NSHGD

[BigB]

Which stands for "new semi-hollowbody guitar day", of course ;)

Long been wanting a semi-hollow, couldn't afford a true ES335, wasn't really hot for the Epi models,  and not much action on the local second-hand market recently, so I pulled the trigger for this:



It's a Höfner Verythin Contemporary, chinese made but with a typically germanic attention to details (finish, nut, fret dress etc) and the result is a surprisingly good "bang for the buck" guitar - much better than the Epi Sheraton IMHO, and quite close to a 80's Greco wrt/ overall quality.

Plays well after a good setup, and sounds pretty ace stock, really good pickups - well, obviously not on par with (y)our fav' brand but way better than what you would expect in this price range (430€ new), and even better than the 80s Greco's ones - clear, warm, balanced, no mud nor ice-pick, very nice clean / bluesy crunch tones and don't mush out on heavier gain (for the record, vintage/hot 'buckers - neck reads 8.6 and bridge 9.1 -, obviously Alnico (5?), and I suspect a slightly asymetric winding given the somewhat 'single-coilish' clarity).

Will still upgrade them to BKP standard if I still like the guitar once the honeymoon period is over ;)

[38thBeatle]

Congratulations- that looks very nice indeed. Nothing like a semi to make things interesting.

[Telerocker]

I quite like the shape. Sweet guitar that from your description seems a bargain. Congrats!

[BigB]

I quite like the shape. Sweet guitar that from your description seems a bargain. Congrats!

Well, perhaps not "a bargain" (bought it new - first "brand new" guitar I ever get FWIW), but definitly worth it's price IMHO - a wee bit cheaper than a Sheraton, and obviously better - less golden hardware, more tone, more character. Now I still have to see how if it passes the "real-life" test ;)

[Twinfan]

Very nice - I like the old yet modernish look of these  :)

[ToneMonkey]

This is one of the few NGD's that I've actually played. I loved it and the wife virtually had to drag me out of the shop.

What year is it, the one I played was fairly old?

[Andrew W]

I like that, it's a handsome beast. It has a very understated, classy look to it and also doesn't look tied to a specific time in history which is no mean feat. I'm impressed.

[Philly Q]

Looks good!  I like the way the rounded shape of the cutaways is echoed in the headstock and scratchplate.

[BigB]

This is one of the few NGD's that I've actually played. I loved it and the wife virtually had to drag me out of the shop.

What year is it, the one I played was fairly old?

This one is actually brand new - it's the recent reedition of the 60s original you probably played.

[Roobubba]

I don't think semis are for me. I prefer mine solid all the way through :D

[Philly Q]

I don't think semis are for me. I prefer mine solid all the way through :D

Not feeling any Tele-like rage, though, Roo?   

(I just bought a couple of Thinline bodies, by the way..... Tele plus semi!  What could be better?  :P )

[Roobubba]

I don't think semis are for me. I prefer mine solid all the way through :D

Not feeling any Tele-like rage, though, Roo?   

(I just bought a couple of Thinline bodies, by the way..... Tele plus semi!  What could be better?  :P )

I feel a bit of the rage, but mainly because I imagine a beatles fan playing one of these. Then that sets me off on a whole different path. Grrrrrrrrrr

[FredD]

Very nice looking guitar !!
Hope you enjoy ....

[BigB]

I feel a bit of the rage, but mainly because I imagine a beatles fan playing one of these. Then that sets me off on a whole different path. Grrrrrrrrrr

I am actually a Beatles fan.  Oh, and I have a Tele, too  :mrgreen:

Very nice looking guitar !!
Hope you enjoy ....

I do, thanks 8)

Now while the pups are better than what I expected, after a first "real-life" test (rehearsal with the band), I'm afraid they don't hold up to BKP standards. Will probably swap them anytime soon - the guitar itself is a good player and I think it's worth upgrading.