Hofner Colorama 164V 1964 - Red vinyl

Here is a wonderful little German guitar that perfectly embodies the eccentricity of Höfner’s early-1960s production. The 164 was the two-pickup version of the 160 series, also known in the UK as the Colorama II when distributed by Selmer.

This particular example most likely dates from 1963 or 1964 and features one of the most distinctive finishes of the period: an unusual Red Vinyl covering. Over the decades, the vinyl has developed a fantastic cracked texture, particularly noticeable around the edges. The body is outlined with white trim, further emphasizing its unmistakably Sixties asymmetrical shape.

It still retains its two Höfner Type 510 “Diamond Logo” pickups, paired with the characteristic Höfner electronics of the period. The controls are mounted on a small pearloid panel and consist of two knobs together with three switches for Rhythm/Solo, Bass On and Treble On. A rather unusual arrangement by today’s standards, but a perfect illustration of the way European manufacturers approached electric guitar design at the time.

The Höfner vibrato is also present, along with the bridge, pearloid-button tuners and the model’s distinctive large black plates. The bolt-on maple neck features a rosewood fingerboard with dot markers.

A small vintage metal ornament has been added to the upper horn. It does not appear to have been part of the original 164V specification and has now become part of the guitar’s wonderfully quirky appearance.

The guitar naturally shows signs of its roughly sixty years of existence: the Red Vinyl is heavily cracked in places, the metal hardware has developed a nice patina, and some of the gold finish has worn from the control knobs. Nevertheless, the instrument remains remarkably coherent and retains all the charm of Höfner electrics from the golden age of European beat music.

A lightweight, unusual and immensely charming guitar, refreshingly different from the countless American-inspired designs that would gradually come to dominate the European market a few years later.