The justjazzguitars collection of vintage and rare jazz archtops.

jazz guitars for sale

D'Angelico NYL-2 For Sale, D'Angelico, NYL-2, NYL 2, New Yorker, NYL, For Sale,

	Guitars for Sale.

	#113 Hofner A2L. 1978 - 86.



	Designed for the discerning Jazz guitarist. Hofner's 052 pickup was a major step forward.


	Whilst the whole guitar has a more modern design and construction, the motif on the back immediately identifies this as a successor to the earlier "Top of the Range" models.


	A new adjustable tailpiece enabled string pressure on the bridge to be increased or decreased. Nice!


	Glorious Flamed Maple back and sides.


	"This is an outstanding guitar - far better than any Hofner that went before it in my view, with superb tone, great playability, feel and response, brilliant string separation and amazing harmonics. That's quite a package!"


	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 Hofner's 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. The intention is that it sounds like an acoustic played through an analogue microphone. Nice! This is one of three A2L's I am aware of that does not have the HOFNER logo on the headstock but the Hofner label attests to its authenticity. It has 21 frets with a brass nut not 20 frets with a bone nut (as spec'd in the original catalogue). These modifications were made later in the series - it positions the pickup poles directly over the second harmonic to give the sweetest tone and dates it toward the end of the A2L life, perhaps around 1982. It 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. The pickup is fantastic and powerful but the acoustic filter is feeling old and has lost its edge. It works correctly but its effect is rather subtle now. Apparently, when new, it was more effective at higher volumes! It is all original and comes complete with its original flight case and case key. This is indeed a very serious Jazz Archtop.
	Condition:


	Just a few marks on the top - hardly noticeable.


	Hofner's favourite double Fleur-de-Lys motif indicates "Top of the range"


	Neck and frets in outstanding condition.


	The 052 pickup is wax potted and was designed specially for the A2L (and A2HL) to be used in conjunction with its new "Acoustic Filter" .


	The Hofner logo is just about visible.


	Still like new!


	Very simple thumbscrew adjustment - later carried over to the AZ model.


	Intense grain.


	All original and perfect.


	Hardrock Maple one-piece neck and headstock was very new at this time and became the basis for all subsequent Hofner archtops.


	Immaculate.


	Some separation of the binding. A Hofner weakness in this era!


	Wonderful Flame Maple with marbled binding in outstanding condition.

	Unmarked.


	Price : £ 2,950 plus shipment (Insurance optional). For overseas shipment please ask.

	More pics available on request.

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