Opinions on Violin Basses - Page 5

**mjac28** · #81 10-28-2012, 04:52 PM

I have a nice Hofner and two 68 Greco violin basses if your are trying to play hard Rock with one you might not be happy but for the music I like to play Beatles ,classic 60's they are perfect and have a incredible sound the Rogue is a great little bass and is easy to play like all short scale basses I would go for it and change the strings to some labella Beatle Bass strings.

1stnamebassist · #82 10-28-2012, 08:12 PM

By the way, do you need shortscale strings, or will longscale work on these also?

jasper383 · #83 10-28-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stnamebassist

By the way, do you need shortscale strings, or will longscale work on these also?

Medium scale work best. That trapeze bridge makes short scale strings too short.

Some long scale strings will work, although you may have trouble getting them into the tuning pegs.

I have used La Bella Beatle, D'Addario Chrome, and Fender rounds on my Hofner Ignition Club, and they all sounded great.

1stnamebassist · #84 10-29-2012, 03:38 AM

Thanks!

rockscott · #85 10-29-2012, 05:00 AM

I have a mint condition epi viola with case for sale. Its a well made bass, fun to play and very warm sounding. I just moved up to an ibanez artcore and i would like to keep my viola but i have too many guitars right now.

Shawn Luckman · #86 10-29-2012, 06:51 AM

My 1964 500/1 was my main bass for 10 years from 1988-1998. Did a load of gigs with it & the only thing I ever did to it, was lower the the two screws on the bridge.

It spends a lot of time now in it's case now, but it is still a fantastic little bass.

rtslinger · #87 10-29-2012, 06:58 AM

I recorded with a Hofner back in the 70's loved it never tried any other brand. But I have always wanted one after that day.

mr13ump · #88 10-29-2012, 07:36 AM

Personally, I haven't enjoyed most of the violin basses that i have played. The tone is boring, and I can hardly concentrate on what I am playing because I am trying so hard not to snap them in half. There is one exception, however. I got the opportunity to try out my friend's '62 Hofner through his vintage '60 Vox stack (his father was in a Beatles tribute Act), and it was amazing. I dont know if it was the bass, the amp, or both, but that was one of the best instruments I have played in a long time. Maybe it is the quality of the ones released now, but that '62 hofner sounded infinitely better than any other violin bass I have ever played.

rtslinger · #89 10-29-2012, 08:10 AM

Guys check out my post Sir Paul in the basses section the Hofner live full concert 1964 that is a smooth deep bass sound that you can hear every note.

Peacefrog35 · #90 10-29-2012, 04:17 PM

Luckman has one of the prettiest Hofner's out there! Hey Shawn! I need to send you an email.

Chris

Shawn Luckman · #91 10-30-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peacefrog35

Luckman has one of the prettiest Hofner's out there! Hey Shawn! I need to send you an email.

Chris

Thank you Chris That has made my morning.

chuck norriss · #92 11-22-2012, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabbler

Do uglas wveb violin bass copy. I'm more comfortable with the vvt controls, and I have both strung with labella beatle bass flats. Good feel, good sound, excellent value.

Ilike the fretless. Is it stable? Is the neck strong? I had a Douglas tele guitar the neck was made of lasagna noodle.

chuck norriss · #93 11-22-2012, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by main_sale

I bought this Hofner back in Germany in the mid-60's for $129. I still have it and this is a recent picture. it has aged nicely, sounds great and has been a great investment.

More pics please!

Munjibunga · #94 11-22-2012, 01:44 AM

They dominate when properly designed and constructed. This is not your mother's violin bass.

jellejanssen · #95 11-22-2012, 01:46 AM

I won't really buy one, more if its for a collector item.

loopee · #96 11-22-2012, 02:13 AM

I have a Hofner club Bass and a Dillion Beatle Bass.....love them both....they have their place to shine just like my 4 other solidbody basses......
My Dillion Beatle Bass is for sale if you're interested......I would compare it to the Hofner Ignition model for half the price of the new Hofner and it comes with a hard case....been kept in the case the whole time.....

chuck norriss · #97 11-22-2012, 11:13 AM

I played an epiphone viola yesterday it was good. My last memory was they were not good but this one was very nice. Felt a littke cramped comoared to P. Maybe my taste has changed--I used to like mushrooms on my pizza now I hate mushrooms.

rfslick · #98 11-22-2012, 12:12 PM

Don't be afraid to consider the Rogue VB100. It's now completely hollow like the Hofner Ignition at half the price. The older Rogues and the current Epiphone Viola are cut from a block of plywood with thin vineer top and backs hence the black sides. The sides are about 3/4 inch thick. The coloring is far better than the light colored sunburst shown in the catalog or on line. I just got mine in July '12.
I have a Hofner Ignition Club and the Rogue VB100 and play them interchangeably. I also have a ten year old VB100 and while it's good, it doesn't compare to the new one.