VIDEO! 1964 Hopf (Strohmer) Silver Star archtop - made in Germany - Fully Restored, Pro Setup, Play-Ready

General introduction and background:

Ultra rare and beautiful Hopf Silver Star archtop with pickups and tremolo. This guitar was made in the mid-1960s likely by August Strohmer (Astro/Nuremberg) for the Hopf brand. Extremely playable, extremely beautiful, very very rare. Comes with new case.

Please watch the video!

As always, the instrument has been serviced completely and is ready to be played immediately. But please read the description carefully!

Measurements, weight and other specs:

-Scale:  620 mm

-Nut: ca 4,3 cm

-Weight: 3,12 kg

-Pickups: original Soundboard with two pickups (B: 6,12K, N: 5,71k), each has their own volume control and there is a master tone control. The 3 way switch does not allow to combine the pickups; you can switch on either bridge, neck or none.

-Body: likely laminated spruce.

-Neck:  slim U, maple, with a 7,25’’ rosewood fretboard but relatively large frets.

 Condition:

-Body: Good condition, no major issues on the front and sides; the back shows some glue marks.  

-Neck: good condition, straight, trussrod works; on the back clear abrasions from either hands or capo use. The frets have a couple of dents, but there is no buzz and no fretting out despite the low string action.

-Head: good condition, no breaks or fissures.

-Hardware: clear signs of aging; the tuner knobs are missing some edges. One of the posts of the soundboard is missing, yet the soundboard sits stable on the body.

-Electrics: works

-Originality: all original except for the Hofner-style bridge.

 Sound and Playability:

-Playability and string action: it actually has a very low, nice string action and is fairly easy to play even if you are not acquainted with vintage German archtops.

-Sound: Please check out the video for a sound demo. Right now, 11 gauge flatwounds are on the guitar, giving it a plucky and oldschool sound.

 Repairs, Service:

As always, the instrument has been serviced completely and is ready to be played immediately.

-Completely cleaned

-Frets polished, fretboard cleaned and oiled

-Electrics services

-New Hofner bridge adjusted for the use on this guitar

-Set up with 11 gauge Pyramid flatwounds and intonation dialed in

Auxiliary stuff:

-Comes with new Fame case. The item will be wrapped well, and put into a sturdy cardboard box with lots of filler material.

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PACKAGING: All guitars are shipped out in a sturdy cardboard box with lots of filler material. Please note that for the protection of the environment, I am reusing used packaging material whenever I can.

SHIPPING: Please check the shipping quotes in this offer. I ship with insurance, worldwide. Usually I am able to ship the item on the same day or next day of received payment. Please allow 1-2 days from pick up for delivery in Germany, and 1-2 weeks within the EU. US, Canadian and over overseas buyers:  My shipping quotes are very competitive, I can only do that by using DHL Premium. Please anticipate a shipping time of up to 8 weeks depending on your location. Tracking is provided immediately when shipped out within the system. Please refrain from giving a review before you have received the guitar.

AFTER DELIVERY: After receiving the item, please inspect the package for obvious damages and make photos if there are any. After unpacking, check the item immediately for damages or other undocumented flaws. I accept a 14 days return and will pay for shipping if the item is in a different condition than described upon arrival. Please note that I will only take the item back entirely, but not grant any reduction of price and generally only accept returns if the item was unaltered after arrival.

CITES protection: all of the items I sell have been legally imported to the EU before January 1st 2017 and are registered with the authorities in Hamburg, Germany (if applicable).

DATA protection: German financial regulations demand that I keep your address on file in an invoice. The only information that I store is what this platform provides me. Please understand that I cannot delete that information from my files. You may ask what kind of info I have stored from you any time.