1972 Hofner 169 electric guitar in Sunburst (Vintage, Restored, Kills, Blade, Höfner)

The Höfner 169 Deluxe

For sale is a beautiful and rare Höfner 169 Deluxe, fully restored by me, featuring a classic Sunburst finish and a black pickguard. This model represents the final development of the Höfner 176 and features a rare active boost circuit for the bridge pickup.

The built-in boost requires a 9V battery. Please note: When the “MIX” switch is set to “ON”, the guitar will only work with a battery installed.

All three pickups work perfectly, and the entire electronic circuit remains original. The fretboard has been levelled to allow for a comfortably low action.

I carried out a comprehensive restoration, paying attention to every last detail. The entire instrument was completely dismantled, down to the last screw. Every component was carefully cleaned, inspected, refurbished and polished, always with the aim of preserving as much original material and authentic character as possible. The tuners, hardware, electronics, fretboard and frets were all thoroughly serviced. The guitar was then fully set up and made ready to play.

Following the restoration, the original Sunburst finish once again has a beautiful shine. Naturally, age-related signs of wear remain, adding to the authentic character of this vintage instrument.

A rare Höfner 169 Deluxe with original electronics and an active boost circuit – carefully restored and ready for its next appearance on stage or as a special addition to a vintage collection.

Specifications and Details

• Potentiometer codes: 250k LG29 / 250k LG AB CTS 7902
• Solid double-cutaway body in Sunburst
• One-piece maple neck, finished in black
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 frets
• Celluloid fretboard inlays
• Three Höfner Franz Pix 513 “Blade” pickups
• Three individual pickup on/off switches
• Active boost circuit with on/off switch (“MIX”)
• Five-position chickenhead rotary selector offering five tonal variations
• Master volume and tone controls
• Höfner vibrato and height-adjustable bridge
• New Pyramid Nickel Classic strings, .010–.046
• Weight: 3.48 kg

General Information

Please bear in mind that this is a vintage instrument with several decades of history. The condition described reflects the guitar’s condition when it leaves my workshop, which is also how it would be presented for collection in person.

Despite careful packaging, changes can occur during shipping, particularly on international journeys involving significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Original celluloid parts can shrink or develop stress cracks over the decades. Age-related issues affecting solder joints or the delicate windings of vintage pickups cannot be completely ruled out either.

I pack every instrument with the utmost care and will, of course, offer fair and straightforward support should any issues arise. Please remember, however, that vintage instruments are not new products. Age-related wear, changes in materials and a certain degree of sensitivity are part of their history and contribute to their unique appeal.