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Best Hofner Beatle Bass clone?

#2
BarkSlayer said:
I'm suddenly intrigued with the the idea of picking up an original Hofner or the best clone I can afford. I tried the "Icon" and it felt like junk. Is there another decent choice I'm overlooking here?
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I owned a 60's era Hofner 500/1 (Beatle bass) for over 20 years. I've tried the Icon and it's not that far off the mark. The Hofner Contemporary (about 2 x the price of the Icon) looks closer, but, simply put, Hofners...even the German ones...feel light and fragile. Cheap feeling, to some, but decently cared for, can last as long as any other bass. It's just that they are hollow bodies, and are not as "solid" as other bass models currently available.

If you are looking for something in the price range as the Icon, look at a Jay Turner:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Jay-Turser-...QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item20ae93a10a

Rogue and Epiphone also have Beatle bass clones, but the vibe is a bit different from the Hofner models
 
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#3
brand new there are a few choices...used, there's lots of clones out there such as my cherry Sunburst 2005 Dillion DHB800 MIK:

P1010323.jpg


100% good action, all controls do what they should, and it came with a real Hofner Tailpiece all for a couple hundred used.
 
#5
I have a Brownsville UB800VS that I got for around $140. it has a metallic twang to it and the neck would need adjusting, but it is a reliable bass. I still like my two Hofner Contemporary Models more, but the Browns ville has it's own merits.
 
#7
I'm a fan of the Hofner Contemporary series. It's definitely worth the extra money over the Icon. If you're a Hofner purist you won't like the sustain block but it makes it feel a lot more substantial and makes it as versatile as any other bass from a sound perspective.
 
#8
I actually held a vintage 63 Hofner and the ICON in the same sitting and they felt almost exactly the same... They aren't that fraglie,but compared to a solid body, it's gonna feel a little like a toy,but that's what I love about it... very light and quick!
I also tried a Contemporary, loved it,but yes it did sound different and was heavier. My friend has 5 Hofners and he was the one that suggested that I get the Icon if I wanted the closet to the vintage Hofner without spending thousands. Lets face it...it's the lower end of the Hofner line,but its not a Hofner clone, regardless of where it's made, it's still a Hofner.
 
#9
I've read side-by-side comparisons, and the outcome is that there really isn't much difference between the Epi, the Rogue, the Turser and the Douglas violin basses. They all are well made and sound good with the right strings - usually Labella Hofner flats. I don't pay Hofner prices. The Rogue with Labellas is hanging in my music room right now!

P1010305.gif
 
#10
Peacefrog35 said:
I actually held a vintage 63 Hofner and the ICON in the same sitting and they felt almost exactly the same...
Click to expand...

+1 for the Icon. I own it in three colors (so I can accesorize). Virtually the same advantages, same disadvantages as the German variety. I'm sure the German violin bass is made by better techs, better woods, better electronics, etc., but if you're on a budget, Icon is the way to go.

I've tried Turser, Rogue, and Douglas. Meh. Certainly no better than an Icon, and I'd rather have the Hofner headstock logo.
 
#17
I had an Icon from MF and it sounded good with LaBella flats. I liked the quick little neck but the damn thing just up and died after one week. No sounds out of either pickup. I sent it back and got a MIM Jazz instead.
 

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