Even though I have five Hofners I am very tempted by this deal!
Hofner 500/1 59 VINTAGE | Reverb Canada
Hofner 500/1 59 VINTAGE | Reverb Canada
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Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
Are the Hofner Contemporary basses like the Warwick overseas basses in that the components are made in Germany, assembled in Asia and then shipped back for inspection? If so, is the current control board/switches/knob assembly the exact same unit on both the Contemporary and German made basses? I already put teacup knobs on my Contemporary and love it. Just wondering if there is any value to "upgrading" the whole control panel? Thanks!
From what I have heard Hofner owns the factory in China that makes the Contemporary series. The folks in China are trained to use the same techniques used in Germany but everything is crafted in China. Also, the Contemporary basses have the sound block.
Yes, I'm crazy happy with the value, performance, quality and overall playability of the Contemporary Club I recently purchased. The balance is just fine too. I was just wondering if there were any upgrades worth doing as the jump to a German-made Club is roughly five-fold. That's a lot and if I could say, get nearly there by adding about $500 worth of upgrades, I'd probably do it. Or, I'll just wait for the right German instrument, and deal, to come along.
Some folks have added the German guts to the Contemporary basses and lived it. For a control panel I'd check out Thomann. There might be some good deals on Reverb too.Yes, I'm crazy happy with the value, performance, quality and overall playability of the Contemporary Club I recently purchased. The balance is just fine too. I was just wondering if there were any upgrades worth doing as the jump to a German-made Club is roughly five-fold. That's a lot and if I could say, get nearly there by adding about $500 worth of upgrades, I'd probably do it. Or, I'll just wait for the right German instrument, and deal, to come along.
Where does the 59 Vintage part fit in with this bass? It looks great but more of a 63 Vintage to me,still a nice looking bass though.
Thanks. I guess I'm asking if the German parts offer any upgrade sonically or is it just aesthetic and authenticity they bring to the Chinese basses? There are quite a few control plates on Reverb ranging from $40 to $180. Happy to spend the money to upgrade if it makes the bass truly sound better. Not so interested if it's just a looks thing. This bass is a player!
This Gentleman's video's & knowledge of the Hofner 500/1 is a good place to start.
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I think the bass is one of the early re-issue basses. At the time Hofner was relearning how to make those types of basses and there was some confusion over the properties of different years. So these basses were mistakenly called 59 basses. That is the story I believe.
I would look into it. I recall some have proposed that the upgrade is noticeable and worthwhile. I am not sure myself. There might be some posts on this thread about it or on YouTube.Thanks. I guess I'm asking if the German parts offer any upgrade sonically or is it just aesthetic and authenticity they bring to the Chinese basses? There are quite a few control plates on Reverb ranging from $40 to $180. Happy to spend the money to upgrade if it makes the bass truly sound better. Not so interested if it's just a looks thing. This bass is a player!
yes definitely !!.. I've been watching his youtube vids for a while now, he really knows his stuff , tons of tips and useful pointers. Great info. The China made contemporaries are really very good . The block inside does take away some of the deep low end but still a good sound when the stock rounds are replaced with laBella flats or Pyramids and the panel is changed over to German made. I bought the upgraded ( but not original )panels and it does make a difference in the lows . The stock printed circuit China panels come with 500 's instead of 250 pots . The upgrades have the 250's and more (but not all )point to point . Apparently, (according to "Backbeat Vintage") the staple pickups ARE German made and the China manufacturers follow the German builds closely. This is a very very nice bass for the price . I ordered a case from Hofner ( it is a beauty) I don't know why such a great instrument didn't come with one. (Mine didn't).
PS I ordered my replacement panel from Keith Electronics on Ebay
My HCT 500/1 is a very well made bass & if I wasn't fortunate to already own a, '64 500/1 then I would be very happy owning the HCT and probably would upgrade all the parts to German Hofner spec.
Yep, now that I know the German pots are 250k I'll probably go ahead and do the upgrade. Pickguard too. Since my bass is black, I may go with the black plate and pickguard for a very stealthy look. Or tortoise. Or pearl. I think it's a very sexy beast in all three looks. Or maybe no pickguard at all! And I agree, the Contemporary is nicer than I expected in almost every regard. And I am still looking for a case. I may go ahead and get the Hofner HSC after all is said and done but I really prefer a good soft case.
Getting my soldering iron warmed up! Thanks!
Just a note on the Hofner OHSC. It's heavy! It's really nice to have a 6.5-lb contemporary bass but after you put it into the 11-lb case you might as well be lugging a long scale solid-body. Plus, you can't slip it onto your shoulder like a gig bag. I have one and it protects the bass very well - it even once tumbled off a cart I was pushing, and showed nothing but a couple little scuffs. Great if you're tossing it into the trunk of your car but it's overkill for the hike from your parking spot to the stage.
Yeah, you're right. I don't need a HSC. All of mine (that came with the basses I own) sit collecting dust. I just need a good short scale soft case. Or a long scale Les Paul case.
