1960/61 GOLDEN HOFNER ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR
SERIAL No. 14
Photographs courtesy of
Terry, Anglesey, North Wales, and Jim McGregor in Scotland who now owns the guitar.
Note that
this Golden does not have the usual dark stained strip between the two sets of
edge purfling on the body top, although this is present on the back - see photo
below.
When new, this guitar was fitted with "toaster"
pickups. These were changed to Type 510 pickups, and the Hofner
Micromatic bridge fitted together with the new type pickguard, in 1963
at the request of the original owner.
The unusual, but very effective strap turn-buckle has been fitted to the guitar.
Golden No 14 being played by Duncan Findlay (BBC Scotland). He considers this guitar to be the best he has ever played!
A NOTE OF APPRECIATION FROM JIM McGREGOR FOR GOLDEN HOFNER No. 14
The year is 1961. Two brothers, Brian and Terry travel down from Yorkshire to London.
Their objective is to buy a Golden Hofner. When they arrive at Selmer's
store in Charing Cross Road they find that there are two for sale; Nos
14 and 15. Both guitars have slightly different finishes. (- Probably
no two Goldens were ever exactly the same.) Eventually they
decide that No 14 has the more attractive body binding, and a purchase
is made.
The guitar is in the family for
many years. Sadly Brian dies in the late 1990's, and the guitar is now
in the care of brother Terry, who has it extensively restored.
The story resumes on Wednesday 18th
July 2007, when I travel down from Scotland to Anglesey. Terry meets me
at the station and drives me to his home in the country to see the
guitar for the first time. It is irresistible. The tailpiece is quite
dazzling with its 18 carat gold plating. The luthier has made a
wonderful restoration.
I will treasure this guitar along with
the others in my collection for the rest of my days. They will then be
passed on to my two nephews and my niece and her husband, all four of
of whom play the guitar. Here I will end my story and say "cheers" to
all Hofner players.
Jim McGregor (Hofner Collector)
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