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2006 Hofner Verythin John Stowell Model

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Serial#: H-06262

Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Body Depth: 1 1/4""

Materials: German spruce top; tiger flame maple back and sides; solid one-piece maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard.

Hardware: All gold hardware includes Hofner/Armstrong floating pickup, Schaller 16X1 tuners; solid ebony hardware includes contoured fingerrest and tailpiece, compensated adjustable bridge, tuning keys and control knobs.

Notes: Founded in 1887, the Hofner Company became Germany's largest maker of fretted and bowed instruments. Now based in Hagenau, Bavaria, Hofner's strong violin background gave it an edge in producing archtop guitars, which they've built for over half a century. Hofner's innovative Verythin model was introduced in 1960, and the firm has since produced a number of variations on the instrument, but none more elegant than the guitar featured here.

Portland, Oregon based guitarist John Stowell is recognized as one of the most adventurous players on the jazz scene today. With bassist David Freisen, Stowell toured internationally with the Paul Horn Ensemble, and has performed with artists as diverse as Milt Jackson, Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer, Conte Condoli, Herb Ellis, Bill Watrous, Mundell Lowe, George Cables, Billy Higgins, Billy Hart, Richie Cole, Dave Liebman, and many more.

Designed in consultation with the artist, this innovative model offers a unique blend of tone, playability and comfort to the performing guitarist. With its German spruce top and highly flamed maple body, the guitar is squarely in the classic archtop tradition. But its 19 fret neck joint allows unimpeded access to the uppermost fingerboard, and its ultra-thin design makes it the slimmest hollow body ever in a production archtop guitar, for unparalleled player comfort. The ebony mounted Armstrong designed humbucking pickup floats clear of the soundboard for maximum acoustic response, while a solid spruce block runs the length of the sound chamber to minimize feedback, even at high volume levels.

Long unavailable, the Verythin John Stowell was German-built in an extremely limited edition of a little over 200 examples, apparently produced in a single batch this model year only. This rare example has premium features including a fingerboard and hardware crafted of solid ebony. At just 5lb 9oz, the Stowell is pounds lighter than most conventional semi-hollows, and balances handily on the lap or the strap, with a fine medium D neck profile and smooth low action over bright medium jumbo frets. With its exceptionally figured tiger maple body and natural blonde finish, the instrument has been maintained in showroom condition, and appears virtually unplayed.

Hand signed by the artist on the back of the peghead, this guitar is an outstanding product of creative vision and technical innovation, and a best buy in a true collectible classic. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.052). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe arched blonde tweed hardshell case.

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