the Beatle basses all do sound a tad bit different from one another, but all retain that Hofner sound. My CT prototype is just a tad bit heavier than the regular production model...I think it's mainly from the neck. But, one thing that does distinguish a proto from a production model is that the proto has all German made parts and electronics.
My Icon actually sounds a hair closer to a German model (I suppose because it's completely hollow as opposed to semi hollow). Even though, it may sound more like the German than the CT, it isn't as loud, though.
My original German bass is actually my favorite, that was my very first bass I bought when I was 15...it's going to be buried with me (assuming I'm not immortal haha). That one is very loud and quite thumpy...being a solid top and those bar blade pickups just have more output than the old staples from the previous decade.
But, about 11 years ago, I just happened to be working as an extra (pretty much my day job) on a show that came and went. But, someone had told me that they saw SIR HIM drive on the lot in a Vette. So, the next day, I brought my Hof, hoping that he was still there and hopefully have him sign it. I didn't even know what he was doing there...found out later, he was in rehearsals for the '02 tour he had. So, I got my permission from our director to wander around the studio for a bit. But, I really didn't need to...he came up to me before I even took out my magnifying glass to look for him. I saw him and his then unknown band (I later got to know them relatively well). So he and his assistant/road manager, John Hammel walked over to greet me and chit chat for a while. I don't get star struck or anything that often - being born and raised in LA, ya get used to it....but, when it's YOUR LIFELONG IDOL....anyone would get a bit nervous as a kitten on crack!!!! So, after chit chatting a bit, I reached into my pocket to grab a pen and I accidentally went into character as him....that's when I turned into Homer Simpson. But, he was cool with it and he singed it and I was as happy as a little girl.
So, I ran back to my stage where I was shooting and found the entire crew, waiting by the door, to check if I got to meet him and have him sign my Hof. The entire crew and production were kinda happy for me...which was cool. I'm sure there was a couple of jealous guys..but, meh, who cares
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