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Hofner alternative?

F

fenderfan05

Feb 4, 2025
5
5
#1
I've been using a Squier CV Jazz bass with flats for about a year but sadly I've just been unable to bond with the bass. I used a Violin bass copy for a while that I really liked, but it was impossible to keep in tune and adjusting the intonation was beyond my expertise.

So I've opted to sell the jazz and look for a new bass to take it's place. Preferably it'd be short-scale with a hollow/semi-hollow body for less than $400. I play mostly 50s-70s rock and pop. I'm currently gravitating towards the Gretsch Jr Jet streamliner, I just don't know if I'll get the same kind of rubber-y thump that a violin bass has. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
 
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#4
Your budget is challenging. Seen some good things about this 30.5" offering from Harley-Benton.

1738716871199.png
 
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#7
fenderfan05 said:
My fear is that because of this bridge design, adjusting intonation will be impossible for me.
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Virtually all the older, hollow-body basses (like my '71 Guild Starfire II) had some sort of compromised bridge design which let you get intonation "close enough for jazz". I'm sure that's true here. Most people who play this sort of instrument aren't looking to solo on the 22 fret, so it actually works out pretty well. That Godin's a nice bass, but *way* more than $400—and look at the bridge design (no fiddling with intonation there).
 
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#8
jmlee said:
Virtually all the older, hollow-body basses (like my '71 Guild Starfire II) had some sort of compromised bridge design which let you get intonation "close enough for jazz". I'm sure that's true here. Most people who play this sort of instrument aren't looking to solo on the 22 fret, so it actually works out pretty well. That Godin's a nice bass, but *way* more than $400—and look at the bridge design (no fiddling with intonation there).
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That's a fair point. I doubt Paul McCartney's hofner was perfectly intonated when they made all those amazing records, I shouldn't worry about that sort of thing. :p
 
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#11
fenderfan05 said:
I've been using a Squier CV Jazz bass with flats for about a year but sadly I've just been unable to bond with the bass. I used a Violin bass copy for a while that I really liked, but it was impossible to keep in tune and adjusting the intonation was beyond my expertise.

So I've opted to sell the jazz and look for a new bass to take it's place. Preferably it'd be short-scale with a hollow/semi-hollow body for less than $400. I play mostly 50s-70s rock and pop. I'm currently gravitating towards the Gretsch Jr Jet streamliner, I just don't know if I'll get the same kind of rubber-y thump that a violin bass has. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
I have 2 Hofners, a Ric, Douglas, Squire, and just got a Marcus Miller V3. Check out Thomann Harley Benton. I own 2 12 strings of theirs an electric and acoustic electric and I am very happy with them.
 
#13
You could probably find a used Hofner for $400 or less. I’ve heard the Rogue and Harley Benton copies are actually pretty decent.

You may also consider the Squier Paranormal Rascal if the hollow/semi-hollow thing isn’t a deal breaker.

Also, if you’re patient and check Musician’s Friend/GC’s online used section regularly, I’ve seen Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblecats pop up for around $400.
 
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#14
The Harley Benton Beatbass (Höfner copy) is great! Far superior tuners compared to a Höfner. Nicer neck. Naturally, you will have the same intonation problems but I wouldn´t bother. For me it was close enough from the factory, but to each their own I guess. Another option is a used Epiphone Allen Woody. Never played one but they sound great. People aren´t crazy about those bridges either though.
 
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#15
fenderfan05 said:
That's a fair point. I doubt Paul McCartney's hofner was perfectly intonated when they made all those amazing records, I shouldn't worry about that sort of thing. :p
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It wasn't (and neither was Jamerson's P-bass...). It's still something modern bass players can find problematic though. Some of the things that are part of the charm with The Beatles, Motown and lots of other classic recordings (poor intonation, noise/distortion, limited reproduction of extreme highs/lows) just isn't acceptable for many musicians today. Of course this won't stop these same musicians from using "toob" pedals or plugins in an attempt to recreate that wonderful "vintage" sound, after they've spent a fortune on the most pristine sounding, digital signal chain they can afford;).

It's worth mentioning that Höfner bridges can actually be intonated reasonably well, if you take the time to do it. You simply move those little fretwire-"saddles" back/forward to another slot. This combined with moving and perhaps slanting the bridge slightly can often massively improve the intonation on Höfners with many types of strings.

It won't be 100% perfect (and flatwound E-strings can often be problematic on ALL short scale basses) but with many strings it can at least be significantly better than the factory "setup".

It takes some time to do it, and there may be some trial-and-error involved before you find the sweetspot. You also need to be careful not to damage the fretwire-saddles or the slots in the wood, but it's not really that difficult. And as long as you stick with the same strings, you really only need to do it once.
 
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#16
fenderfan05 said:
I've been using a Squier CV Jazz bass with flats for about a year but sadly I've just been unable to bond with the bass. I used a Violin bass copy for a while that I really liked, but it was impossible to keep in tune and adjusting the intonation was beyond my expertise.

So I've opted to sell the jazz and look for a new bass to take it's place. Preferably it'd be short-scale with a hollow/semi-hollow body for less than $400. I play mostly 50s-70s rock and pop. I'm currently gravitating towards the Gretsch Jr Jet streamliner, I just don't know if I'll get the same kind of rubber-y thump that a violin bass has. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

I think it's worth mentioning that Pyramid Gold flatwounds are a HUGE part of the "rubbery", thumpy Höfner tone. You won't really get THAT tone with any other strings. These strings were actually specifically designed for Höfner back in the day.

With other strings a Höfner won't really have "the Höfner tone". It can still sound great though!
 
#17
The Höfner can be intonated by moving the whole bridge. I believe some strings are specifically made so that they can intonate on a Höfner. Epiphone also makes the Rumblekat which should sound similar to a Cavern Höfner - that bridge is still controversal, buy it intonates much more easily.
 
#18
jmlee said:
Your budget is challenging. Seen some good things about this 30.5" offering from Harley-Benton.

View attachment 7143321
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These are shockingly good instruments for the price. To me it looks like the EXACT same bass as the considerably more expensive Eastwood Classic 4. The Harley Benton version certainly feels/sounds like a significantly more expensive bass than the price might suggest. Possibly THE best value bass I've ever seen.

Having said that, I've only played ONE of these, and at this price I have a feeling that the quality may vary a bit... I would definitely not buy a B-stock/customer return with these!
 
#19
fenderfan05 said:
I used a Violin bass copy for a while that I really liked, but it was impossible to keep in tune and adjusting the intonation was beyond my expertise.

So I've opted to sell the jazz and look for a new bass to take it's place. Preferably it'd be short-scale with a hollow/semi-hollow body for less than $400.
Click to expand...

I know the title says "Hofner Alternative", but have you considered the Hofner Ignition Club? 30" with (IME) better ergonomics than the Violin. The Ignition are fully hollow like the German models (the HCT are semi-hollow, with a solid centre-block), and should come in close to the $400 budget. I bought mine with no expectations of having it as anything but 'wall art'; after a few hours on the bench and a new set of LaBella black tapes it sounds great and plays great so gets a healthy share of genuine play-time.

Regarding intonation, it is worth bearing in mind that a low action with minimal relief, a well-cut nut and properly-set witness points reduces the compensation required at the bridge. It is possible to get very close with the Hofner bridge once all other setup elements are addressed...
 
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#20
fenderfan05 said:
I've been using a Squier CV Jazz bass with flats for about a year but sadly I've just been unable to bond with the bass. I used a Violin bass copy for a while that I really liked, but it was impossible to keep in tune and adjusting the intonation was beyond my expertise.

So I've opted to sell the jazz and look for a new bass to take it's place. Preferably it'd be short-scale with a hollow/semi-hollow body for less than $400. I play mostly 50s-70s rock and pop. I'm currently gravitating towards the Gretsch Jr Jet streamliner, I just don't know if I'll get the same kind of rubber-y thump that a violin bass has. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
I have a Gretsch G2220 Jr Jet. The only way you will get rubbery thumpy out of the Gretsch Streamliner would be with flats and possibly a foam bridge mute. I did this to mine and I love it. YMMV.

Epiphone Viola bass is similar to the Hofner Beatle bass but without the crazy controls of the Hofner. Also better tuners. Slightly different body shape. Also look at the Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat with flats.
 

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