Hofner Setup

**BigDaddyO** · #1 02-19-2009, 04:09 PM

Any good tips for setting up a hofner violin bass?

JustDavid · #2 02-19-2009, 06:00 PM

Are you comfortable with setups on non-Hofners? Any particular areas of questions?

**BigDaddyO** · #3 02-19-2009, 06:21 PM

Never set up a bridge like this?

JustDavid · #4 02-19-2009, 06:29 PM

Looks just like my Epi Viola's.

For "Saddle" height I'd set the E end for a happy E, the G end for a happy G, back to the E, back to the G, et cetera until both are half-happy. Then work the A with the E until both are happy, & then the D with the G, then back to EA, then DG.

Intonation's fun also. Slide the bridge back & forth to get again a 'least worst' intonation across the strings. Might have to spin the bridge a bit.

That's what I recall from a few months back. I'm quite open to hearing better ideas from anyone.

wilsonn · #5 02-19-2009, 06:32 PM

If you're talking about an original bridge, the bridge has limited adjustability. You can adjust the height of the bridge only with the wheels, so you effect at least two strings with an adjustment of either wheel. The intonation also can only be adjusted only roughly by moving the removable saddles to one of four positions. So, if you follow intonation instructions available widely here and on the net, you can move the saddle closer to the nut or further away to slightly adjust intonation at the twelfth. Intonation at the twelfth fret is just not going to be as precise as you can do with a fully adjustable bridge. On my bridge, the action is set medium, and the saddles are in the second position (from the nut) for G and D and the third position for A and 4th position for E. So, hope this is SOME help, but there really isn't much you can do.
Neal

JustDavid · #6 02-19-2009, 06:35 PM

It looked like my Epi's "saddles" were fretwire bits. Is that the "standard" for this sort of bridge?

**BigDaddyO** · #7 02-20-2009, 10:28 AM

Thanks good suggestions.....

How about pickup height?

wilsonn · #8 02-20-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

It looked like my Epi's "saddles" were fretwire bits. Is that the "standard" for this sort of bridge?

Yes

wilsonn · #9 02-20-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddyO

Thanks good suggestions.....

How about pickup height?

I'll measure my height if you are interested, but it was set up by the last luthier that did a job on it and I've not touched it. It sounds like it's supposed to...just a a thumpy beatle bass.

mccartneyman · #10 02-20-2009, 11:56 AM

Don't forget that McCartney uses the front pickup almost all the time. Intonation can be tricky, but it's possible. Or at least close.

RED5 · #11 02-20-2009, 01:01 PM

"Ballpark" is the operative word here. Pick your favorite spot on the neck and aim for that to be on.

Pilgrim · #12 02-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

Don't forget that McCartney uses the front pickup almost all the time. Intonation can be tricky, but it's possible. Or at least close.

Which is the "front" pickup? They're both on the front.

There is, however, a neck pickup and a bridge pickup.

**BigDaddyO** · #13 02-20-2009, 06:07 PM

Wilsonn, would appreciate the measurments....thanks