Hofner 500/1 World Premium 3rd edition?

[MungoAus]

Just wondering what the difference between a 500/1 vintage and a world premium edition is? I know that Japan ordered German made ones closer to McCartney's (closer bridge pickup etc) but anything else? I have the chance to snap one up but not sure about it's finished.

Does anyone know the differences + if it's possible for a Hofner not to have a glossy coat? Because this one looks like its just plain wood and no gloss

 

[FranF]

Hofner doesn't do distressed finishes for the general market yet, so it's possibly a hand rubbed wax finish, or a matte violin finish. They make lots of special little runs for the Japan market, and it's damn near impossible to keep score...lol If you'd like, join my FB Hofner page and post about it! Perhaps we'll get an answer. It's monitored everyday by Hofner themselves... ;-) Log into Facebook | Facebook