Can a Hofner do motown/soul?

[Pet Sounds]

I've been in a Motown/soul band for 20+ years and have played a P-Bass probably 95% of the time. My Hofner would definitely get a more than acceptable sound, but, like an earlier poster, I don't like the Hofner string spacing for fingerstyle. YMMV.

 

[JRT64]

I've used both my Hofner HCT and Ignition on Motown and soul tunes many times in my band, and they each do just fine. I play 99.999% of the time with a pick, so the Hofner string spacing works well for me. I rarely use my fingers anymore, regardless of the bass I'm using on a show, unless the mood hits me on a particular song.

 

[nibbles]

Thanks for the replies to this thread, it's been really interesting reading everyone's thoughts and opinions!

What I find really interesting is that much of what people are saying is essentially don't worry about it, enjoy yourself!

I find that really refreshing as I was a bit unsure of the response I'd get to the question. I.e. would I be laughed out of here for considering a Hofner for something a bit groovy!

Of course, a Hofner and P-Bass aren't the same, but I feel more encouraged to go more with what feels right and comfortable and crucially gives me enthusiasm to create things with, and go from there!

Last weekend I did a bit tour of the stores local to me and found one of them had a hidden bass section I'd never noticed lol. I managed to try both a leftie p-bass and a leftie hofner, which was surprising as we're normally so left behind.

I think I'll need to go for a second and maybe third play, as the small time I spent wasn't decisive. But, I found that I really liked the ergonomics of the hofner. As I suspected, with my hands, it was simply a lot easier to move around the fretboard with one.

I do plan on going back to try to see how I fare a second time round, ie do I find it easier to play the P-bass, do I find I hear more of a difference between them etc, but as it stands I think the ease of playing is the trump card for the hofner atm. And, buoyed by people here, I will go with what feels best. When I'm ready that is!

Incidentally, just as I was about to reply I stumbled on this semi-live performance from the UK band Jungle, who are a really fun dance pop band. I notice the bassist using a hofner for some of the songs, so one can hear it in that context, ie a modern groove. Not the same as what I'm going for, but I think good to hear it getting the blood pumping.