Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Hofner Basses
- Thread starter Jmustern
- Start date
Hofner violin bass?
One of the most useless basses I've ever played in my life. The only sound you can get out of it is the Beatles sound, which is just this dull thud...Which is good if you're playing to the Beatles. Other than that, it's just a waste of money, IMO.
One of the most useless basses I've ever played in my life. The only sound you can get out of it is the Beatles sound, which is just this dull thud...Which is good if you're playing to the Beatles. Other than that, it's just a waste of money, IMO.
I recorded a drop D metal sludge song with mine. It actually sounded pretty monstrous. I compressed the heck out of it. It didn't need a whole lot of EQ, the bottom end is huge.
Well, the original 500/1 is *the* bass one thinks of when they think of Hofner. I played one and it had a wonderful feel to it and a beautiful sound. There is a version they made in the 60's that had active pickups - I have always wondered what it sounds like. I know they made several models of solidbody as well, but I've never played one - they don't seem very common. I also have a an Icon (made in asia), which looks like a cheap toy and sounds like it too.
I have both the violin and club basses and that has not my experience at all.
Maybe it's just me but I seem to be able to get more than a dull thud out of mine.
Yeah, this is a bunch of nonsense.
The "Beatle" bass sound is BASS. Now, if you want a "modern" tone, get something else.
I never thought much of the Beatle bass. It's not a "player." Then I saw one for sale at a great price and figured I'd pick it up for kicks and giggles. I LOVE it!
I wouldn't use it for too many things but it has a vibe. And for playing Beatles music (which I do) it is THE sound.
I wouldn't use it for too many things but it has a vibe. And for playing Beatles music (which I do) it is THE sound.
I had a similar experience. For 25 years I was against getting a violin bass, as it was too "Beatley" though I am a huge fan. Then I saw a friend's Hofner Icon and loved it. So I bought one and use it a lot. I also just purchased a new Hofner Icon Club bass for those gigs when I don't want to be a "fanboy!"
Mine's actually smaller and lighter than any Les Paul guitar I've come across. I have the Icon model, though. Not sure if the German-made ones or Contemporary models are any different.
There are plenty of evidences that the Hofner violin bass is not only a "Beatle" bass, this is one:
I bought one used but had to return it because of defective electronics. Playing it did not really inspire me to get another one. Decided to get a Jazz instead to complement my Precision. I guess I'm a mainstream bass guy. 
I bought one used but had to return it because of defective electronics. Playing it did not really inspire me to get another one. Decided to get a Jazz instead to complement my Precision. I guess I'm a mainstream bass guy.
Whatever works. I sold my Fender P bass and J bass, and now use the Hofner Icon basses. They just sound and play better for my needs than the Fender basses did.
