Just won this on eBay... the Jeff Beck "Blow Up" model guitar

ilan · October 23, 2018, 04:09:43 AM

Won this on eBay for GBP 220 ($286). 1963 Höfner Senator E1 Thinline, similar to the one used (and smashed) by Jeff Beck in Antonioni's 'Blow Up'.

It's sort of Hofner's version of Gibson's ES125T, with a longer overhang and what do you call that tailpiece?

Now the wait.

Rob · October 23, 2018, 01:23:27 PM

That was the first time I saw JB and JP play together.
At a drive in theater with a 1.5 inch speaker.

Dave W · October 23, 2018, 02:58:23 PM

I like!

AFAIK it's just called a "finger tailpiece" -- at least that's what it was called informally on the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III.
https://www.ebay.com/i/332836810181

ilan · October 23, 2018, 03:13:16 PM

Finger tailpiece sounds right.

There must have been some theory behind it. Like the Epi Compensator tailpiece or reversed Strat headstocks.

patman · October 24, 2018, 10:58:52 AM

Looks to be a beautiful guitar.

ilan · October 27, 2018, 03:27:40 AM

Quote from: ilan on October 23, 2018, 03:13:16 PM
Finger tailpiece sounds right.

Turns out Höfner called it the Compensator tailpiece.

Dave W · October 27, 2018, 01:19:57 PM

What is it compensating for?

Now that I think about it, the Epi tailpiece with two unequal string lengths was called the Frequensator.

ilan · October 28, 2018, 06:47:29 AM

I don't think there really is a need to compensate for anything. In violin family instruments, tailpieces are designed to leave an afterlength of exactly 1/6 of the mensur (scale length) so that with sympathetic vibration the part of the string behind the bridge produces a (very weak but still there) pitch that is in harmony with the open string.

Guitarists say that guitars with upside-down inline headstocks feel different, especially when bending strings, and the Hendrix factor is there too I'm sure. I don't know if that's true or placebo. A stairstep tailpiece may do the same thing, but again, I'm guessing.

It does look good on an otherwise very plain archtop.

ajkula66 · October 28, 2018, 09:36:58 AM

From what I recall, Antonioni had Beck break 12 or 13 guitars - cutting his hand in the process - until he was satisfied with the scene...my favourite director of them all but not for this reason...

ilan · October 29, 2018, 01:46:34 AM

Quote from: ajkula66 on October 28, 2018, 09:36:58 AM
my favourite director of them all but not for this reason...

Mine too. I have watched Zabriskie Point countless times. I once owned the domain name sunny-dunes.com, and there's a vintage "IN CASE OF FIRE RAISE THIS FLAP" plywood sign in my music room - identical to the one in the roadside cafe scene (39'16").

ilan · November 12, 2018, 03:28:01 AM

Took delivery of the guitar yesterday. Did a quick setup to a ridiculously low action, replaced two tuner buttons that have disintegrated, and I'm very happy with it both plugged in and unplugged. Very lightweight and plays like buttah.

Pardon the mistakes...

Dave W · November 12, 2018, 07:49:21 AM

Excellent sounding guitar.

Rob · November 12, 2018, 05:28:04 PM

Sounds great!

ajkula66 · November 12, 2018, 06:26:09 PM

Very nice. Refined, clear sound. I like it a lot.

ilan · December 11, 2018, 01:38:52 AM

Still can't put her down. I'm thinking maybe I'll have her refretted to make her perfect, and possibly better than when new.