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Hofner Ignition Strings

RhythmRain

RhythmRain

Jun 10, 2020
28
22
NJ
#1
I recently started learning bass and have a Hofner Ignition. I am ready to try switching to flat-wounds, as I hear many prefer them, especially on this type of bass. I don’t know what type of strings came on my Hofner. I bought it from a shop via Reverb, it came all boxed up and has a booklet, but doesn’t specify the type or gauge strings.

I’m going to go with the basic LaBellas, just to keep it simple as I’m just starting out, but don’t know which to go with, since I don’t what’s currently on the bass. Thoughts?
 

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#2
If you are going to use LaBellas on your Ignition, I would go with the .39-.96 set. The tension is a little lighter than the .50-.100 set. Which I think is better for the neck on the Ignition. I personally use Dunlop flats .40-.100 on mine. But they are lower in tension, and feel more pliable to my fingers in that gauge, and the neck handles them just fine. Hope that helps. LaBellas are fine strings and I'm guessing you will be pleased with them.
 
#3
RhythmRain said:
I recently started learning bass and have a Hofner Ignition. I am ready to try switching to flat-wounds, as I hear many prefer them, especially on this type of bass. I don’t know what type of strings came on my Hofner. I bought it from a shop via Reverb, it came all boxed up and has a booklet, but doesn’t specify the type or gauge strings.

I’m going to go with the basic LaBellas, just to keep it simple as I’m just starting out, but don’t know which to go with, since I don’t what’s currently on the bass. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Are you positive your bass didn’t come with flats? I bought the same type off Reverb in October and the shop had previously installed Hofner flats on it (which sound great to my ears)
 
#4
I believe that the Ignition and the HCT still ship from the factory with Hofner roundwounds. Only the German version comes with flats. I know mine came with rounds, and I replaced them with flats.
 
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#5
Pyramid Gold flatwounds will give you THE classic Höfner sound (Beatles etc.). Nothing else will sound like Pyramid Golds on a Höfner.

All Höfner basses come with Pyramid strings in special gauges made for Höfner. The cheaper Asian Höfners (Ignition and Contemporary series) come with Pyramid roundwounds which are pretty bright and not what I would consider the classic Höfner sound. The German made Höfners come with Pyramid Gold flatwounds.

All Höfner branded strings are re-branded Pyramids. You can buy Höfner branded Pyramid Golds but they are a lot more expensive than regular Pyramid Golds which are exactly the same strings. The regular Pyramid Gold short scale set has slightly different gauges than the Höfner branded flatwound sets though. If you want the same gauges as the Höfner branded sets you can buy singles. Pyramid Gold are available as singles from dealers like Saitenmarkt in Germany.

Only Pyramid Golds will give you the classic Höfner sound but that doesn't mean it can't sound great with other strings. Just make sure you get strings that are long enough. Short scale strings from some manufacturers aren't long enough for short scale basses with a tail piece like Höfners. In fact, with some string manufacturers you might need medium scale strings for Höfners. Make sure you get the correct WINDING length and that you measure ball end to nut, NOT bridge to nut. Measure WINDING LENGTH not scale and make sure the manufacturer also specifies winding length, not just scale.

If you decide on the Pyramid Golds just be aware that the E-string may seem a bit weird at first. I've seen a lot of people thinking they got a dead E-string the first time they tried Pyramid Golds. It's not dead, it's supposed to be like that and once you get used to it you may end up loving that MASSIVE low end thump. Plus the other strings that start out pretty bright will mellow out and everything will sound more balanced once the strings are broken in, which may take a couple of weeks of regular playing.

Also be aware that the Pyramid Golds are very unique sounding strings with a very distinct "60s vibe". If you want your Höfner to sound like a classic Höfner there's no other choice IMO. But if you want your Höfner to be as versatile as possible they're probably not the best choice. You would be better off with some middle-of-the-road nickle plated steel roundwounds if versatility is a top priority (but to be honest, if versatility is a priority you might want to consider a different type of bass... Höfners are great but they aren't exactly ideal for all styles of playing or all genres of music).
 
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#8
JRT64 said:
From what I have heard, the strings that come on the Ignition and HCT are not made by Pyramid in Germany. According to the North Coast Music website, they are made for Hofner in the Orient. Even though they have the green silks and look like Pyramids, they are not.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... that actually makes sense. I've always thought they were some kind of extremely light gauge version of Pyramid roundwounds but they don't really sound like any of the regular Pyramid strings. They have a brighter, thinner, more metallic tone than any Pyramid nickel/nickel plates strings I've tried and they are definitely not stainless steel. I've always figured it was just the ultra light gauge that made them a bit different but I think you're right, they're probably not Pyramids at all.

Actually, the green silk should have been a warning because none of the Pyramid roundwounds have silk. Only the Pyramid Gold flatwounds have (green) silk.

The strings that come installed on German Höfners are 100% Pyramid Golds though, just with a Höfner custom selection of gauges.
 
#14
Having decided to put flatwounds on my Halrley Benton Beatbass (amazing value btw !!) I am now confused as there are two Pyramid Gold sets with different gauges for the A and D strings.
I've not seen the 60/69 option before.

Pyramid Gold
Flatwound Chrome/Nickel strings for electric bass
4 string 40/55/70/100 short scale/Hofner
4 string 40/60/80/100 short scale/Hofner

Anyone have any experience of this heavier option?

P.S.
I actually LIKE the roundwound tone I'm getting but that wasn't the point of getting this bass
 
#15
Hi out there !
I was reading this interesting post and I just would know :
I have a brand new Hofner Ignition bass, I will take it to a luthier for some adjustements, and I was thinking in to put the Flatwound strings long scale, .050 - 110 gauge.
Do you think the .050 - 100 gauge is ok for the Hofner Ignition bass ?
Thanks a lot for help you can bring me
 
#16
I'd strongly suggest that you get a set of LaBella flats specifically made for Hofner basses. Other styles won't fit properly due to Hofner's small tuner holes and Hofner's small tailpiece openings. Their set # 760FHB2 is generally considered most satisfactory. They run 39 to 96 and sound and intone very well.They also won't put undue stress on your bass.
www.labella.com

Deep Talkin’ Bass® Beatle Bass

760FHB2 “Beatle” Bass Stainless Steel Flat Wound – 39-96…
www.labella.com www.labella.com
 
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#17
Pimpernel Smith said:
I'd strongly suggest that you get a set of LaBella flats specifically made for Hofner basses. Other styles won't fit properly due to Hofner's small tuner holes and Hofner's small tailpiece openings. Their set # 760FHB2 is generally considered most satisfactory. They run 39 to 96 and sound and intone very well.They also won't put undue stress on your bass.
www.labella.com

Deep Talkin’ Bass® Beatle Bass

760FHB2 “Beatle” Bass Stainless Steel Flat Wound – 39-96…
www.labella.com www.labella.com
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Can you tell me about the .050 - 100 gauge?
I ask about the .050 - 100 gauge because I play in a kind way "hard" (but not so much) and like to make some slap. Also I play using pickup.
So for this kind of play do you think the 39 - 96 is ok ?
Thanks a lot for your help!
 
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#18
Well, I don't know of anybody who uses a Hofner bass for slap.
My impression is that a Fender Jazz style bass with round wounds is more suitable if you slap.
I'd suggest using the 39-96 set before going heavier, if you still think you need to. You can play them hard with a heavy pick. Make sure you get the set specifically made for Hofner basses.
 
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#19
Pimpernel Smith said:
Well, I don't know of anybody who uses a Hofner bass for slap.
My impression is that a Fender Jazz style bass with round wounds is more suitable if you slap.
I'd suggest using the 39-96 set before going heavier, if you still think you need to. You can play them hard with a heavy pick. Make sure you get the set specifically made for Hofner basses.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for your help and advice !
Im ready to buy the strings from the link you shared but it seems these strings is only possible to buy in the US 🤔
 
#20
TamaGuaica said:
Thanks a lot for your reply.
Can you tell me about the .050 - 100 gauge?
I ask about the .050 - 100 gauge because I play in a kind way "hard" (but not so much) and like to make some slap. Also I play using pickup.
So for this kind of play do you think the 39 - 96 is ok ?
Thanks a lot for your help!
Click to expand...
Well...
A Hofner is not exactly the bass of choice for slap, but... it's yours; do what you want. However...
speaking as some one with a lot of experience with basses that have floating bridges - as in, only held in place by string pressure? Unless you want your bridge to try and run away, slapping - or playing "Hard" - is not exactly a good idea. That isn't how these basses were meant to be played. But, if you insist on it? You should think seriously about "pinning" the bridge in place. Like most Gretsch hollow-body guitars (which have "floating" bridges) do... As for strings?
- My German '17 NOS Hofner 500/2 Club Bass has the Pyramid #640 Gold Flats it came to me with. They would be fine on your bass, too...
- My early '90s MIK Rogue VB-100 violin Bass has Rotosound TruBass 88M Tape wounds on it - and has had, for about 15 years, now. They suit a violin bass very, very well. Even Sir Paul thinks so...:whistle:
- My '03 Starfire violin bass wears medium scale La Bella 760FL DTFs. Yeah, they're a little stiff, but the actual tension is nothing a cheap Chinese violin bass can't handle...
- My '93 Gretsch Broadkaster bass (with a floating bridge that is not pinned) wears TIJR324 Jazz Rounds. Mainly because they are the only strings I tried, in 12 years of trying strings, that did not sound like :poop: on the thing. I loathe rounds as a rule, but... didn't have much choice in this case. Still, pretty nice strings...
For your Hofner? TI Jazz Flats or the Pyramids are pretty much traditional - if you want to spend the money. The La Bella 39-96 Beatle Bass strings are a very good choice, too. Or, those TruBass 88M's would be very good, too. Up to you...;)
 

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