Vintage 1963 Hofner Super Solid III 173 Red Solid Guitar

Vintage1963 Hofner Super Solid III 173 Red Solid Guitar.

The ‘Super Solid’ is one of the first semi-pro lines that Hofner brought out in the early 60s to compete with the Fender and Gibsons of the time. This is the top of the range 3 pick up version. The neck profile is a really comfortable shape, and in my opinion very playable, and gives a wonderful vintage sound.  This is from 1963, with the Translucent Red Colour, ‘Super’ Pickups, and a serial of 1480

The nitro finish is crazed, as is normal/expected on all V3 guitars painted from this period, and really adds to the authenticity. there is one or two small marks on the front face of the guitar, which do not seem to detract, There is some sign of wear, but in my opinion the guitar is in exceptional condition for its age.

This example was carefully looked after and stored after 1967, and has only just been taken out of the case and looked over. The guitar plays well, the neck is really straight, I have not polished the metal hardware at all as some people may like the patina, which is showing its heritage, but I am sure would polish to a high finish, I leave this decision to the next owner!

The original owner had a 6-potentiometer set up, which has left a couple of holes in the scratch plate.   I have seen a photograph from 1965 which shows the 6 pot configuration on this guitar, although the potentiometer knobs have been replaced with period alternatives, Hofner still produce the period components to replace if required. I would recommend a thorough service/fret dress by a good luthier prior to extended use, the fretboard could benefit from some feeding etc the frets could do with a bit of attention/dressing (frets 1-3 show the most sign of use). but overall, I believe this guitar to be a lovely time warp example. I have wiped the guitar over with a slightly damp cloth for the photos.  

Product Details

Body: Original trans red w/ light crazing

Neck: Bolt on maple neck & bound rosewood fingerboard, lined pearl inlays, black headstock.

Hardware:4-way switch and volume, tone, tone, tone knobs toggling the original ‘Super’ pickups. Original tremolo bridge and original round machine heads.

Serial Number: 1480

Case: original Selmer case? Damaged, but solid and with handle broken. But can be fixed.   Please have a close look at the high resolution photographs.