Scott, I guess a newbee has to earn his spurs somehow, what a shame it would be to own a top notch guitar as your very first... you'd never fully appreciate to joy of finally getting your hands on a fabulous guitar.
Shel, I have never held a Hofner in my hands nor heard one live in spite of living Germany for 2 years and being just over the border for 28. I think you are right, your description of yours sounds just like my kind of guitar. I'll keep my ears open for one.
Another German make which I really liked is the Lakewood. They have the European sound too but with a definite German accent
. Until I picked up a BSG, the Lakewood was the one I liked best. They have a really good inbuilt mic system but the BSG wins over on the acoustic sound.