Hofner Ignition- Canted Tail piece

[johntrem]

I recently acquired Hofner Ignition Beatle bass through ebay. It was a new item. It's fine. Plays well. No problems but recently noticed that the top of the tail piece is canted in a downward angle from the E to the G. At first I thought it was my imagination but it's definitely there. I also thought it might be deliberately designed that way but after examining numerous other photos of Ignitions it is apparently a flaw. It doesn't seem to affect the intonation, volume or playability. The E string is not positioned directly over the pickup pole piece. As a matter of fact it's completely past the E string on the neck pickup. I saw this same situation mentioned on another post dated about a year ago concerning Hofner Icons/Ignitions. Anyone else have this tailpiece situation and does it affect the bass? Also, has anyone found a way to rectify it other than getting a new tailpiece? Is it fixable, in other words? I saw that North Coast Music has tailpieces for 500/1 basses available that also fit Icons or Ignitions but they charge $69 plus shipping. That's a bit steep, in my book. I'm just a bit anal when it comes to my guitars. Any info? Suggestions?

 

[odysseios]

Could you post a picture to well clarify the situation?
I think if you check the web, you can find a german tail for a cheaper price, but you have to make three new holes for the screws.

 

[johnk_10]

I'm just a bit anal when it comes to my guitars. Any info? Suggestions?

personally, IMO it's a bit of a conflict of interest to be 'a bit anal' about your bass, considering that it's an entry level instrument, but pics of your problem would be a big help in solving the issue.

 

[Rob Martinez]

I recently acquired Hofner Ignition Beatle bass through ebay. It was a new item. It's fine. Plays well. No problems but recently noticed that the top of the tail piece is canted in a downward angle from the E to the G. At first I thought it was my imagination but it's definitely there. I also thought it might be deliberately designed that way but after examining numerous other photos of Ignitions it is apparently a flaw. It doesn't seem to affect the intonation, volume or playability. The E string is not positioned directly over the pickup pole piece. As a matter of fact it's completely past the E string on the neck pickup. I saw this same situation mentioned on another post dated about a year ago concerning Hofner Icons/Ignitions. Anyone else have this tailpiece situation and does it affect the bass? Also, has anyone found a way to rectify it other than getting a new tailpiece? Is it fixable, in other words? I saw that North Coast Music has tailpieces for 500/1 basses available that also fit Icons or Ignitions but they charge $69 plus shipping. That's a bit steep, in my book. I'm just a bit anal when it comes to my guitars. Any info? Suggestions?

I have that on one of my Icons. It is the one I use the most and it sounds brilliant. I'm leaving it alone.