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Average Price: $499

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Hofner 172 is a vintage-inspired solid body electric guitar that captures the classic vibe and sound of the early '60s. Perfect for musicians who appreciate the blend of traditional design with reliable modern performance, the Hofner 172 stands out for its retro charm and articulate sound. Known for its distinctive styling and versatile tonal options, this guitar is a nod to the iconic era of rock 'n' roll while ensuring contemporary playability.

At the heart of the Hofner 172 are its dual single-coil pickups, providing a clear and bright sound that can easily cut through any mix. The solid body construction offers robust sustain, while the comfortable neck profile ensures smooth playability across all frets. Whether you're gigging on stage or recording in the studio, the Hofner 172 delivers a consistent and reliable performance.

The controls are straightforward and intuitive, featuring a three-way pickup selector switch and individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup. This setup allows you to easily dial in the precise tone you need, whether you're going for jangly cleans or gritty overdrives.

Key Features:

  • Dual single-coil pickups for clear, bright tones
  • Solid body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Comfortable neck profile for easy playability
  • Three-way pickup selector with individual volume and tone controls
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern reliability

Product specs

Brand Hofner
Model Galaxie 172
Finish Red / Gold Vinyl, Red Vinyl, Shaded Wood (Sunburst), White Vinyl Top / Black Back
Year 1967 - 1976
Made In Germany
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Gold, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Höfner 172?

The Höfner 172 features a comfortable neck profile that is conducive to easy playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. Its bolt-on neck construction provides a solid feel, ideal for a variety of playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Höfner 172 pickups for rock music?

The Höfner 172 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups (HH configuration), which deliver a warm, full-bodied tone. This setup is particularly well-suited for rock music, providing ample sustain and a robust sound that can handle both clean and overdriven tones.

Is the Höfner 172 suitable for beginners?

The Höfner 172 is a versatile guitar that can be a good choice for beginners due to its comfortable playability and solid construction. However, its vintage design and unique tonal characteristics may also appeal to more experienced players looking for a distinct sound.

Does the Höfner 172 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Höfner 172 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing players to add vibrato effects to their playing. This makes it a versatile choice for those who enjoy experimenting with dynamic sound variations.

What are the finish options available for the Höfner 172?

The Höfner 172 is available in several finish options, including Red / Gold Vinyl, Red Vinyl, Shaded Wood (Sunburst), and White Vinyl Top / Black Back. These finishes offer a range of visual styles to suit different aesthetic preferences.

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1961 Hofner V 2 172

Video thumbnail for 1961 Hofner V 2 172 by wutzdog001guitars

1961 Hofner V 2 172

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) 172.

Comparisons

  • A 1963 model 172 exhibits the same pickup and control layout, but differs in fretboard dot design.

    Source
  • Model 164s are noted for having various pickup and control layouts, making exact matches difficult.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's pickups have been modified from their original setup, potentially impacting tonal characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • Catalog scans from 1967 and 1971 provide historical context for identification and comparison of similar models.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Daniel Norgren uses Hofner (Höfner) 172

Daniel Norgren

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In his NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert, Daniel Norgren is seen playing a Höfner 172 electric guitar.

See how Hugo Fattoruso uses Hofner (Höfner) 172

Hugo Fattoruso

Composer

Los Shakers

...
Verified via Vintagehofner

It can be seen on the cover of Los Shakers’ debut album and various promo pictures and videos of the band.

See how Dr. Nico uses Hofner (Höfner) 172

Dr. Nico

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Dr. Nico is confirmed to use the Höfner 172 guitar, as evidenced by the photograph on the cover of "Orchestre African Fiesta* Sous La Direction Du Docteur Nico* – Untitled (1969)" and "Docteur Nico*, Orchestre African Fiesta – Munka / Angele Ozali Wapi? (1969)." The image, available on Equipboard, clearly shows Dr. Nico with the Höfner 172, although the photo is slightly blurry.

Album Usage

The Hofner (Höfner) 172 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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