Hofner 457/S/E2

1962

The Höfner 457/S/E2 is a classic 1960s-style electric archtop guitar, made in Germany. It blends a great retro look with a warm, fairly versatile tone. With its arched spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, it really stands out—especially in its sunburst finish.

It’s equipped with two Höfner single-coil pickups that deliver a clear, smooth, slightly mellow sound—perfect for jazz, blues, or even some old-school rock. The controls are mounted on a plate, as was typical for Höfner at the time.

The neck is slim and comfortable to play, with a rosewood fingerboard. The floating wooden bridge and trapeze tailpiece give the guitar good acoustic resonance, even when unplugged.

It’s not built for heavy modern tones, but if you’re looking for a vintage archtop with style and character, the 457/S/E2 is a great example of what Höfner did best back in the day.