Hofner neck reset horror story.

[godofthunder59]

Modern Hofners, at least those made in Germany, still have the neck glued with hide glue. It's a great method. The glue is strong with only a very thin film applied, and it dissolves when heated, so the violin maker can open the neck joint, do whatever repair is needed, and then re-glue it to place. Not as easy as 4-bolt plates, but looks cleaner.

Almost all 60's Hofners I've seen had some sort of raised action problem, if the neck hasn't been reset in 30-40 years. Many owners have shaved down the bridge to lower the action. With one of my Hofners I had to have a violin maker make a new ebony bridge base, when the bass was in his shop for a neck reset.

When I buy a 60's Hofner, I always take it for a pro neck reset, then I know I have at least 10-20 years of stable neck joint.

Who do you have do the work?

 

[petrus61]

I think you owe it to everyone in town to let them know what the first guy did to you. There is no way in hell he should have charged you. If anything, he owes you for the cost of the new repair. I know you said the work was some time ago, but I really hope you didn't just let it slide. You'd probably have a small claims case against him. If he wasn't up to the task, then he should have told you outright. More people are going to bring their gear to and possibly have it ruined by this "professional" and it's not right. I can't get over the fact the guy charged you almost $400 for the privilege of ruining your vintage Hofner and held it hostage till you paid up. Not cool.