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Hofner basses.....not worth it?

#21
I've played a couple of them and, for the price, they don't seem to worth it.

I also saw a local band a couple months back and the bass player was using a Hofner through an ampeg rig and it sounded like total crap. I think it had more to do with how he had it set up than the equipment itself but it didn't leave a good impression.

If I had more money than I could spend, and collected basses as a hobby, I might buy one just for it's unique vibe but, since I have to deal with reality most the time, that's not happining any time soon.:)
 
#22
Gosh, guys---you've convinced me. I just put mine up for sale.




PSYCH!!!!




When I pulled it out of its case at the first gig I used it on (a casual gig), the reaction from my bandmates was one of extreme scepticism. When I started playing it on the first tune they all looked a bit stunned since they expected it to suck. By the time we played an uptempo jazz tune their mouths were hanging open 'cause I was swinging so hard. It sounds closer to an upright than any electric bass I've ever played. It also responds like an URB since there's not nearly as much sustain as a solid body electric, thus walking is not nearly as awkward.

I would be glad to email anyone who's interested an mp3 of me playing it.
 
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#24
BTW Big Wheel,

Listen to Day Tripper. Paul used the Hofner on that song and is definitely using the G string. Either that or he's playing that high F# on the D string. No wait! That would be in the forbidden "4 cents sharp zone."

I don't know why I keep arguing with you guys. Maybe because the original poster (that would be you Big Wheel) simply asked if his money would be well spent on a Hofner.

I posted a tune on MP3.com, but it will take a few days for it to appear on my page.
 
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#25
Rick - OK corrected on the Gibson issue

The point Max makes is interesting - in the sixties there were few electric basses in the UK or Germany. I had a Hofner guitar at that time and it was about 1/3 the price of a Fender or Gibson (even if you could get a Fender or Gibson) the market was flooded with poor guitars and I would suspect that the Hofner Bass was as good as you could get at the time. Nobody played so loud that feedback would have become a problem until 1964. Around the time a guy called Jim Marshall, my local tiny drum and guitar shop - how tiny - well it was actually half a shop with a shared doorway with the shop next door - about 12' wide and 20 ' long - so all you entreprenuers out there...there's a chance. Well anyway Jim started maked close derivative of a Bassman circuit with 50 watts together with a 4 x 12 cab (don't I wish I had kept mine which was about number 20) With this volume the trend to Telecasters, 335 / Casino, Gibson SG and Les Pauls, and Rickenbackers started in London. By the way at this time you could have cleaned up on Strats - nobody wanted one until Jimi Hendrix came along. I remember them costing secondhand about $70.

In those days the Hofner Bass wasn't ever seen in London, but basses like the Framus were the choice for those on a budget and then Rivioli and Rickenbacker dominated the high cost end. By '66/67 the Fender Basses, with the covers and rests off, appeared again in various blues/rock bands around London.
 
#26
Originally posted by jbucklin


I don't know why I keep arguing with you guys. Maybe because the original poster (that would be you Big Wheel) simply asked if his money would be well spent on a Hofner.
Click to expand...

Uh, no. Look closely. Maybe you should spend more time reading instead of trying to convince us how fabulous you are.

So Paul did play that string. Well, I couldn't have been 100% right on that, but I still think he avoided playing too high. He's commented on the Hofner's shortcomings in interviews.

And jbucklin, you don't have to defend your bass from us. If it works for you and you like it, more power to you.

I don't know why you keep arguing either.:rolleyes:
 
#27
Big Wheel,

I probably keep arguing for the same reason everybody does around here----it's fun!

I had read up on the Hofner extensively before buying it and knew about every negative thing that everyone says about. I was fully prepared to ship it back in case it sucked and I kind of expected it to. Well, I was surprised at its playability and tone---even its construction. I also expected intonation problems and found none---maybe slightly way up on the fretboard, but you don't really play up there on a bass like this.

If it really sucked I don't think Paul would have been using it on his latest tour. Greg Richling uses one all over the latest Wallflowers record, and, Lee Sklar and Michael Rhodes have them in their arsenal according to a Hofner ad in BP (I also remember reading Rhodes's gear list a couple of years ago, which included 2 Hofners). Those guys must be as blissfully stupid as I am, eh?

One other thing, then I will abandon this thread. Although I'm not really trying to convince everyone that I'm fabulous (although, come on, what's wrong with self-promotion, if you don't do it, you sit around wishing you were out there playing and being recognized for it), I am very excited about this new band (the MMW thing) that my brother and I have started. And yes, I do want people to hear it and I will be sending a link to the MP3.com page for those who might be interested in that kind of thing. I haven't been this excited about a band since I was a very young lad.:p
 
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#29
jbucklin - don't worry about the price thing - Hofner would have priced this at what they think is a right price for the number they will sell agaist their maufacturing costs. I shouldn't think that they will have a big run on these so the costs wioll be up compared to a top 10 bass and it is instantly recognisable to anyone over 40. I guess that's why you got it, that and it's boxy sound. I should think it really thumps the middle frequencies though and from that point of view it can find a powerful place in your band when you get the mix right.
 
#30
Thanks, tactician. I feel very good about my purchase. I knew I wanted another bass, but wanted something out of the ordinary instead of something similar to what I've already got.

It sounds great in the mix with my new band, The Bucklin Brothers. The others in the band love it too. I also use my other basses in this trio as well.

Later,


J
 
#31
I have two, a 500/1 and a Club. I use them regularly and They stay in tune and the intonation is correct. I have been playing since 1963 all kinds of Basses, mostly Fender. IF you are not skilled at setting intonation and playing lightly you should not play a Hofner. They are just as much a part of Bass History as a Precision, Jazz or Rickenbacker. They have thier own sound just as the other basses. You have to know that these basses were designed from an upright violin bass. Where the standard precision bass was designed from an electric guitar. So in reality they are as much different as a violin and a guitar and yes they take more care than a solid body does; just like a violin would.
 
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#32
Years ago I played in a Beatles Tribute Band and without a doubt.....a Hofner was the way to go!
I used it sparingly after I left that band and resisted selling it for the longest time due to my love of the Beatles.
It also looks extremely COOL!
Alas G.A.S. crept in and the Hofner went away.
I have no regrets.....A Hofner would not suit the kind of music I play today!
Thing is, I would never get one again. I don't like the short scale, the tight string spacing and the lack of clarity on the notes.
I think George Martin did magic on the old Beatle recordings to get that sound out of it.
 
#33
I was stuck with one through most of my teenage/garage band years and, along with an old Bassman amp, it was the worst gear I've ever had to suffer with. The thing was light and had an attractive, tubby tone at low volume. But it was totally inadequate given the amplification I had in those days for rock 'n roll. Nowadays, I can see how you could get an appealing tone out of it with a good rig. It's still a tinker toy, however. That bridge and the ridiculous lack of intonation up high just doesn't make it. For specialty applications (e.g. Beatles tribute bands, soft jazz, etc.), I can see how it'd be fun, tho. They definitely have a vibe. But it's not a pro-level instrument. I'd bet Macca keeps using his for pure nostalgia reasons and because the fans expect to see it.
 
#34
Again, It is a great bass if you know how to Adjust the intonation. Very Similar to any upright bass. If you use the right strings and and right rig you can get a great sound. I use a compressor and a Sansamp bass preamp and it kicks. Will Lee, Leland Sclar both use one regularly as do many other top notch bassist. Listen to McCartneys last three recordings. He uses it exclusively and gets a great sound.
 
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#35
Originally posted by Cogno
Again, It is a great bass if you know how to Adjust the intonation...
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't buy it. Intonation will never be precise on that bass given the construction of the bridge and the scale. Aproximately in-tune is the best you'll ever get above the 12th fret.

You may well believe it's a great bass. That's a matter of taste. I can understand why someone would like the tone, btw.
 
#37
Originally posted by Cogno
Buy no means, don't buy it. Both of mine I have as good intonation as my Jazz or precision above the 12th Fret. Do you know how to coreect the intonation on a Hofner? I doubt it.
Click to expand...

Hey, no need to get yer panties in a bunch. I'm glad you like your stuff. If you're happy with those basses, that's all that really matters. BTW, you have no basis to "doubt" what I know how to do and what I don't know how to do. Your statement about the intonation on a Hofner sounds naive to me but, hey, maybe yours ARE perfect. I'll just choose to not believe you, OK? Hope you don't mind. :rolleyes:
 
#38
I've owned a number of Hofner Beatle basses over the past 39+ yrs. I've found the 63 re-issue to be the best of all of them. The quality of the bass has continued to improve, even though each bass is built by hand in Hofner's Hagenau plant is southern Germany. Hofner has continually improved their instruments as has technology permitted, but they've been able to maintain the old craftsmanship ways of building their instruments as well.

I've found with most people over the years that you either love these basses or you hate them, There seems to be little in between. I love the weight of the bass, it weighs only 5 pounds.

The bass is a short scale but it does not give you that limited feeling that many short scales basses do. The neck is long and narrow, at the nut it's 1 5/8" wide and at the 12th fret it measures a further 1 7/8" wide. String spacing measures 1/2" center to center. This is great for anyone who has difficulty getting around a wide neck like that of a Fender Precision. This neck is fast and easy to get around.

These basses are pretty versatile instruments but lets face facts, they are not suitable for every type of music. If you want to play slap bass, death metal or heavy rock then pass on this bass. But for most other types of music it'll fit right in.

Hofners come standard from the factory with Pyramid flat wound strings. Now these are the same strings Hofner has been using for the past 40 yrs. However due to the scale of the bass and the use of flat wound strings your sound can get a little on the thumpy side if your not carefull. I've always perfered Pyramid round wounds on my Beatle basses. They're crisper and will provide the player with extra edge.

In 1997 Boosey & Hawkes purchased Hofner GMBH, which was still a family owned and run business. Since then Boosey & Hawkes have made a significent investment in the company to make sure that Hofner survives another 100 yrs.

This is a beautiful instrument and I love to play it when ever I can. It plays, looks and feels great. It is always a conversation piece when ever it's out of it's case. If you're tired of the norm, then check out a Hofner 500/1 Vintage 63 Re-issue.
 
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