The Höfner 173 is one of the best-known German solidbody guitars from the 1960s. Its compact body is covered in white vinyl and fitted with three of Höfner's distinctive diamond single-coil pickups, along with a smooth vibrato. It is a wonderfully typical example of the slightly futuristic, highly individual guitar designs that came out of Germany during this period.
The three diamond pickups give the 173 plenty of vintage character: bright, clear and jangly, with considerably tonal variety. The vibrato is equally charming and, when set up properly, has a pleasantly smooth action.
This one has had the electronics cleaned and they work perfectly. The frets are still good, and the neck is comfortable, straight and ready to play. The tuners have been replaced with Fender-style machines, which are a lot better and more reliable than the originals.
Condition is good for its age. The white vinyl has yellowed naturally over the decades and has shrunk slightly around the neck pocket, but there are no repairs. A great opportunity to own a genuine 1960s Höfner solidbody that is ready to be played rather than merely admired.
Specifications
- Model: Höfner 173
- Era: 1960s
- Made in Germany
- Body: Solidbody, white vinyl covered
- Neck: Set neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Pickups: 3 Höfner diamond single-coils
- Controls: Individual pickup switching and volume/tone controls
- Vibrato: Höfner vibrato
- Finish: White vinyl, naturally yellowed
- Weight: 3.33kg
- Condition: Good, with vinyl shrinkage around neck pocket
- Repairs: None
- Modifications: Replacement Fender-style tuners
- Electronics: Cleaned and fully functional
- Frets: Good
- Neck: Straight and comfortable
