1957 Hofner Congress | Ace - Skunk Anansie Collection
In collaboration with Ace from UK alt-rock band Skunk Anansie, Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars are proud to offer for sale some of the iconic instruments used throughout his career.
Formed in 1994, Skunk Anansie have become one of the biggest rock bands in Europe with over 6 million physical sales and over 25 million Spotify streams per year not to mention the numerous awards acquired along the way. Their blend of alternative rock, punk, and metal, with powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics gained them significant attention from the outset with the release of their debut album "Paranoid & Sunburnt" in 1995 followed by "Stoosh" a year later. Skunk Anansie continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums "Post Orgasmic Chill" (1999), "Wonderlustre" (2010), and "Anarchytecture" (2016), and throughout their career they have been praised for their dynamic live performances and outspoken stance on issues like politics, sexuality, and racism. Guitarist, songwriter and founder member Ace played a crucial role in shaping the band's distinctive sound - his heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and dynamic solos contributing to the band's energetic and impactful music.
During their career Skunk Anansie have shared stages with with such bands as Metallica, Rammstein, Muse, U2, The Rod Hot Chilli Peppers, Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, David Bowie and the Sex Pistols. They continue to play sell out shows and release new music under their own independent label. This longevity and influence on the rock scene has cemented their status as one of the most iconic and enduring bands in British rock history. Coinciding with their 30th anniversary Ace has partnered with Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars to offer for sale some of the iconic instruments he used during his career.
Charming 1957 Hofner Congress in great, characterful condition. Released in 1953 the Congress was the entry point to the highly successful Hofner range and was a feature of the catalog throughout the whole of Selmers Distribution of Hofner in the UK. Early examples features a flat back, 12 frets clear of the body and measures 14.5” across the lower bout before moving to a curved back with 14 frets clear of the body and a 15” body by 1957. Built to a budget and designed to get aspiring players to pick up the instrument and successful in doing so the Congress features a Maple body with a single piece neck, rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets. A bound top with simple dot potion markers and open back, plate tuners.
This guitar was part of Ace's private collection.