AdrianRose1988 Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Hi People, I have been left this Hofner Guitar and believe its a 185 Artist i was just wondering if there was any way of finding out the year? I am pretty confident in saying its not a newer Reissue version Any information would be great. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 This website has pictures and details of many of the Hofner models through the years. You might have some luck browsing through and trying to match up the model. [url="http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/contgal1.html"]http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/contgal1.html[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ash Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Yes Steve Russell is your man - very helpful on the Hofner site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 That was originally a Hofner Artist, the Selmer import of the Model 185/E2. I can't quite make out the serial number on the reverse of the headstock, I have it as 1?72. If it's 1072 then that was a 1962 bass. Otherwise, it's a 1963. You will obviously have realised that the brass scratchplate and the pair of Jazz pickups are retro-fits, and the paint-job is almost certainly a re-fin. Other than that, it looks pretty much complete and original. +1 to Steve Russell, I owe most of my Hofner knowledge to the time I spent on his site once upon a time ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianRose1988 Posted September 19, 2014 Author Share Posted September 19, 2014 I will take some time to read through the link you provided. The number stamp is 1072, i don't suppose you have any idea how much this guitar would be valued at? Not that i am looking to sell it at the moment, but its always good to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 In that state? Not a lot ... You might get £200 for it on eBay, but you'd need to be ready for it to sell for less. Bear in mind that, even in mint condition, it would still only be worth £500 or less. That bass is a long way from mint condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianRose1988 Posted September 19, 2014 Author Share Posted September 19, 2014 Thanks Happy Jack that's excellent. Like i said i am not looking to sell it just wanted to know what i had to be honest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 A BCer is selling a very nice condition Hofner 185 Artist bass on here with pics included so you can see what it would have looked like http://basschat.co.uk/topic/245732-1964-hofner-185-artist-bass-for-sale/page__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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