

I've seen some examples of noticeably different serial numbers for the same models (the HG-09, for example). These factors probably explain some inconsistencies and irregularities found in various models. Then in the early to mid 1980s, Hohner contracted with factories in Korea to make their guitars. Hohner started producing guitars in the 1970s, and various Japanese factories produced them and badged them Hohners. I believe this is due to several factors: Hohner didn't manufacture their own guitars, they contracted with various factories in the Orient to make them different countries or origin and even in the same country, different factories were employed by Hohner to manufacture guitars for them. I don't know of a source that helps decode the SSN of Hohners, and I've come to the conclusion that they didn't have a uniform scheme for their serial numbers, and therefore didn't keep accurate records. In my experience, it's a difficult and frustrating search. If you do find a source that does give definitive information about Hohner serial numbers, please share it in this thread. Good luck on your search for definitive information on how to decode Hohner serial numbers. The other burst I've seen was in pics in an ebay auction, with what I assume is a date stamp on the label that says "05 78."

His was a '79, or at least was purchased in 1979. He has not only the memories but the receipt. One of them is described in detail online. But I've seen a couple of examples of a sunburst HG-09.

I'm assuming the "B" at the end of the model # on yours indicates the black finish. It's interesting to me as well that not all of the HG-09 models look the same. And since Hohner used different factories and even different countries to make the same model of guitar, determining country of origin is one thing specifically when it was made, another. From what I've been able to determine, Hohner didn't follow a plan for serial numbers that helps date them. According to Fjestad's Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars online, the years of production for the HG-09 were 1978-1985.īut I doubt they know the exact year your specific guitar was made. In the mid 1980s, Hohner shifted production from Japan to Korea, but I guess the people at Hohner would know when that production shift took place, and would also know the product run of the HG-09 model. Hohner said 1985? I'm assuming they knew it was MiJ.
