Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $319

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Hofner (Höfner) HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Experience classic style and legendary sound with the Höfner HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar, a tribute to the iconic instruments of the 60s. This semi-hollow body electric guitar combines vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, making it a standout choice for musicians seeking both beauty and performance. Its spruce top and maple body ensure a rich, resonant tone, while the 2-piece maple neck provides smooth playability. The rosewood fretboard and signature Höfner stripe inlays offer a comfortable and elegant playing experience.

Equipped with two Höfner Ignition Staple nickel pickups, this guitar delivers a warm, dynamic sound that’s perfect for a variety of genres, from rock to jazz. The traditional 60s headstock adds a touch of nostalgia, while the nickel-plated hardware and white pearloid pickguard complete its timeless look. With 22 frets and a scale of 648mm, it offers versatility for both rhythm and lead playing. The TOM rosewood bridge and trapeze nickel tailpiece ensure stable tuning and intonation.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Höfner HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar promises to be a reliable and stylish companion for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body with spruce top and maple body
  • 2-piece maple neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Höfner stripe inlays and 22 frets
  • Scale: 648mm; Nut width: 42mm
  • Two Höfner Ignition Staple nickel pickups
  • Nickel-plated hardware, white pearloid pickguard
  • TOM rosewood bridge and trapeze nickel tailpiece

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning dark red lacquer finish that showcases the wood beautifully

  • Extremely lightweight and ergonomic for comfortable seated play

  • Produces delicate, clear tones suitable for 50s/60s rock 'n' roll

  • Suitable for Indie, Pop, Blues, and 70s Hard Rock genres

  • Unique visual appeal as a semi-hollowbody electric guitar

CONS

  • Neck issues reported, requiring adjustments for playability

  • Stock pickups are dark and muddy, lacking clarity

  • Persistent hum due to cheap wiring

  • Lacks a zero fret, affecting playability

  • Narrow neck and small body may be uncomfortable for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar.

Build quality

  • The production model features bar inlays and a 3-way pickup selector switch with three knobs: two volumes and one tone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • For uneven string volume, adjusting the height of the bridge or saddles may help balance the sound.

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  • A user successfully modified the "Musician's Gear Electric Bass Case Violin Shaped Black" by carving the neck support for a proper fit.

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User experience

  • The guitar is lightweight due to its hollow body design, making it easy to handle and play.

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  • Owners express frustration over the lack of compatible hard cases, noting difficulty finding one that fits properly without modifications.

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Features and functionality

  • The floating bridge can be misaligned if handled roughly, though it's typically stable with careful playing.

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Value and pricing

  • A prototype model was purchased for $246, including shipping and a hard shell case, which was considered an excellent deal.

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Comparisons

  • The HI-459 is approximately 5 inches shorter than the Hofner 500/1-style Ignition bass, with the bridge positioned about 2 inches closer to the neck joint.

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Use cases and applications

  • For fitting the HI-459 into a case, users recommend buying from retailers with easy return policies, such as Guitar Center or Amazon, to test compatibility.

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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velma_cassidy

Decent guitar but requires few mods.

The guitar is decent for its price and looks unique too. However the pickups were dark and muddy so I replaced them with a pair of GFS Nashville Minitron pickups, replaced stock bridge with roller bridge and replaced the stock tailpiece with a vibrato tailpiece. Now the guitar sounds nice.

Artist usage

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See how David Hinds uses Hofner (Höfner) HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar

David Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Steel Pulse

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook post, David Hinds expresses his appreciation for the Höfner HI-459 Ignition Series Violin Guitar, highlighting its significance in his musical work.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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