Sorry guys-- gotta agree with GM on this one-- I've played a vintage hofner before, at of all places a Guitar Center, and I just bought the Pink Icon. Does not even compare!!! I guess I'm not sorry I bought the Icon-- just wasn't what I was hoping.
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Hofner Icon Bass Colors
- Thread starter Siegy
- Start date
Sorry guys-- gotta agree with GM on this one-- I've played a vintage hofner before, at of all places a Guitar Center, and I just bought the Pink Icon. Does not even compare!!! I guess I'm not sorry I bought the Icon-- just wasn't what I was hoping.
My older brother used to have a 60s Hofner violin bass. I also used to play a friend's Hofner violin bass in high school jazz band. Now, I have an Icon bass, and for me, it is just as good as the German made version. The German made Hofner violin bass is not an expensively made instrument, it is just expensive.
I put some LaBella Beatle flatwounds on my Icon and it sounds great through my Ampeg B100R amp, very Beatlish and early 60s.
Remember, the bass sounds of that era were nothing phenomenal, they sounded like a BASS! Thumpy, fat, and round.
McCartney got a Hofner because it looked good played left handed and it was cheap. He himself admits they are not substantial instruments, so I am quite happy with my $350 purchase. I would never pay $2000 for what is essentially the same thing. Is a German Hofner bass better? Maybe. $1,650 better? I doubt it.
I put some LaBella Beatle flatwounds on my Icon and it sounds great through my Ampeg B100R amp, very Beatlish and early 60s.
Remember, the bass sounds of that era were nothing phenomenal, they sounded like a BASS! Thumpy, fat, and round.
McCartney got a Hofner because it looked good played left handed and it was cheap. He himself admits they are not substantial instruments, so I am quite happy with my $350 purchase. I would never pay $2000 for what is essentially the same thing. Is a German Hofner bass better? Maybe. $1,650 better? I doubt it.
It was inexpensive because he bought it in Germany where it was made. That meant no shipping costs, import duty, or British VAT (tax). He also paid for it in German marks, which meant no currency exchange. Bottom line is that he got a great deal on it because of where he bought it. The fact that it looked cool due to its asymetrical body shape was also a big factor.
You obviously don't know much about the Icon Series instruments and the B-Bass in particular from a quality point of view. Where do you want to start?
How about we start with the basics. Are you aware that the Icon body is made from plywood that has had a piece of 1/16" thick veneer glued to it to make it appear to be solid wood? Yes, plywood!!
Are you aware the Icon is basically machine made, and not hand crafted?
Are you aware that the Icon's electronic components consist of many of the cheapest pots, switches and capacitors available in the world?
Are you aware that the hardware used on the Icon is made from low grade Chinese white metal?
Are you aware that Icon's are painted (finished) by machine in a production line and not by the hand of a craftsman?
Are you are that the Chinese people who assemble the Icon instruments are paid next to nothing and that they're anything but craftsmen?
I can go one, but I won't.
There are a lot of reasons why a German made Hofner is worth far more in value than a Chinese made one and is also far better made. You get what you pay for.
For what it's worth, i've visited the Hofner factory in Haganeu, Germany and seen for myself the quality of wood and electronic components that go into every instrument they make by their highly skilled craftsmen.
TD
How odd for someone to say (although I understand it) that the bass sounds of the sixties were "not phenomenal," when of course, that's when bass was probably at its peak - as a public phenom. Thumpy, fat and round - is what we wanted back then, as listeners, and many folks still relate to it.
Whether it comes from a Hofner or from some other source. Thumpy = yummy, to some of us.
Whether it comes from a Hofner or from some other source. Thumpy = yummy, to some of us.
Looks like I hit a nerve!
I apologize if you or anyone was offended. I did not intend that. Just making some personal observations. The fact that we all own Hofners at least shows we have THAT in common.
All I really meant was that I am REALLY happy with my Icon bass! And you do make some very good points!
You misunderstood me. I did not criticize the bass tone of the 60s, I love that tone myself. That's why I play Waterstone Indra basses (short scale) with flats, along with my new Hofner Icon bass.
All I was saying is that the Hofner bass provides THAT sound, which was a pretty standard bass sound either way you slice it, and was also buried in the mix until Beatle LPs started having the bass and drums "up" in the mix.
Again, no offense intended. Long live the bass tone of the 50s and 60s!!
Rob, I didn't mean to come down on you. But you if you're going to make comments like you did you need be aware that there are a number of differences between the German made Hofner's and the Chinese made ones.
I'm glad that you and the others are happy with your Icon B-Basses. Everytime one is sold, Hofner makes money, which in turns supports the German factory.
Hofner decided to create the Icon and Contemporary Series instruments to compete in the lower end market, which had been a market they couldn't compete in with their German made instruments due to costs. They saw how many copies of their 500/1 were being sold yearly by other companies. They needed to have their piece of the pie, which is what having the Icon and Contemporary Series instruments has done for them.
Perhaps your next bass will be a HCT500/1 Contemporary. It's similar in many ways to the Icon, but much closer to the German made 500/1. If you get the chance, check one out. You'll be impressed.
TD
I may do that. Honestly, I had no idea until recently Hofner was making these more affordable models. My own interests in the Hofner bass are strictly McCartney related, that and I love vintage tones. About two months ago I went to a friend's house and he had an Icon and I sat down and played it, and I really liked it for it's playability, looks, and tone. I also thought the price could not be beat, so I just figured I'd get one. Mine was delivered last Wed. night and I did a two hour gig that night with it, and the Icon really held up well. For me, it's a beater, I even accidently hit the neck on the mic stand, and it stayed in tune! So, I think it is a great little bass for the price.
I would probably get a Contemporary, if the funds come my way. But, actually, I am really wanting an Icon Club bass (sunburst or gold top!).
Yes, the Icon is a true hollowbody, at least that is my understanding. There is not a center wood block, like some semi hollow bodies have. My Waterstone Indras are semi hollow and sound great too.
I just recieved my Icon today and I noticed that the bridge is not attached to the body. When there is no tension on the strings it can be moved. Is this normal?
Yes, it is normal, and my understanding is a few basses from the 60s had this design.
Yes to both of your questions.
The Contemporary on the other hand has the block that is positioned between the top and the back of the bass running the length of the body. The purpose of the block is to increase string sustain, which it does. It also eliminates feedback. The only possible downside to it is that it gives the bass more of a solid body sound than a semi-acoustic sound.
TD
I know this thread is kind of old, but I just came across it. I'm glad I found it, though. I was thinking of getting a Hofner Icon as a beater bass. But if they are made as cheaply as what is indicated here, I'm not sure if it would be worth it.
I have the ugly green one(green happens to be my favorite color) google the color of your choice,these are limited production bass's mine is 45 of 150 there is blue red white pink gold and silver as far as playabilty?I guess it depends on style I own 5 bass's and 3 are keepers 1 is acoustic and 1 is a beater and my main 3 are as different as can be Hofner jazz and LTDEC
They are far from beater basses. I have a Pink Icon and a Contemporary and they rock the house. Maybe not on a par with the German Hofner, but not $2,000 either. They come pretty close though, particularly the Contemporary.
I doubt if anyone would consider the Contemporary as a beater bass. But I was referring to the Icon. If you read Thornton Davis's comments, he does present a pretty convincing case that the Icons are cheaply made, but not the Contemporary Hofners. That pink Icon looks cool, though. Very nice.
Well, cheaply made, cheaper price.
I have an Icon and gig with it, so far no problems with it "falling apart" at a gig.
I play 50s and early 60s rock n roll and the Hofner Icon fits the bill quite nicely.
Now, I just play bass and sing, do walking bass lines and use a pick most of the time, or my thumb for a softer, rounder tone on ballads.
I am not sure what you have in mind)) but it should hold up quite well, unless you want to stand on it or hang from it from a pole or somehing like that.
I have an Icon and gig with it, so far no problems with it "falling apart" at a gig.
I play 50s and early 60s rock n roll and the Hofner Icon fits the bill quite nicely.
Now, I just play bass and sing, do walking bass lines and use a pick most of the time, or my thumb for a softer, rounder tone on ballads.
I am not sure what you have in mind
)) but it should hold up quite well, unless you want to stand on it or hang from it from a pole or somehing like that.
