Höfner - Model 175 Tele

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Sometimes I get a guitar in for some TLC. This Höfner 175 is one of them. 


This early 1970's Höfner model 175 Tele (not to be confused with the Höfner model 175 that was produced in the early 60's) is an adaptation of the Fender Telecaster but then with Höfner electronics and pickups. This model was released with a tremolo and without. Officially, with the non tremolo versions, an ashtray was fitted over the bridge, but that item was lost a while ago on this guitar.
These guitars were produced between 1971 and 1973 in the colors yellow and sunburst; both came with a clear coat headstock or a headstock that was painted in the body's colors. The guitar has a zeroth fret.


The circuit

The guitar is fitted with two single coil pickups. A switch lets you choose between them. The guitar has a single volume and tone control.
A quick search on the internet reveals the schematic. These schematics though didn't fit the version I got in, so I traced the unit.

 

 

I gave the guitar a cleaning, set the neck up and adjusted the bridge. Lastly, I adjusted the pickups for their height. The bridge pickup is easily overshadowed by the neck pickup. I replaced the pickup selector switch with a new one as the old one was broken. I also swapped the potmeters for some good CTS versions. 


 


 

The sound

When plugged into an amp, there happens something special. I LOVE these pickups and this guitar. It had a a very distinct tone that works really well with big and amps with a mid dip;  at the same time it can be piercing and cutting through the mix. The neck pickup has a very natural and acoustic tone that isn't really bass heavy or boxy and the bridge pickup can really cut through the mix!
The neck is really fast and is easy to get used to. It isn't anything like a Fender but the model feels quite natural when playing. 

They are not common but they sound amazing! Go find them!



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