Hofner 4550/SE3 Sunburst 1950s/'60s (RARE!)

Up for your consideration is a quite rare late-’50s / early-’60s Hofner 4550/SE3 in a classic Sunburst. a vibey, fully hollow German-built stunner from the golden era of Hofner. This is the kind of piece that stops players mid-scroll and sends collectors down rabbit holes.

The 4550/SE3 lives in that magical transitional window where old-world archtop craftsmanship meets the dawn of European electric cool. Fully hollow, carved-top construction, elegant Florentine cutaway, tripleply-bound body, and those unmistakable Hofner contours, it’s equal parts jazz box and early rock ’n’ roll machine. Finished in a rich, faded Sunburst that only decades can produce showcases its flamed maple top, back, & sides beautifully. The lacquer has naturally aged with beautiful character, giving it that broken-in, smoky-club presence you simply can’t fake.

Condition is Very Good, especially considering its age. There is honest play wear around the side of the body, exactly what you want to see on a guitar that’s been loved rather than left untouched. The most notable wear is on the back of the neck, where the finish has thinned from years of real playing. It feels smooth and fast in hand with no stickiness. One tuner eyelet is missing. The original bridge and Bigsby have been replaced and are not included in the sale. Otherwise, the instrument remains mostly original and retains all the character and soul that make these early Hofners so desirable.

Unplugged, it’s alive. Dry, woody, and airy, with that articulate European archtop voice that sits somewhere between a small jazz box and a full-bodied thinline. Plug it in and it blooms. The electronics deliver warm, rounded lows, clear mids, and a sweet, singing top end, perfect for early continental jazz, skiffle, rockabilly, or even moody indie textures. It plays beautifully, with a comfortable neck profile and a lively hollowbody resonance you can feel against your ribcage.

These don’t surface often, especially in this finish and condition. It carries that old-world charm that defined an era of German craftsmanship and helped put Hofner on the map. This is not a museum piece, it’s a player’s vintage instrument. Aged, seasoned, and ready for its next chapter.

If you’ve been hunting for a rare Hofner that delivers equal parts tone, feel, and visual swagger, this is it.

As is standard practice with any new arrival in store, this very cool 4550/SE3 has been through the trusted hands of our team in our onsite workshop to ensure it is in tip-top shape for its new home and owner!

We are an appointment-only store. All instruments are handled by MotoMusic employees only.

We are always happy to consider quality part exchange instruments here.

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