Hofner c.1960 (Schroetter) NFS

[Ken Smith]

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 made by Hofner. Other then the label, it is the same exact instrument and model I have seen labeled as Hofner. I had this exact bass in a smaller 4/4 model 5-string just a few years ago made in 1977. This bass was purchased around 1962 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 the late 1950s to about 1960 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.

Currently, the bass is need of a modern set-up including adjustable bridge, endpin unit and Fingerboard dressing w/Nut.

Measurements:
String Length; 41 1/4"
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/bearclaw.
Back and Ribs. lightly figured maple.
Neck, beechwood with faux-flame figure, a Hofner signature trait.

[Ken Smith]

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.