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Vintage 1959 Hofner 463 SE3 Brunette finish 3 pickup jazz guitar

$2,750.00

Priced in Australian Dollars.  

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Vintage 1959 Hofner 463 SE3 Brunette finish 3 pickup jazz guitar

DESCRIPTION

Made in Germany.

  • 1959 Hofner 463SE3  Electric archtop Jazz guitar, Brunette 3 black bar single coil pickups. A stunning looking guitar, beautiful player. Celluloid binding around the top and back had deteriorated as many guitars from this period do, this has been replaced to a beautiful aged cream celluloid/perloid tortoise laminate. Multi coloured tile/ rope  purfling front and back. Also fitted with one of my custom clear perspex guards. Original case. 

A sunning looking guitar and an easy player set-up with 10=-46 Daddario nickel electric steel strings.
All electrics are working well, Switchpanel serviced and in good order. The switchpanel features one single volume control. Three slide switches offering a variation of tone capacitors that not only change to but vary a cut and boost.
The original Bakelite switches are typical for the period and are very ‘clacky’ like old house light switches. It makes you ask, ;’What were they thinking using these?’ But they are original and therefore must stay.

Note there is a headstock chip on the top rear corner near the G string tuner. Please see the detailed photos.

Collectors value these guitars not only for their craftsmanship but also for their distinctive European design features like rope binding, ornate headstock inlays, and the unique bakelite pickup covers.

Many photos available, and more details and description further down this page.

If you would like to know more, or to talk purchase or trading, you can email either via the contact page or directly at M.Skehan@greatguitars.com.au

Feel free to also phone on +61 412 438 478 or 0412 438 478

Logo Australia

Category: Product ID: 4895

Description

Detailed Specifications
(typical for 1959 Höfner 463 SE3)
  • Body width: approx. 415m (16 3/8″) across the lower bout
  • Body depth: approx. 75 mm (3″) at the rim
  • Scale length: 648 mm (25.5″), the standard long scale used by Höfner on professional archtops of this era
  • Nut width: around 44 mm, comfortable for jazz chord work
  • Top: carved spruce (often solid on earlier examples)
  • Back and sides: maple or mahogany, depending on batch ( This one is Mahogany )
  • Neck: multi‑piece with rosewood center strip, set neck construction
  • Fingerboard: rosewood, bound, with pearl and celluloid coloured block inlays
  • Pickups: three early black bakelite single‑coil units, each with individual selector switches
  • Finish: brunette lacquer, less common than blonde or sunburst
  • Case: original GC hardcase included
    Context
    1959 Höfner 463 SE3 Electric Archtop Jazz Guitar
    • Year/Model: 1959 Höfner 463 SE3
    • Finish: Brunette lacquer
    • Pickups: Three early black bakelite single‑coil units, all working
    • Body size: 16 3/8″ lower bout, approx. 3″ depth
    • Scale length: 25.5″ (648 mm)
    • Neck: Straight, comfortable action, frets with moderate wear but playable
    • Construction: Spruce archtop, maple back and sides, rosewood fingerboard with block inlays
    • Condition: Very good overall. Normal playwear for age, finish shows some checking, no structural issues
    • Case: Original GC hardcase included

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