Hofner Icon Adjustments

[Tatazildo]

Hi! I have this Icon for two years now and I bought it for my tribute band, where I play Paul. Thing is it's pre-owned and I think it came somewhat wrongly adjusted. I've been trying to adjust it myself but I really have no idea what I'm doing. It souns treblish and doesn't have the fat Hofner plastic-like string sound. I've been using D'Addario flats .45 and I never got the Macca sound. Also the strings touches the frets (I don't know the exact english term), mainly frets 3 and 5, all strings but E. E has the Macca tona. It really frustrates me. Here are some pictures, I hope you can send me some tips on adjusting it so I can get the Macca tone (also I took the shield off): [This invalid link has been removed]

 

[SirMjac28]

You just need a setup and I would recommend some LaBella Beatle Flats or some Pyramid Gold Flats for a nice thump I would like to know if you have the bass and treble switches on or off?

 

[stratovani]

I agree. Judging by the pictures your Icon is in need of a setup. Take it to a music store near where you live and have them check it out for you. It shouldn't cost that much. Also, switch to Pyramids or LaBella flats. They'll give you the Macca sound.

 

[Tatazildo]

It costs around 200 reais, about 95 dollars, that's why I was thinking maybe I could set it up myself. I tried all different control setups. It sounds ok when plugged but it has this horrible sound unplugged, and that really pisses me off. Thanks guys!

 

[bumperbass]

You need to read the setup guide sticky. You can do this. The bridge butting up against the pickup is definitely not right. I'll bet your intonation is WAY OFF. You only have a few choices...learn to do it yourself, have a trusted friend adjust it, or take it to that high-priced pro (a little TOO high-priced in my opinion. 95 US dollars? insane.

 

[music fun]

You don't list a city, but there should be a competent luthier near you who can set you up for under $75. I got my Ignition done in Palo Alto for that, and this is a high-priced community. Bumperbass is correct that the bridge should not contact the pickup. Mine are almost a half-inch (12 mm) apart, as with most Ignitions I've seen.

As far as the strings touching the frets is concerned, you may need the frets trued. The same luthier can do this for you. They lay a metal straightedge across the frets, and then they file down any high frets. Do not settle for strings touching the frets.

To my eye, the action on your G string is too low. That may account for the fret-touching.

Look, if you don't feel comfortable making the adjustments, pay the best luthier you can find to do it. Remember how much money you saved to buy this little beauty (compared with a Fender, for example). An expert tune-up is the best investment you can make. You'll benefit from it every time you play it.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

The middle of your bridge should be 30 inches (762 mm) from the nut. Set this first. Take a little pressure off the strings, by detuning, and slide the bridge to the correct location.

The specification that most people use for a Hofner's action is E string 3 mm from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the E string. For the G string 2 mm from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the G string.

Set the distance of the bridge first, then use the chrome wheels on the bridge to get the correct height of the strings. You may have to use pliers to rotate these wheels.

This should put you very close to where you should be.

The correct flat strings also matter regarding the sound. Pyramid short scale flats are great, they are what Hofner puts on their German made basses. They last a very long time, so they become cost effective, although they are initially expensive.