Hofner c.1958 (Schroetter label) (IN STOCK)(PA)
 

Hofner, originally Austro-Bohemian founded in Schonbach in 1887. After WWII, they were forced to move to W. Germany and settled Bubenreuth/Bavaria.

This Bass, although labelled Anton Schroetter is actually a brand made by Hofner and both companies have the exact same address. Other than the label, it's the same exact instrument and model I have seen labeled as Hofner. I had this exact bass in a 4/4 model 5-string just a few years ago made in 1977. This bass was purchased around 1959-1960 by a high-school student in his teens and kept the bass in this immaculate condition for nearly 60 years. I think this bass dates from about the late 1950s and was sold as a new instrument then. I can't recall seeing another bass in this condition that is 60 years old. Everything on this bass, EVERYTHING is original. The strings are the original/original orchestra Flexocors with the wire wrappings around the silk ends in the Pegbox that are from that era as well but the bass may have come originally with Guts.

Recently, the bass was set-up including a new adjustable bridge, endpin unit and Fingerboard dressing w/Nut re-cut.

Measurements:
String Length; 41 1/2"
Top/Back Length; 43 1/2" top, 44" back
Upper Bout; 19 3/4"
Middle Bout; 14 1/4"
Lower Bout; 25 1/2"
Ribs; 7 1/2" (8" w/T&B), 6 1/2" at Neck (7" w/T&B).

Top, spruce with slight figuring/bear-claw.
Back and Ribs, lightly figured maple.
Neck, beechwood with faux-flame figure, a Hofner signature trait.
The 'Hofner signature shaped' Purfling design in the upper back is called 'Blume' (Flower) which was told to me by a person at Hofner I spoke with a few years back when doing research on the 5-String Hofner I had. Other basses from this region used various similar shaped 'Blume' designs but this one IS Hofner's signature pattern.

more pics..
 

Here are a few more pics of this Orchestra/Solo bass showing the details and amazing condition of this 60 years old German bass. It's a joy to play and sounds as good as it looks.