look. Stripped down, lean and mean. This could be a good alternative to a vintage Verithin. Another great review!
Cheers man!
I've got one of these, bought in Sheffield this Jan for £300. I love the look and the quality for the price is outstanding. To compare, I also have the Verythin bass Contemporary Series, which cost twice the price. But the quality is very close.
I remember the Verythin being in the 1970 Bells of Surbiton catalogue. Wanted it but couldn't afford it , so bought a Shaftesbury 'Rickenbacker' copy. Couldn't get it to intonate, so took it back. Fell in love with a Stratocaster, so bought it on the hire purchase. Still have it.
Still have a soft spot for the Verythin.
Lovely! I picked up a Verythin last year and I've been very happy with it.
Nice one! 😎👍
For what it's worth, John Valentine Caruthers played a Hofner Verythin on the Banshee's 'Tinderbox' album. Friggin' awesome it is too, so really nice to actually see a thorough review of one.
I’m always disappointed when companies are revived or they release reissues of old unique models but they stick generic modern PAF style humbuckers in them instead of something replicating the unique pickups that were in the original. I think Supro, or Harmony, or someone else, did this as well when the companies where first revived.
They're just cheap garbage really. The entire instrument. Each of those you mentioned, they're just playable, about-to-scale models of their often imperfect but far better originals.
There's something inhuman about so many things these days. The cosmetic perfection of computer-aided mass production can never spiritually replace the slower, more expensive, less precise by-hand production. Spiritually meaning there's something about an old Super, Harmony, Hofner, Danelectro, even if you black them both out and don't know which is which, soon as you pick it up you'll know. You just do. Soon as you plug it in you'll hear it. Every guitar was just slightly imperfect in minute ways to where the eye could identify something organic about it.
Of course, I would assume far, far less guitars were built in the 50s and 60s. There were about half the number of people in the planet, so I would assume, despite the mainstream popularity of rock then v. Now, there were still far fewer guitar players just by virtue of there being far fewer people on earth. Fewer players, fewer people making them, fewer people buying them, fewer orders, fewer amount of guitars in each order, etc. They just had to be better built. Everything was! Standards were higher for craftsmanship, even if the build process and finished products were, by some human-error amount, "cruder." Maybe the sound was less clear, maybe the guitar was a pain in the ass to play because the neck was an old hickory baseball bat, etc.
Idk. I don't think it's simply "in my head" that the old ones are way better. I played one in a shop not long ago, and then, without even knowing they remade them, I played a new one in a different shop...both were used. The instant I picked it up and looked it over came the instinctual feeling of, "this is cheaper." Flipped it around, saw the headstock, and sure enough....new.
@@James-mz7tv Yeah, I grew up on the “cheap” Japanese made guitars of the 70s when I started playing back then. Never had a mainstream guitar until I got a California Series Strat in the late 90s. Three of my current guitars are 60s and 70s Kay, Harmony and Silvertone “department store” guitars. Those are keepers. As you said, they have something you just can’t find in guitars anymore.
Hey! Pretty cool review! Very cool that you featured a german brand! As always very professional and rousing! Thanks for your great posts every Friday!😃👍🏼
Btw:
"Seit" means "since" in German and is pronounced like your word "side". That ain't no "shehiit"! 😂
Such a great and in depth review! Have you been tempted to upgrade the pickups?
That's pretty nice man. It would make a great mod platform if nothing else. It sounded pretty sweet in the playout though so I wouldn't feel like I needed to start changing things right away.
I'm really not a fan of the "no position marker" fingerboard. I have a classical guitar that I get lost on fairly regularly...lol.
On a different note, I ordered my SG yesterday. I went with the Epiphone SG Special P-90 in Pelham Blue.
It SHOULD be here tomorrow. That's what they're telling me so far anyway. I guess I'll find out tomorrow!!!
Thanks for another enjoyable video, they always make my Friday morning!!!
See you next week man, TTFN!!!
PS... Don't let your meatloaf!!!🤣🤣🤣
Nice one that's a really cool guitar the Pelham Blue Special!! 🔥 Hey you are going to be particularly interested in next weeks video... 😜 Cheers Joe have a great weekend hope it turns up!
Thanks for another great review! It would be fun to have your review of Gallagher's signature Epiphone Riviera (whenever you're able to grab one) and if the extra money is worth it in comparison to the other semi-hollow and Casino. Cheers!
Cheers man!, I don't think I will be getting one unfortunately... they are so massively oversubscribed that a review sometime next year when I can finally get my hands on one seems a bit pointless! 🤷♂️
I like you video format. Your videos are well produced. Thanks for all of your hard work. Keep it up!
Cheers Mark that's appreciated!
Nice surprise. Very handsome guitar- I need to see if avail in USA. Good eye catching the fret set gaps. Best regards from ATX,
Hi Colin, back in the day of course Hofner Burns and Watkins were the only pro choices as F and G were not available. I saw loads of beat bands useing verythins and they were not cheap back then, and i wanted one but to dear for me so it was a Futurama that stripped my fingers of their skin. The things we went througn for rock and roll eh, a super vid of a great icon of the 60s thanks mate cheers Steve.
Hi Colin, just bought a Hagstrom swede SE (double p90s). I think its pretty cool! Maybe you could do a Hagstrom in the future? Kind regards! ;)
I keep looking at them and thinking about it... it will happen eventually I'm sure!
Cool! I like the sound and the look of this one, Colin. Nice deal. I had a Hofner Clubman when I was late teens but left it with a friend in NZ when I came to HK in 82. Lost touch but I'm sure I can track him down if I head back for a visit - hopefully still in his guitar 'storage' cupboard. Enjoyed your playing this time round - showed off the guitar nicely!
Cheers Morton, wow that would be amazing if you get to see that guitar again after 40 years! 😎👍
Another great review as always! Not to keen on these and the sound didn't really do it for my ears but still a great review anyways! Have you heard about the new Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera? Looks like a very cool edition - I like how they included the volute like how the original would have had
Watch this space!… 😜
Awesome review of a guitar that wasn’t on my radar. Might I suggest you look into the Les Paul CM? With one pickup and an affordable price tag it seems like something you would enjoy.
You bring a smile to my face with these reviews man
Cheers Al! 😆👍
Very nice guitar. Simple lines and minimal bling. I do like to have 4 pots though. I'll see if the pups are any good when you get to the playing bit. I hope so because swapping will be a pain.
great sounding guitar. never played a hofner. impressive for this price. great playing.! dont change the review format. this is the only channel i watch every week and enjoy (with a scotch)
🙏😊 Cheers man, you probably need a large scotch for some of them! 🤣👍
Hofners are really underrated guitars....I've never seen one of these and it's really nice looking, stripped down ...great looking neck...I like no fret inlays on it. I also like that the input jack it on the side instead of top loaded. That's just a bit heavier than my Casino
Yeah, somebody used to play their basses - can't recall his name - he was in a group called the Poodles or some such a thing....
@@Mr3DBob The Rutles!
Pete McCarthy or summat
Mate! All the aces today. The Sandinista of The Guitaristas. Loved that you did a hollow body. Especially a Hofner! I did not know Joe played one in the 101'ers. Always associated him with his tele. Love it. Very relevent too given The Mescalero years has just been released. Well done. I suspect a few upgrades for this one. Cheers, have a great week. 👍
Cheers mate! 😎👍
I had a verithin in the 70’s. It looked NOTHING like the review model. I played several gigs with it through an AC30. It sounded brilliant
Oh Hell Yes! Thin semi-hollow body is something that I've completely forgotten about ever being created. I'm thinking about building a semi-hollow with a Florentine cutaway (ES-175, ES-135 style) and now that thin body inspiration made it a lot cooler in my head. Thanks for the video man. You rule!
The original Verithin went to Florentine cutaways around 1967, as did some of their other models. They look good either way!
@@BackToTheBlues that's pretty cool! Thanks for sharing the knowledge!
@@MarcinOfTheNuclearVillage The body is two inches deep at the centre (certainly on the originals), which is actually a bit deeper than a Gibson 335, and just one and a quarter at the edge. They sit under your arm really comfortably.
@@BackToTheBlues that's all (the comfy feel) because of the carved top. My initial plans were to make it a flat top but now the thin body construction simply screams 'CARVED'. Anyway, it's a design phase at the moment. I have to finish my GGBO2022 challenge build first, restore two other guitars of my own, hell knows what else... and then get into my first semi-hollow build. Probably not sooner than 3-4 months from now. Fun stuff! \m/
Cheers Man!
Hiya Colin, what a great video - I'm only halfway through and very intrigued. I had a quick look through the comments and couldn't see it mentioned - the pronunciation of seit is with a long 'I' (in German if you have ei you pronounce 'I' and if it's ie you pronounce 'E' (just think that Wein sounds like Wine with a v)).
I am a bit tempted by these guitars but I got a Tokai 335 type during the lockdown so I don't really need it. But if I did, I'd get a gold top one and put Creamery hum-sized P90s in there and some kind of Wang system - either a Bigsby or a long Lyre Vibrola.
Looking forward to further videos.
Cheers Paul!
Great review thanks. - looks great. Are they alnico pickups? I’d assumed ceramic but didn’t look like it round back. Thank you!
Cheers Dave, it doesn't say so we have no way of telling!
Thank you Colin.. vey enjoyable this! Good jam! was that in standard stuning ?.....Coming to your channel feels a bit like going down a pub and listening to your funny guitarhead mate rant and jam😆👍
Sooo if "SIET " = SINCE in German !
..And both you and i have been around "SIET ". aprox. 1960 !
then it can be said that we are both full of "SIET "!
Cheers Gordon, yes always standard tuning for me... in fact I have never spent any amount of time playing any other way!
Some of us had the drink at the ready.
Another great video. I’m putting this guitar in my BOLO.
🤣👍
I like this one Colin. Could do with a bit of fettling, new tuners pots and wiring. I would drill that fretboard for a set of markers too.
As always great demo Colin! Please please please could you use your contacts within the guitar universe to get hold of the new Noel Gallagher epiphone riviera re issue! Sold out at peach guitars in 15 mins! 34 sold! The review on the royal tan riviera you did made me go out and get one! Absolutely love the mini humbuckers! But this Gallagher riviera had alnico classic pros. It is retailing at £799. 👍👌🎸
I may have to join the queue with you!
The other day I tried a used Contemporary and I'm considering going back to the shop and grabbing it. The thing just had a great feel and played great.
You get on fire with this guitar, Colin, great playing 👌, and this guitar really looks absolutely cool, I think, it is something special, worth to consider bying and modding. Maybe with a DeArmond "Goldtone" pickup or a P90 as bridge pickup for example.
I’ve got a vinyl copy of Elgin Ave Breakdown. Now I need one of these guitars!
Definitely!! 😎👍
I enjoy your plunkin' more all the time... (especially this week's opener)
What sort of wood is that purdy fingerboard? ...and is the neck mah-gog-gonney? (Dog gone it)
...and is there/are there any links of you jamming with your mates (current or long lost, either will be just ducky) (?)
Cheers Jonny! It’s Jatoba… mahogany neck… you should watch the film I do mention it 🤣👍 There’s no recordings of my band but I’m definitely thinking of starting up again. I need a singer are you in? 🤔
@@theguitaristas Hell yes and cripes (!) I love singing... It's a buzz way better than artificial stimuli... and I play the 6 string, well, off and on (since ble*ding 1964)
When I'm doin' walk-about in Los Angeles, which/whatever song is on 'repeat' in me head comes out and at least I don't thimk I've been frightening any of the local small children and/or me neighbors...
Probably the world’s most underrated semi-hollow body guitars. I regret selling mine which was dark walnut gloss with dot inlays that was apart of a limited run. Put vintage style Kluson’s on it. Looked like a ES 335TD if you weren’t paying attention. These baby’s really sing.
Love the Charlie doesn’t surf at the outdo. Sounds great!!!!
Cheers John!
I have a Hofner 4575 (or 65-3, as it was also known), which is a three pickup Verithin with complex but versatile wiring. It's the second one I've owned, as I lost the first in sad circumstances. They're great guitars. They used a few types of pickups, the 'Diamond logo' ones, which are humbucker sized but single coil (not really a con, as there's stuff going on in there to spread the magnetic field) and the 'staple' type, which are humbuckers. It's a narrower pickup, closer to a Filtertron, but not as deep. They have a good tone, but not a hugely powerful output.
I prefer the tailpiece style mine has to a stop bar. Mine actually has their own tremelo system, which is a lovely thing, stays in tune, and is easier to load up than a Bigsby. It's nice to see they've bought back that headstock shape, for quite a while they used their 'clipped corner' style, which looks more like an Epiphone in shape compared to this almost Gibson style. To me it needs some something between the logo and nut, but I suppose they've gone minimalist with it, as per the lack of fret markers, and only two knobs. I love the look of the bar fret markers the originals had, though.
It's also really nice to see they've put binding on the f-holes - they always look so much classier that way!
Aloha and Mahalo Colin! Hofner sounded pretty good. What is the fingerboard material. Looks good. Looking forward to the semi-hallow shootout.
Hey Victor, its Jatoba... looks nice with the figuring eh? 👍
Another great video!
I've been looking for a hollowbody/semi hollowbody for quite a while now, but havent been 'persuaded' to buy one yet, and dont know which one to get. Seems to me, like they are either all the same/similar in construction, except for the pickups. So Im still searching, maybe I'll come across one in the local guitar store or pawnshop that will call to me. Looking forward to the shootout !
Cheers Robbo!
Interesting use of the Timbers in that Beautiful Budget Guitar . SPRUCE for the BLOCK . Mahogany Front . And Maple Back . Something is Arseabout .
I think most builders would go Maple Block , Mahogany Back and Spruce Front . One question . Is it Neck through or Set Neck ?
Sounds Good and Looks Great . Yes , well Cool . Worth upgrading . Hofner is a " Known " name for well made Instruments .
Thanks for another fine film, mate. That's a very nice looking guitar and I actually like the tone as it has a vintage quality to it. Or maybe I was just listening with my eyes, but it had a nice, clean chime to it. Have a great weekend, cheers!
Cheers mate have a good one yourself!
This channel always my fav to know about guitars
Where you say the bridge is a different size do you know if this would mean id not be able to fit a bigsby b7? Im struggling to find all the dimensions i need and dont want to fork out for the bigsby and it not fit 😂
Love the review i bought one basically straight after i watched! Definitely upgrading some bits but so far definitely happy
it's a bit tricky getting the right specs as they all seem to be a bit different... it may be trial and error and some deep research and measuring needed!
Can deffo hear Strummer's 101 er's tone coming out. Impeccable taste as always!
Cheers man! 😎👍
Is that fretboard rosewood, because it sure looks like it and its got some cool looking grain in it for an affordable guitar?
Cool looking guitar, would like to see your comparison pt2 video sometime. Don’t get why they don’t put the small amount extra into better wiring etc., fret finish. Fussy people like me would buy them even at an extra £50 or whatever but not buying a guitar at any price that needs work done from new. The fret gap would bug me knowing it’s not been done right. Cheers.
h mate love the videos, one question, the neck stand you use , where can i get one?
You mean the firebird one?… I think it’s made by Hercules if you reply I will check.
Colin yet another excellent honest review.👍
My first guitar was a 59 Hofner President I found in my loft so I've always had a soft spot for the brand! I bought a Hofner New President when the UK distributer went bust in about 2007, I got it for £800 which was about half price at the time! Much like Gretsch Hofner have a cheap range and a built in Germany range, the New President was a fantastic guitar and it blew a Gibson L5 out of the water! I side by sided one that a mate had just paid £5000 for and even he said the Hofner was the better guitar! Hand carved top, flamed maple body with an ebony fretboard, pickguard and tailpiece! The floating mini-humbucker was nice too!
😎👍
Very nice. Looks very similar to the Epi Dot Studio. I’ve got one and they’re a blast to play.
Another great review. Anything Strummer played good with me. How does this compare mate to the Epi Dot? Brilliant as always mate. Love these videos Colin
Cheer Mark, totally different vibe to the Dot really... for some reason this seems to have more on common with the Casino?
Nice one Colin, very nice sounding guitar, my next door neighbour has an original, he bought it in 1962...needs some resto work now mind but a cool guitar.....
A nice guitar 🎸 and enjoyed the tones on the playout . As an Englishman living in Berlin the word seit means since ! The correct pronunciation would be ZITE , great video and probably a worthy addition to anyones collection 👍🎸
I don't know if it the amp or the guitar itself, but there is this cleanness to the way it sounds. Just a bit of background ring and when the pedals kick un the only difference is the effects intended sound. I don't particularly like the unplugged sound, but then again, thin semi hollow body guitars all sound like that.
While watching, I tried to find one, with little success (lots of bass versions).
I would replace the tuners, for the cost it might be worth the cost and work.
Talk away Colin, that's half the fun watching. How can you review a guitar without talking? ;-)
Cheers Robert! 😎👍
Hofners are damn near impossible to buy here in America. But there's one website selling new Verythins to America. And I think I'm gonna get one for my next machine. Just a classy machine with a real classic rock sound.
LOL!!! you crack me up Colin! Very nice guitar indeed, I have a real love of Matt guitars! have a great weekend mate, all the best. :)
Cheers man and you! 😎👍
Colin, you seem very inspired with this Höfner, much more than with the Duesenberg. It would be interesting to see you play the same rigs with the Duesenberg. 🙂
That guitar is impossible to find here in the states. Found one on EBay from Great Britain. It was under $500. I’ll keep looking. Thanks again Colin!
Cheers John, sorry to tease you with this one! 😆👍
Cool guitar … luv the colour vibe body and neck just jell, big fan of slimline guitars got the Gretsch 5622 T … same kind of dark tones but that princeton amp is killer … be cool to see some amp comparisons with a few fuzz lead runs on the neck with the tone dialed down !
Looked like you were really enjoying yourself playing this one, low output pickups or no.
Good to see ol' Herffner making a comeback. 👍
First - don't change your presentation. Second - ignore click bait! Screw-em!!! Since the unboxing, you have been playing that thin jewel. Sounds good for the money! Keep up the great work! Firebird next?
😎👍… Firebird as soon as I can bloody get one!!
@@theguitaristas you won't regret it Mate!
'Seit,' in this use, means 'since'. It is pronounced a bit like 'sight'.
Very nice guitar. I know and like this model for years. This one is elegant with the matt finish and the fretboard without any inlay. Vintage Verithins (i think they should have keep the original spelling) and some of the reissues often have very original full width stripe inlays.
There is also extensive binding job down to the F-holes. This is surprising on such an inexpensive guitar..
I have an Ibanez afs 75t that is a lot like that guitar. It’s one those guitars you cant put down. My les paul hasn’t been out of its case in a year. I like the finish you have the best. Very cool looking guitar.
great review as usual Col , you`ve got me looking again but which one has to go 12 wall hangers and possibly 13 guitars, you keep posing these problems , don`t you fancy a three month holiday it might be cheaper to send you away than watch your reviews, Ha !!love the guitar , love the colour, your deffinatele right with that, keep them coming Clarkson , winter is approaching and dark nights means guitar obsession
😆👍👍
... sometimes a certain guitar will take a player to a certain place - put the two together and off they go
it doesn't even have to that great of a guitar
It's just "one of those things" - and a very cool thing
Colin, keep the Hofner! 🎁
I had one of these that was built in Germany. It was about the most resonant electrics I’ve ever owned and one of few I regret selling.
Cool vid. Looks like my DOT studio. I like the pick ups. Cheers
john squire of the Stone Rose’s played a Hofner verythin, very cool looking guitars 👍🏼
😎👍
A+ for looks, light weight, tones and cost. Thanks for another great review.
👍 it definitely ticks the right boxes!
2003 Hofner offered s very beautiful flame maple top, back and sides in natural...looked more like creamy caramel...tasty😎👍😁
Saw it hanging on the wall of a favorite guitar store and fell in love with it. HAD TO HAVE IT...!!!😁
Over $1k back then...Reverb has them (used) for a bit more than that.
Have to say that this model that Colin has is cool looking in its own right, and sounds just about as good as the higher priced one with the same full sized humbuckers 😉😎👍
What a fun, comfortable and good looking guitar to get your semi-hollow freak on👍😃
And at this price...?👍👍👍
Dig VeryThins😁😎👍
😎👍❤🖖
Love Brother
Great video as usual! Have you ever tried any of the Fire Fly guitars?
Cheers Angel, not yet but I hope to! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas Let me ask you, what guitar do you recommend for Classic Rick, i.e., AC/DC, Zeppelin, Stones, Sabbath, Greenday. That kind of music. I have a Gibson Les Paul Studio, Gibson '61 SG Re-issue, and Fender Player Series Telecaster. I am asking myself, do I really need these budget guitars? I need a Hollow Body...or a Strat...
Hello again mate,
I've owned a Hofner Verythin CT in Sunburst for about 12 years. The volume pot bust on it just today but I'm thinking of replacing all the pots and the pickups with tonerider P90 Rebels.. Is this possible? I've found a Luthier to change the broken pot but on the strength of your Epiphone Casino in worn olive video, I'm thinking of just upgrading the Hofner. It plays really well but the pickups have never really inspired me as put against my Gibson Les Paul Custom, the Hofner gets blown away. I'm really after that jangly, chimey punchy and jazzy sound.
PS.. "Seit 1887" means "Since 1887", "seit" is German for "since" and pronounced like "sight" but the "s" should sound like a "z", as in "zebra."
Love your enthusiasm, how you put your vids together and your playing. 👍👍👍
Check out my recent film upgrading pickups and pots on the Gretsch streamliner that should help!
@@theguitaristas will do, thanks!
I just picked up a cheap second hand dark stain Verythin. Nice to play, but only Ok sound. Compared to my stock Epiphone ES 335 it's not great. I'm thinking of changing the pickups, because i do like the shape, weight and feel.
Keep doing what your doing we enjoy you rabbitting on about guitars
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Hey hey! This brings back some serious old memories! My first good electric guitar was a 1960’s Hofner Viking! It was 1979. I’d been playing guitar for 8-9 yrs by then, and had owned a couple of decent acoustics. A Japanese made OM with a “Fender” decal on the head stock (it was a very playable guitar!) - after which I got my first (of many, since then!)Guilds - a D25.
I LOVED my Hofner! This looks like a very good, affordable 335 alternative! I’ll stick with my Godin Montreal Premier for my centre block guitar, though.
Peace - great episode!
Cheers man! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas oops “Hagstrom Viking” oh well……. Still loved the memories!
Lol
VeryNice! Thanks Colin. Sounds way above it's price.
My very first guitar was a Hofner solid body around 1972 branched to a Acetone Pyramid shape amp. We played Santana stuff on that gear....sounded really loud
😎👍
Neat! Something new. Enjoyed it all. Light weight is why I play Ibanez S and SA Bodies. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Just an idea - reviewing one of those exclusive Epiphone Lucille’s in white I think you have over there might be a neat addition to the 335 series.
My chum had an original Verithin. Sold it a few years back, didn't get as much money as it was probably worth. Looking at you taking out the pickups, it occurred to me, is there any difference if you were to turn those pickups around, and the pole screws would be on the opposite side to where they are now? Do they have lefty oriented pups for left-handed guitars,? Just an idle question, the answer to which you might know. Yeah, I like the lack of position markers on the fretboard, as long as it has side dots.
Hey Robert, I don’t know for sure but I don’t think there is any difference if you flip them… magnets and screws, slugs are the same both sides I think? 🤔
hey, you're finally doing a Hofner!!! they have a bass version of it that I've been wanting for a long time, even when I had an endorsement deal with them. one of the reps still owes me a favor, so maybe one of these days I'll get one.
Cheers Paul... I'm going to hazard a guess you had a violin bass or two from them? 🤔
@@theguitaristas yup!!! what kind of WannaBeatle would I be if I didn't have a couple of them (or more) haha? but, I also have one of their P bass copies, too. it's actually pretty good. it has two mini-hums. I bought it at NAMM a few years back (I'm from Los Angeles and NAMM is super close by to me). my first Hof be-attle bass got signed by a certain left-handed scouser about 20 years ago when I met him completely by chance while I was working on a TV show at a local studio (I also work as a movie extra and actor).
@@WannaBeatle-Paul_McMichael aha I guessed correctly!... nice one, glad to meet you Paul! 😎👍
Nice one brother from Warren 😎
Colin you could get the Sire Larry Carlton H7 and put it in the mix of the semi hollow bodies.
Doesn’t work for me in this series as H7 is really a 335 copy whereas all these others are originals dating way back. But I will probably get one eventually!
that's a really cool budget guitar! looking forward to the comparison.