Actually, I purchased a Hohner HW300G TB guitar.
For background info read Is the Hohner HW300 a “Poor Man’s” Martin D15M ?
Finding the Truth about the Hohner HW300 Series
After 36 hours of too much research and ChatGPT I think I learned something about the Hohner HW300 Series.
- Mahogany Laminate. The Hohner HW300 series are laminates. Can I prove that???
- My eBay seller, a knowledgeable person, clearly said in text that the Hohner HW300 and its variants all have laminate mahogany tops. Period.
- Any Hohner HW300 G just means it’s a color variant.
- I had thought that without the G it meant a solid top. My research said no.
- Lots of research indicated the G just means the guitar has a paint.
- For example, I purchased a Hohner HW300G TB which just means a color variant of Transparent Blue (supposedly very pretty).
- Indonesia made versus China made Hohner HW300.
- These guitars were made in Indonesia first and then China.
- The Indonesian Hohner was possibly made by Cort in that country. There’s just a hint of that probable rumor on the Internet. Personally, I give it 80% but that’s my guess.
- Chinese Hohner’s on the Internet often do NOT have a marking in the sound hole. Sometimes you can find Made in China on back of headstock.
So after way too much research, I decided that the Hohner HW300 series always had a mahogany laminate top (it’s not a Martin). Okay, I am about 90% sure.
I also decided that the “G” in the model name just meant a color variation beyond wood color. Hohners without the “G” just meant they were a natural wood color, kind of.
And finally, I found hints that Indonesian Hohners were better than Chinese Hohners for the HW300 series. This is not an insult to my Chinese guitars 🙂 But ultimately it’s quality materials, adherence to specs in production, and QC on the guitar factory floor that controls final Hohner HW300 quality.
I will gladly purchase a set-up Hohner HW300G variant if the price is right.
Can a $50 Hohner Guitar Compete with a “Poor Man’s” Martin D15M
Most likely, the answer is “no”.
But for $50 on eBay plus $35 shipping and taxes it was worth a try. I sure do like my Hohner acoustics (Hohner HW200 and Hohner HW400).
Why did I Purchase Hohner HW300G TB from Pennsylvania
I searched Chicago’s Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp around Chicago, IL USA first. There were a few on Facebook Marketplace but they looked beat up and were overpriced.
I also found Hohner HW300 guitars at ShopGoodwill. It’s a great organization but buying a guitar long distance can be dicey. My Hohner HW200 arrived from Florida a year ago with problems. Ultimately, ShopGoodwill doesn’t comment on the quality of the guitar. So I did pass on the three guitars I found immediately that all seemed affordable.
Then I found an eBay seller from Pennsylvania.
The Hohner HW300G TB from Pennsylvania
Then I found the cheapest Hohner HW300 on eBay. $50 plus shipping.
OK, cheap helped. But he was an established seller, good record, with 16 PICTURES of the Hohner, and he answered my eBay questions with dazzling speed and a positive nature.
“The Pennsylvania seller on eBay had 200 ratings with 100% positive feedback. He sells musical instruments and accessories, that’s it. Wow.”
Here’s what it looked like in a few pictures.
First, the initial photo. It doesn’t show much it’s so dark. But it’s the start. If it were me (amateur photographer) I would have tried both flash and natural light. I do see an interesting wood coloring on the fretboard I hadn’t noticed originally 🙂
Looks pretty doesn’t it? I especially like the pick guard. After some research I think it may be more greenish blue than dark blue. We shall see.
You can see this label with clarity. I wish everyone took clear photos of model names from the sound hole.
This Description was especially clear. The seller is a no nonsense guy. Excellent condition, prettier than the pictures. Works for me.
Waiting for FedEx Delivery of a Hohner HW300G TB
“Baby, it’s cold outside.”
Yes, wintertime in Chicago, IL USA.
I am glad this Hohner is shipping inside a decent soft case that comes with the $50 sale. I should receive it today or tomorrow, in the cold on my Chicago front porch.
My FedEx shipment from Pennsylvania to Chicago made great progress until it hit Chicago and suburbs. It was stuck in the 60638 zip distribution center for 2 1/2 days, but it finally “moved” elsewhere.
My guitar “skidded” 8 miles west to another distribution center. Well, at lest FedEx is tracking something 🙂 Hopefully my guitar.
UnPacking my Hohner HW300G TB from Pennsylvania, USA
All I can do is wait and hope it arrives safely, unaffected by the cold. I also hope my FedEx colleagues are as careful as I was when I worked the loading docks of UPS 50 years ago (yikes).
When I receive it, I will place the box in a warm place, unopened, so it can “warm up” a bit in my warm bungalow before I open it. I learned that on YouTube. – Shoshin Guitarist
When my Hohner arrives I’ll do an initial blog post on its shipment and initial playing. For today, I will just drop in my YouTube video with my initial impressions:
Thanks for Visiting Shoshin Guitarist Today
Glad for your visit. Leave a comment if you have time.
And be Shoshin in learning guitar. That means have a “beginner’s mind” for everything guitar/bass related. Life also 🙂