I just joined here and had posted these posts last week at the Hofner forum. I thought people here might get a kick out of my project.
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I just bought a 1963 Hofner 172 on ebay. I've been looking for one for a few years as the first guitar I owned and learned to play on was a '67 Hofner 172.
Here's a photo of me in 1970 with my '67 172.
I've had some training as a guitar tech (neck resets, refrets, crack repairs etc.) but this will be the first time I've attempted a vintage restore. I want to have the guitar working and playable, but I also want to remain true to the vintage nature of the guitar within reason. I have a 1981 Rickenbacker 320JG (which could be considered vintage) and I replaced the tuners with new ones from Rickenbacker because the old ones were not holding tune and I want to play the guitar. I don't plan on selling the guitar but I keep the original parts just to ensure it can be returned to original state.
As you can see from the photo:
this one has a missing knob and the rest of the tuners look pretty rusty. I don't have the guitar in my possession yet (next week perhaps). I joined a Hofner enthusiasts forum and within hours got an offer from a user in Australia to give me a spare teardrop tuner! Isn't the internet wonderful??
As you can see from this photo:
the original knobs are missing. I'm guessing they were teacups originally. So I'll be on the hunt for a pair of those.
The previous owner tells me there is quite a hum out of the guitar and thinks the pots and/or the caps might need replacing. I'm guessing it just needs some cleaning and checking
Here is a full shot of it:
I'm going to do a photo-document of the restoration. Can't wait!