Hofner 408 Lute Guitar, 1963-1967 [USED]

The Hofner 408 Lute Guitar reflected a number of German traditional activities, in particular the hiking movements popular in the early part of the 20th century.  There were only six-Built from 1963 to 1967, and in Bubenreuth, Bavaria.

Lute Guitars clearly derive from both the Lute and various zithers, and became very common in Germany around 1850. With the Waldzither, these were elevated to the status of 'National Instrument' in the early 20th century. These instruments provided musical accompaniment for the Wandervogel hiking movement.

The Hofner 408 Lute Guitar is built using many of the principles of traditional lute construction, but is braced for and strung with steel strings. The bowl is assembled from individual strips of maple sanded to fit closely to one another. These ribs are taped together and the entire inside of the bowl is coated with a light penetrating glue, like hide glue. This causes the inside of the ribs to expand and 'freeze' in place, giving a concave surface on the exterior of each rim. It's very strong. On this instrument, the carved rose is removeable, and this is a great benefit recognizing that with a pin bridge, service will eventually be required.  The neck is also Maple, with Indian Rosewood for the fingerboard and pin style bridge. 

The fingerboard is unusual for the period, in that it is scalloped and uses bar frets rather than what had long been the T-shaped, tang and bead type.  T-shaped frets appeared in the late 1890's, but the Martin guitar company continued to use them until 1933. 

This instrument is in good working order, and plays cleanly. It has definite signs of play wear to the top, and a minor seam separation between two of the back ribs. 

A 'Rockbag' acoustic guitar gig bag is included. 

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here

DETAILS: 

• Instrument Model: Model 408 Lute Guitar
• Instrument Manufacturer: Hofner
• Instrument year:  1963 - 1967
• Instrument Finish: Natural Gloss
• Instrument Class:  Used
• Instrument serial number:  N/A, built between 1963 - 1967 at Bubenreuth, Bavaria
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Instrument Condition:  Good
• Playing Condition: Good
  
• Right-handed 
• CITIES Documentation Required:  No
• Case included:  Yes
• Case original:  No
• Case Type: Gig Bag
• Instrument Weight Imperial:   2.992 lbs
• Instrument Weight Metric:   1.36 kgs
• Scale Length Imperial:    24.4 in
• Scale Length Metric:    621 mm
• Nut Width Imperial:    1.792 in
• Nut Width Metric:  45.51 mm
  
• Items in Case: N/A
• Consignment: Yes
• Product ID: 190191

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here