Hofner Basses: Need Advice and Opinions

[Ron Fearon]

Hello, this is Ron Fearon. I'm a semi-retired bass player in my sixties, veteran of over a dozen New England rock, top-40 and showbands through the years. I occasionally jam, mostly at parties with former band members and am available to sit in on gigs for emergencies. I arrange and record, mostly for fun. I have two basses left, a new Ibanez Micro Bass and an old S.D. Curlee. I've owned around twenty basses, one of the earliest being a Hofner "Beatle Bass" back in the 60s. It was the first bass I used on stage, and I really enjoyed its playability and extreme light weight. After maybe five years, I joined a showband and the Hofner didn't fit the scene, so I sold it (in mint condition). I can't imagine what it could be worth today if I'd kept it, dammit!

In any case, I'm still into Beatles and love that nasaly Hofner tone. I'm looking to get a new Hofner, but the model choices are confusing and Hofner's website isn't very helpful. I much prefer the Club Bass design over the Violin Bass and I'd like to keep it under $1000. My dilemma now is choosing between the "Ignition" series and the "CT" series (if I've got that right), or perhaps finding a used, bargain-priced 500/2 high-end instrument.

I've read and watch reviews online , but I'm still torn. I've seen the Ignition Bass described as a "student" or "entry" level, which turns me off. The mid-priced CT (Contemporary) model has that open-string fret a the nut, which seems like a great idea, as well as the attractive white fretboard edge binding like my old Beatle bass. It appears that all models are now stringed with round-wounds - why would they do that? Doesn't the signature Hofner sound require flat wounds?? And is only the high-end 500/2 model made in Germany?

Looking for players' personal experiences and opinions. Thanks in advance to everyone who reads this and responds! -Ron

 

[FranF]

Yes, all CT and Ignitions ship with rounds. Just change them out to flats. The only 500/2 you'll get under 1k is the CT or Ignition. The Ignitions aren't bad at all. Lots of guys use them and don't consider them beginner basses. The CT seems to be the one that best fits your budget. I love mine, and it compares favorably with my German one. A pound or two heavier due to the center block, but still lighter than any solid body bass. Your 60's bass, had you kept it, would be worth around $1800-1900 now. ;-)

 

[Bassguy61]

Welcome, Ron!
There are others that can probably do a better job answering your questions, but let me have a go based on my knowledge. There are, as you know, 3 levels of Hofners: Ignition, Contemporary, and German. They are all slightly different. The Ignition is made overseas with overseas parts, and is fully hollow. The Contemporary is made overseas but using German pickups, zero fret, and has a center block in the body so is semi-hollow. Then, of course, you have the German: handmade, hollow, etc... The Ignition and the CT comes with rounds, only the German comes with flats.

I've had, at different times, an Ignition and a CT. I can tell you that the center block does change the sound, at least somewhat. It still "thumps", no doubt. The Ignition is designed as a "budget" bass, but don't let that put you off immediately. It still played and sounded great.

I hope this helps at least a bit. Best of luck on you search!

 

[fermata]

I have a Contemporary, and I find it a nicer playing experience than any of the Ignitions I've tried. Not to say Ignitions aren't good basses, but there is a cost-quality correlation; Ignitions are made for Hofner, Contemporaries are made by Hofner, at the Chinese facility they own and run. Plus, the CTs' German pickups are great.

Hofner CT Club Bass - Contemporary Series Club Bass for sale

 

[Ron Fearon]

Yes, all CT and Ignitions ship with rounds. Just change them out to flats. The only 500/2 you'll get under 1k is the CT or Ignition. The Ignitions aren't bad at all. Lots of guys use them and don't consider them beginner basses. The CT seems to be the one that best fits your budget. I love mine, and it compares favorably with my German one. A pound or two heavier due to the center block, but still lighter than any solid body bass. Your 60's bass, had you kept it, would be worth around $1800-1900 now. ;-)

Thank, Fran! Is the German one recent, and did it come from the factory w flat wounds? You've got me just about ready to order a CT Club. Have a great day. -Ron

 

[FranF]

The German basses all ship with Pyramid flats. It's a 2005. Truth told, I kept the rounds on the CT. I have flats on 14 of my 16 Hofners, but I wanted one that would bark a little, lol. It'll still do the old school sound if I palm mute while picking, and/or roll back the treble on the amp, or use just the neck pickup. Don't be afraid to shop around though. New CTs seem to street price at around 750-800, but I've seen them as low as 500 used. Lots of guys get them and end up not bonding with the light weight, short scale or non standard ergodynamics. I'd check first with a nationwide scan of the Guitar Center Used search, or Reverb. You may get a steal.

 

[Ron Fearon]

S-I-X-T-E-E-N??!? Incredible!! I'd ask why, but I'm sure the reason won't make sense, either.

How many are violin basses and how many club basses? ​

Well, one thing's for sure - you must know your Hofners! Thanks again, Fran. You've made my choices much easier.

 

[Ron Fearon]

I have a Contemporary, and I find it a nicer playing experience than any of the Ignitions I've tried. Not to say Ignitions aren't good basses, but there is a cost-quality correlation; Ignitions are made for Hofner, Contemporaries are made by Hofner, at the Chinese facility they own and run. Plus, the CTs' German pickups are great.

Hofner CT Club Bass - Contemporary Series Club Bass for sale

I appreciate the info!!

 

[Ron Fearon]

Welcome, Ron!
There are others that can probably do a better job answering your questions, but let me have a go based on my knowledge. There are, as you know, 3 levels of Hofners: Ignition, Contemporary, and German. They are all slightly different. The Ignition is made overseas with overseas parts, and is fully hollow. The Contemporary is made overseas but using German pickups, zero fret, and has a center block in the body so is semi-hollow. Then, of course, you have the German: handmade, hollow, etc... The Ignition and the CT comes with rounds, only the German comes with flats.

I've had, at different times, an Ignition and a CT. I can tell you that the center block does change the sound, at least somewhat. It still "thumps", no doubt. The Ignition is designed as a "budget" bass, but don't let that put you off immediately. It still played and sounded great.

I hope this helps at least a bit. Best of luck on you search!

That does help, thank you!

 

[Pet Sounds]

I have several German Hofner 500/1 basses, and formerly owned a CT. IMO, the CT is a significant upgrade from the Ignition and well worth the extra money. Slap some flats on it and you're good to go.
If you can at all swing it, the German ones are even better, but I don't think you'd be unhappy with the CT. Not hating on the Ignition, but you get what you pay for.

 

[Pet Sounds]

FYI, GC has a used CT Club for 549.99. Doesn't appear to have a case.

 

[lfmn16]

It's a cool little bass, but I only had it for a short time. Too small for me, but I'm 6'2" with long fingers.

 

[Kev1955]

Well this thread has been quiet for awhile, but been working on my CT Violin bass and pass on my thoughts and experiences. The only things I didn't like stock was the tuners, lack of variety in the sound, and the way it hung while on the strap. Now these are all personal opinions so "take what fits". I changed the Tuning machines to Grover Sta Tites, much smoother. posted a pic below with one original tuner installed can see the difference. I am using Stringjoy Medium Scale Nickle Round Wounds Lites, Also replaced the Control Panel with a German control panel. What a difference much more expression.. instead of the standard hofner beatle bass strap, put the D ring on top, and used a Strap Lock on the tail piece. Finally added a thumbrest. Would I do that to a German Hofner ? No..but was ok with attaching that D ring on the CT.. solid wood underneath and not Thousands of dollars. Worked out really well loving the bass. The Tuners were V97-18NA.

 

[Kev1955]

Well this thread has been quiet for awhile, but been working on my CT Violin bass and pass on my thoughts and experiences. The only things I didn't like stock was the tuners, lack of variety in the sound, and the way it hung while on the strap. Now these are all personal opinions so "take what fits". I changed the Tuning machines to Grover Sta Tites, much smoother. posted a pic below with one original tuner installed can see the difference. I am using Stringjoy Medium Scale Nickle Round Wounds Lites, Also replaced the Control Panel with a German control panel. What a difference much more expression.. instead of the standard hofner beatle bass strap, put the D ring on top, and used a Strap Lock on the tail piece. Finally added a thumbrest. Would I do that to a German Hofner ? No..but was ok with attaching that D ring on the CT.. solid wood underneath and not Thousands of dollars. Worked out really well loving the bass. The Tuners were V97-18NA.

View attachment 4222802View attachment 4222810

was changing strings trying out a new set and the bass sounded wrong when done, found out one of the string ferrules wasn't sitting right in the tailpiece, I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but the tailpiece is a pain, so decided to change it. String changes much easier, also a lot more flexibility in string choices, don't need special strings. This is not a drop in replacement but turned out well sounds great.

 

[Kev1955]

So just for info, made a thread called "Short Scale Bass Club". Hopefully a informal central place we can pass on experiences and info on SS basses and equipment/accessories.

 

[Kev1955]

So having a problem never run into before, wondering if this ever happened to anyone else? Was playing the Hofner and just didn't sound right. Checked the intonation, perfect at 12th fret, but playing the notes up and down the fret board the notes sometimes up to a half step off? Its like the frets aren't properly spaced? Anyone else ever experience this?