Here for sale we have a very special Hofner Congress Hollow-Body Archtop guitar in Cognac Burst finish. Made in Germany, our research and the specification of this guitar indicate that it was made around 1956 - certainly pre-1960 due to the absence of a truss rod. The Hofner Congress was an affordable guitar available in the UK through the Selmer catalogue for 20 years between 1953 & 1973, and was one of Hank Marvin's first guitars. This guitar features a set-neck construction comprising a Laminated Maple body, 3-piece Maple neck and 22 fret Rosewood fingerboard with matching bridge. Appointments include a Chrome tailpiece, tortoise shell pickguard and Gold open-geared tuning machines. A single-coil pickup has been installed in the neck position by a previous owner. The 3-piece Maple neck plays well, with a profile that could be described as a substantial 'D' shape. The substantial neck profile provides a unique and characterful playing experience that is sure to inspire some fresh musical ideas. The Rosewood fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with a highly practical 7.25" radius allows for smooth jazzy lines in all registers. The acoustic tone of the Hofner Congress is warm and gentle, delivering an understated yet detailed low end, clear mid range and bright but not brittle treble response that beautifully colours the overall sound of the instrument. The amplified tone provides a more powerful bass response, and is certainly traditional sounding for a hollow-body 'jazz box'. This is a wonderfully preserved and highly playable instrument with a unique playing experience and tone, and at around 60 years old has plenty more to give. Brand- Hofner Model- Congress Finish- Cognac(Sunburst) Year- c.1956 Made In- Germany Body- Laminated Maple Neck- Maple Fingerboard- Rosewood Fingerboard Radius- 7.25” Frets- 22 Scale Length- 25.5" Nut Width- 1.671” Pickups- Aftermarket Single-Coil (Neck) Controls- Master Volume

Verification report

COMMISSION - Hofner Congress 1956 Our ID: 106052598551 Weight: 3.45lbs Serial: 4368 Aesthetic Condition: Headstock: Overall very good condition, all aspects of the headstock demonstrate light scratching, indentation and chipping of the finish. This is most notable to the corners of the headstock where chipping reveals wood beneath. The finish has checked as expected for an instrument of this age. Neck: Overall very good condition, the rear of the neck demonstrates moderate indentation throughout the register which has chipped the finish slightly in some places. The fingerboard demonstrates discoloration surrounding the frets, with finish wearing away at the fingerboard edge. Body: Overall very good conditions, all aspects of the body demonstrate light scratching, indentation, chipping and cracking of the finish in line with an instrument of this age. This is most notable to the treble side waist of the front face where shrinkage has caused finish cracking over time. This does not affect the structure of the instrument. Condition of Frets: The frets demonstrate moderate signs of use, not affecting playability. The fret ends have been rounded to the countour of the board. There is moderate material remaining for future fret work. Current Set Up: Truss Rod: N​/​A Hardware: Fully functional with moderate signs of wear. Structural: The heel of the neck is raised, likely previous work to accommodate a more ideal angle over the body join. This does not flex or move with pressure. The neck demonstrates more relief than is ideal, however remains entirely playable. Height of the string from the 12th Fret-2.5mm - Bass 3mm Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height. Strings on Guitar - 10-46 Electrics: Aftermarket Alnicov Pickup fitted. Case & Accessories Hard case The case demonstrates notable signs of use, remaining fully functional.