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Epiphone Viola vs Hofner contemporary violin bass?
- Thread starter Thurisarz
- Start date
I'm very impressed by my Hofner CT series. The center block construction makes it less boomy than a full hollowbody, and the German-made pickups are very powerful. With flatwounds, it almost sounds like an old P-Bass.
That's precisely what turned me off to it. It doesn't sound like a real 500/1 to me. For me the Icon gets much closer.
However, if I wanted a P-esque sound from a Hofner, maybe it'd work.
Hello!
I have a viola since 1999, an eagle violin bass (a hofner cheap copy as the Jturser, Rogue, etc, etc) since 2003 and a Hofner HCT 500/1 since september 2011.
The Viola and all the other korean copies are almost the same one... only some details change from one to other like the headstock and some electronics.
But everything else are identical, the use the SAME pickups, the same bridge and even the same tailpiece. (I changed my eagle tailpiece with a hofner one).
And in the end I think the Hofner Ignition uses the same body and hardware as the cheap knock offs.
So... theres no question... If you want a Beatle Bass, go directly for the CT. If you just want a violin bass, anything else is almost the same thing.
cheers!
I have a viola since 1999, an eagle violin bass (a hofner cheap copy as the Jturser, Rogue, etc, etc) since 2003 and a Hofner HCT 500/1 since september 2011.
The Viola and all the other korean copies are almost the same one... only some details change from one to other like the headstock and some electronics.
But everything else are identical, the use the SAME pickups, the same bridge and even the same tailpiece. (I changed my eagle tailpiece with a hofner one).
And in the end I think the Hofner Ignition uses the same body and hardware as the cheap knock offs.
So... theres no question... If you want a Beatle Bass, go directly for the CT. If you just want a violin bass, anything else is almost the same thing.
cheers!
Just an FYI, the ICON Hofner does not use the same body as the knock offs. The rumor that they are made in the same factory has been around too and that's not true either. They are made in Hofner's own factory over there.
Maybe not the same factory... but everyone of them is made with the same mold. It doesn't mean is a bad one though... but believe me I have seen and played all of them.
I wanted to buy an Icon's body in ebay ( just the wood body with no electronics or hardware) and use my eagle violin bass hardware... but the seller won't ship it to mexico...
It all depends on what you're looking for; if you want a genuine Hofner sound without spending thousands, I recommend going with the Hofner CT. It's virtually identical, sonically and physically, and if you're a geek/stickler (like I am), you can easily affect the cosmetic changes to make it look like the German model.
The Hofner Icon (now called the Ignition) is something I'd honestly have difficulty recommending over a Jay Turser or Rogue (or any of the plethora of knockoffs out there). The Icons seem to be a bit ~too~ much on the cheap side; their switches seem very fragile, as someone pointed out in an earlier comment, and it's just flat out not as well made as the CT.
So, if you've just gotta have a Hofner, skip the disappointment, save up, shell out and get the CT.
Regarding the Epiphone Viola, I had a 1st Gen model once upon a time, and I genuinely regret ever getting rid of it. I haven't had an opportunity to check out these latest models, but I've got the bug again, so I hope they're still made as well as they were back in the late '90s. If you're looking for a violin-shaped bass to evoke the visual nostalgia, but with a bit more versatility, the Viola is the way to go. I've heard about the Brice and and the Anderson (and, again, a plethora of brands), but I assume they're all still made by Samick (or at least they're all probably made in the same factory and rebranded for the seller). Regardless of the 'brand', you're most likely to still get some really decent boom for your buck.
As has been mentioned, the Viola is a tad more stout (and larger) than the CT, so that may be something for you to consider. However, if you're normally a solid-body player, the weight difference(s) will be noticeable to the positive side, whichever one you choose.
One last thing about the violin basses; they can be uncomfortable to play, depending upon your arm positioning. The sharp edges of both the CT and the Viola can cut off circulation to your forearm within the span of one song if you're not careful. I suggest trying out one of each for a substantial amount of time to see if you're comfortable playing on it.
So, if you want the authenticity at a bargain price, get the Hofner CT.
If you want a nostalgic-looking bass that's more versatile, you can't go wrong with the Epiphone Viola.
The Hofner Icon (now called the Ignition) is something I'd honestly have difficulty recommending over a Jay Turser or Rogue (or any of the plethora of knockoffs out there). The Icons seem to be a bit ~too~ much on the cheap side; their switches seem very fragile, as someone pointed out in an earlier comment, and it's just flat out not as well made as the CT.
So, if you've just gotta have a Hofner, skip the disappointment, save up, shell out and get the CT.
Regarding the Epiphone Viola, I had a 1st Gen model once upon a time, and I genuinely regret ever getting rid of it. I haven't had an opportunity to check out these latest models, but I've got the bug again, so I hope they're still made as well as they were back in the late '90s. If you're looking for a violin-shaped bass to evoke the visual nostalgia, but with a bit more versatility, the Viola is the way to go. I've heard about the Brice and and the Anderson (and, again, a plethora of brands), but I assume they're all still made by Samick (or at least they're all probably made in the same factory and rebranded for the seller). Regardless of the 'brand', you're most likely to still get some really decent boom for your buck.
As has been mentioned, the Viola is a tad more stout (and larger) than the CT, so that may be something for you to consider. However, if you're normally a solid-body player, the weight difference(s) will be noticeable to the positive side, whichever one you choose.
One last thing about the violin basses; they can be uncomfortable to play, depending upon your arm positioning. The sharp edges of both the CT and the Viola can cut off circulation to your forearm within the span of one song if you're not careful. I suggest trying out one of each for a substantial amount of time to see if you're comfortable playing on it.
So, if you want the authenticity at a bargain price, get the Hofner CT.
If you want a nostalgic-looking bass that's more versatile, you can't go wrong with the Epiphone Viola.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I'm very impressed by my Hofner CT series. The center block construction makes it less boomy than a full hollowbody, and the German-made pickups are very powerful. With flatwounds, it almost sounds like an old P-Bass.
Jazz I have the identical setup amd love it Lucy is my baby.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
It sounds like a Hofner to me and a rather good one I might add I had a Icon it also sounded great but the CT has the sound and feel I love.
I'm not a fan of the chunky neck on the CT or German models. I prefer the thinner Icon/Ignition neck profile.
Perhaps they have a slightly thicker profile, but due to the narrow string spacing--especially at the bridge--I have a bit of trouble envisioning the CT neck as chunky.
I dig my HCT-500. Beautiful finishes. 'Gets a nice thump (TI Flats). VERY low action, and very easy to play. 'Doesn't lay down on your hips when standing very well. She pretty much is a one trick pony, though, albeit a very nice trick....
The photo is overexposed. She does have the pearloid scratchplate and control panel. I have since painted the switches creme.
