The justjazzguitars collection of
vintage and rare jazz archtops.
D'Angelico NYL-2 For Sale, D'Angelico, NYL-2, NYL 2,
New Yorker, NYL, For Sale,
|
|
#084
Hofner A2L. 1978 - 86.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designed for the
discerning Jazz guitarist. Hofner's 052 pickup
is just right! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stunning looks and
top-quality build, and a specially designed pickup, this is
a serious jazz archtop! The new
tailpiece design enabled string pressure on the Bridge to be
adjusted.
The replacement pickguard is hand carved from Ziricote
Rosewood. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the range
headstock without logo! |
Hardrock Maple neck and
headstock. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1978, Hofner
launched the A2L as an out and out Jazz guitar.
It was top of their range, taking over from the 471, and
remained their top model until the introduction of the AZ.
It is a full bodied 3¼" deep
archtop and incorporates Hofner's specially designed 052 jazz
pickup, renowned for its superb rich, mellow, jazzy tone
with a sweet, even response across all strings.
In order to signal that this was Hofner's top model it has
the double Fleur-de-Lys motif on the headstock and
Committee-like inlay on the back. The
tailpiece, new for this model, gave the
guitarist the opportunity to adjust string pressure on the
Bridge. Quite a good move and continued on the
AZ later.
The pickup feeds through
a conventional volume pot but the tone control employs
Hofners acoustic-filter. This allows the high
frequencies through whilst acting as a tone pot below 1800Hz
so the natural tone of the instrument comes through.
It also means that the treble tones are not weakened as you
roll-off to the mid-position. Nice!
Interestingly, the
HOFNER logo has not been applied to this instrument but the
Hofner label attests to its authenticity.
I have now owned three Hofners which do not have the logo on
the headstock!
This lovely A2L is in
outstanding condition in every respect except that there is
a little separation of the binding on the back just around
the inside of the cutaway. It is
also entirely
original apart from its missing
pickguard so it now sports a
hand carved Rosewood pickguard made from Ziricote (an
attractive form of Rosewood).
This is indeed a very
serious Jazz Archtop. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
to Hofner Collection.
|