Hey, Mark! If you find and an answer, please let me know. I have a set of Pyramid's Flat in my violin bass but I'm feeling way too "dull". I'm not digging it.
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Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
Hey, Mark! If you find and an answer, please let me know. I have a set of Pyramid's Flat in my violin bass but I'm feeling way too "dull". I'm not digging it.
Why not do the obvious, and try some nickel rounds on it?
As much as I still love and admire Macca’s note choices and timing, I always thought that his tone sucked a bit. I was very disappointed when he got the Rick, but still managed to pull a dull, uninspiring thump out of it.
I’m leaving the DR Legends flats on my modded Ignition Club, but that’s because I have other great EB’s with rounds on them.
Hey there, Steve! Thanks for the reply. Would you mind suggest me the exactly string you are talking about ?
You have to be careful when buying strings for Hofners- extra length is required because of the long gap between the back of the bridge, and the bar that anchors the strings to to the tailpiece.
Vintage-style Fender Mustangs have the same issue, and strings to fit are usually referred to as "Medium Scale".
Strings Direct have an excellent article on how to measure the string speaking length for Hofner basses. It also applies to other basses with unusual
Photos in the article illustrate the problem areas. Plus, they categorize all their string offerings by speaking length AND ball-to-silk length, to make it easier to determine what will fit without guesswork:
What are the correct length strings for a Hofner Violin Bass? | Strings DirectStrings Direct
Simply put, from the ball end of the string to the far side of the nut on your Hofner is probably around 32.75". Many short-scale string sets are too short to fit!
Another concern, is the distance between that side of the nut, and the closest tuner shaft. This of particular concern for some types of flat-wound strings, because if you bend the metal windings around the tuner post instead of the silk, the string may break or unwind.
As the article points out, that distance is usually 2.25" on a Hofner, so the longest suitable ball end to silk distance on most Hofner basses is 32.75" + 2.25", or 35" in total.
For instance:
Taper-wound strings are about the only exception, as they are designed to have the bare core wire sitting on the bridge saddle. However, taper-wound strings should be avoided on Hofners, since you can't adjust the individual saddles for height on the wooden bridge.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Avoid the Ignition and Contemporary Series Hofner strings, as the intonation is poor. I would only use German-branded Hofner strings, which are apparently made for them by Pyramid.
You want to aim for 32.75" to 35" ball-to-silk distance, and here is a search that will turn up suitable nickel round sets:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hofner strings are gauged pretty light from the factory, 40-to-90 or 40-95. This is one of the reasons that the La Bella flats made specifically for Hofners are so popular- a beefed-up E string gives them more authority.
Personally, I'm not an Ernie Ball fan. The Fender 7060's and D'Addario EXL160M's are good upgrade sets at .045 to .100.
You can think of the EXL170M's as a stiffer alternative for people with a very heavy touch, at .050 to .105.
Vintage-style Fender Mustangs have the same issue, and strings to fit are usually referred to as "Medium Scale".
Strings Direct have an excellent article on how to measure the string speaking length for Hofner basses. It also applies to other basses with unusual
Photos in the article illustrate the problem areas. Plus, they categorize all their string offerings by speaking length AND ball-to-silk length, to make it easier to determine what will fit without guesswork:
What are the correct length strings for a Hofner Violin Bass? | Strings DirectStrings Direct
Simply put, from the ball end of the string to the far side of the nut on your Hofner is probably around 32.75". Many short-scale string sets are too short to fit!
Another concern, is the distance between that side of the nut, and the closest tuner shaft. This of particular concern for some types of flat-wound strings, because if you bend the metal windings around the tuner post instead of the silk, the string may break or unwind.
As the article points out, that distance is usually 2.25" on a Hofner, so the longest suitable ball end to silk distance on most Hofner basses is 32.75" + 2.25", or 35" in total.
For instance:
- If the silks at the headstock end of a new string start at 32.25", the silk will ride on the nut, and the string won't intonate properly.
- It's the same way if there's too much silk back at the ball end. The full-diameter outer metal windings on the strings should rest on both the contact points at the bridge end and at the nut.
Taper-wound strings are about the only exception, as they are designed to have the bare core wire sitting on the bridge saddle. However, taper-wound strings should be avoided on Hofners, since you can't adjust the individual saddles for height on the wooden bridge.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- Sometimes, you can use a razor blade to scrape off a bit of silk if the speaking length is a bit short.
- This can get you out of trouble in a pinch, but there's also a definite possibility that the windings will come undone if you scrape off too much silk.
Avoid the Ignition and Contemporary Series Hofner strings, as the intonation is poor. I would only use German-branded Hofner strings, which are apparently made for them by Pyramid.
You want to aim for 32.75" to 35" ball-to-silk distance, and here is a search that will turn up suitable nickel round sets:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Hofner strings are gauged pretty light from the factory, 40-to-90 or 40-95. This is one of the reasons that the La Bella flats made specifically for Hofners are so popular- a beefed-up E string gives them more authority.
Personally, I'm not an Ernie Ball fan. The Fender 7060's and D'Addario EXL160M's are good upgrade sets at .045 to .100.
You can think of the EXL170M's as a stiffer alternative for people with a very heavy touch, at .050 to .105.
Last edited:
Hofner Violin Bass from 1964 | Reverb UK
Link Removed
Cavern spaced towards the bridge Höfner.
Never seen another like that.
"I was informed by Hofner that the bass has very unique custom made pickups specifically for the original owner" is what the seller writes.
(a birth year bass)
Link Removed
Cavern spaced towards the bridge Höfner.
Never seen another like that.
"I was informed by Hofner that the bass has very unique custom made pickups specifically for the original owner" is what the seller writes.
(a birth year bass)
On a Facebook group someone from Hofner commented that the bass is not legitimate.
Hey all...just got my first Hofner bass...Contemporary Club in black. And so far, color me completely impressed! The build quality, tonal variety and output are exceeding my expectations dramatically. It certainly takes some getting used to, especially the spacing and the lack of a centered pickup to use as a thumb rest. But I'll get there. When I use a pick it really responds though and I can see how Paul's light touch was just right for this bass. I'm taking it out for a little busking gig tomorrow and I'm excited to get a workout with a band!
I swapped the knobs for teacups and put some LaBella Beatle Bass flats on it right away. Fit perfectly. A world of difference! I'm contemplating removing the pick guard but I don't really want to mess with it yet. Oh, and I installed Schaller strap locks which are really quite beautifully made. I've always been a Dunlop user but I'll keep a thin strap at the ready for this guy at all times.
Also surprised by the beautiful flame maple back and the finish overall. One bad spot and that's the edge of the pickguard in one location. Nothing I can't live with. Otherwise, action and intonation are great and it is simply FUN!
Question, and apologies for this probably being asked/answered a million times...gig bag. Can't find one and the Hofner one doesn't appear to be available in the US. Thomann has them but the $46 bag costs $56 to ship! Ouch! I have an unused Access bass bag that I suppose I could buy some padding for. I'm pretty careful with my instruments so that will probably be my best bet. I need lower bout, upper bout and neck padding. Anyone have any experience doing this and can advise? Access has a lot of padding accessories available.
Here are a few pics...
I swapped the knobs for teacups and put some LaBella Beatle Bass flats on it right away. Fit perfectly. A world of difference! I'm contemplating removing the pick guard but I don't really want to mess with it yet. Oh, and I installed Schaller strap locks which are really quite beautifully made. I've always been a Dunlop user but I'll keep a thin strap at the ready for this guy at all times.
Also surprised by the beautiful flame maple back and the finish overall. One bad spot and that's the edge of the pickguard in one location. Nothing I can't live with. Otherwise, action and intonation are great and it is simply FUN!
Question, and apologies for this probably being asked/answered a million times...gig bag. Can't find one and the Hofner one doesn't appear to be available in the US. Thomann has them but the $46 bag costs $56 to ship! Ouch! I have an unused Access bass bag that I suppose I could buy some padding for. I'm pretty careful with my instruments so that will probably be my best bet. I need lower bout, upper bout and neck padding. Anyone have any experience doing this and can advise? Access has a lot of padding accessories available.
Here are a few pics...
My Hofner lives in a hard case. All my hollow body instruments have hard cases. Although I am very careful, I'm not sure how careful others are.
Just color it in with a black Sharpie marker. Nobody will notice, and you’ll forget.
Buy a hofner hard shell case. I got one on reverb for 100 bucks
Don't see any there at present but if anyone has one they want to sell, please PM me. Thanks.
Thomann also sells the Beat Bass Gigbag for € 19,90: https://www.thomann.de/intl/thomann_gigbag1_beatbass.htm.
It fits a longscale fretless with a strat size body:
It might be worth measuring your Club bass.
They also sell a Beat Bass Case for € 95,-.
(Inside dimensions (L x W up / down x H): 112 x 26 / 30 x 10 cm)
If the lower curve of your Club bass is less than 30 cm (almost 12"), it might fit.
It appears very similar to the Höfner H64/CB Club-Bass Case,
Body diameter (lower curve): 330 mm,
Body diameter (mean rounding): 205 mm,
Body diameter (upper curve): 260 mm.
I'd choose a case for a hollowbody, if you plan a lot of moving around with it.
It fits a longscale fretless with a strat size body:
It might be worth measuring your Club bass.
They also sell a Beat Bass Case for € 95,-.
(Inside dimensions (L x W up / down x H): 112 x 26 / 30 x 10 cm)
If the lower curve of your Club bass is less than 30 cm (almost 12"), it might fit.
It appears very similar to the Höfner H64/CB Club-Bass Case,
Body diameter (lower curve): 330 mm,
Body diameter (mean rounding): 205 mm,
Body diameter (upper curve): 260 mm.
I'd choose a case for a hollowbody, if you plan a lot of moving around with it.
After being fascinated with “beatle basses” for years, I found a hofner ignition pro “cavern” model for an exceptionally discounted price. It should arrive this week.
The pickup configuration on these models seems more appealing to me for useable tones.
any advice/encouragement/discouragement would be appreciated.
I’ll start searching around for an affordable case also
The pickup configuration on these models seems more appealing to me for useable tones.
any advice/encouragement/discouragement would be appreciated.
I’ll start searching around for an affordable case also
My string quest is done, I’ve been through a bunch of rounds, tapes, and flats. For my 65 hofner club (staple pickups) my favorite strings are Thomastik-Infeld flats in the speciality hofner gauge (it’s the short scale set just with a smaller .96 E string). My hofner has very little sustain, and IMO too much bottom end. I find the mid centric and bass shy TI a perfect fit to balance that out. I’ve had to get used to the lower tension but I have adjusted and they just sing in the upper registers.
So enjoyed the Club on a little busking gig in SF yesterday. The size is perfect for tight quarters and I'm getting used to the narrow string spacing and odd controls. But the juice is definitely worth the squeeze! And several people commented on what a sexy beast the black Club is. Nice!
According to a number of owners I’ve talked to, the Club fits the regular Violin bass bag.
Won’t fit the hard-shell Violin case, though.
I have a question regarding upgrading tuning machines on an ignition.
HCT tuners? Or go straight to Grover?
HCT tuners? Or go straight to Grover?
HCT tuners are OK but I wouldn't call them great. I often seem to be turning the knobs with hardly any effect on the pitch. Sort of like sloppy power steering.
