• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group Part 2

This is a screen shot from the video of the MonaLisa Twins performing Beatles covers at the actual Cavern Club. It's a Höfner (duh) with a plain finish, not a burst. Looks like a real German model (based on the controls). What model would this be? I am not currently a member of the Höfner forum although I just added an Ignition back in to my stable after a no-Höfner hiatus.

BTW, it's a great video. They do a bang-up job.
View attachment 5390552

That is a custom ordered model. I am sure folks can still order custom models from Hofner, but they would be a bit pricey as an custom shop.
 
I need some advice, please.

UPS just delivered the Green Line 500/1 that I paid Thomann almost 2 800 € for. The body and neck are lovely, but there are a couple of issues that make me want to return it for a full refund. Before I do that, any feedback you can provide that might convince me to keep it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

My biggest gripe is the misalignment of the strings with the pole pieces of the pickups. The strings themselves are not centered on the neck (likely due to poor positioning of the trapeze bridge). That said, it still looks like the pickups were designed for a bass with slightly wider string spacing. Here are a couple of photos: the first is from Höfner's website showing good alignment, and the second is from the bass I received.

EIPD1cW.jpg

Nsz6FU8.jpg


Also, the neck pickup was a bit dislodged, but they are height-adjustable, so that's probably not a problem (I pushed it back down into place).

fnv5cYO.jpg


Finally, the action is really high and the strings are a long way away from the pickups. I know that I can raise the pickups, lower the break part of the bridge and adjust the truss rod if necessary, but I don't want to do that unless you convince me to keep it.

cLNP711.jpg
 
My biggest gripe is the misalignment of the strings with the pole pieces of the pickups.
Looks like the bridge itself is out of alignment and just needs a slight nudge that will also solve the string misalignment along the neck:
View attachment 5390763
^ This. Well, this, unless the pickups can be measurably verified to be misaligned, relative to the body edges.
A look at the trapeze tailpiece is also in order (whether it is symmetrical, correctly screwed to the body, and the screws correctly - centred-ly - drilled into it).
 
Looks like the bridge itself is out of alignment and just needs a slight nudge that will also solve the string misalignment along the neck:
View attachment 5390763
Doesn't that mean that the entire two-piece bridge would need to move (the piece you show AND the trapeze piece)). The adjustment would be slight and would also improve the string position at the base of the neck, but I think the new nail and screw positions would be too close to the existing ones to be secure long-term. I think a repair like that would have to be done by the factory.
 
Doesn't that mean that the entire two-piece bridge would need to move (the piece you show AND the trapeze piece)
In principle ( = assuming the tailpiece is where it should be, as I said) no: the bridge alone may well be slightly off-centre, and require just a little scoot; it is floating, after all.

Also/alternatively, the single saddles (pieces of fretwire) may be off-centre (at a glance, it doesn't appear to be the case, though).
 
In principle ( = assuming the tailpiece is where it should be, as I said) no: the bridge alone may well be slightly off-centre, and require just a little scoot; it is floating, after all.

Also/alternatively, the single saddles (pieces of fretwire) may be off-centre (at a glance, it doesn't appear to be the case, though).
I just pulled it out of its case again, and I think the problem is the location of the tailpiece. The bridge is perfectly centered under the strings as they are now. Move the tailpiece, and then you'd have to move the bridge. That's what I'm worried about. The 2 tack nails and the screw through the strap button need to move a little down (toward the floor).
 
I just pulled it out of its case again, and I think the problem is the location of the tailpiece...The 2 tack nails and the screw through the strap button need to move a little down (toward the floor).

Believe or not, I had the same issue with my Hofner Contrmporary President. The tailpiece wanted to be moved a bit to the treble side and it worked out fine after that.
 
Doesn't that mean that the entire two-piece bridge would need to move (the piece you show AND the trapeze piece)).

The tailpiece should be able to accomodate small lateral movements of the bridge, but maybe this is a bit too much. If the tailpiece is indeed off-centre then I would probably want to send it back. Shame, 'cause it's a real looker :)

On the other hand, looking more at your pictures there might already be a twist in the tailpeice where the bridge had moved. Have you tried slackening the strings to see if everything can be put back into line - might be worth a shot...
 
Last edited:
The tailpiece should be able to accomodate small lateral movements of the bridge, but maybe this is a bit too much. If the tailpiece is indeed off-centre then I would probably want to send it back. Shame, 'cause it's a real looker :)

On the other hand, looking more at your pictures there might already be a twist in the tailpeice where the bridge had moved. Have you tried slackening the strings to see if everything can be put back into line - might be worth a shot...
I'll give that a go in the morning, and report back. You're right. It is a real looker and I'd love to be able to keep it. Thomann are now out of stock, meaning the one I bought was the only one they had.
 
I need some advice, please.

UPS just delivered the Green Line 500/1 that I paid Thomann almost 2 800 € for. The body and neck are lovely, but there are a couple of issues that make me want to return it for a full refund. Before I do that, any feedback you can provide that might convince me to keep it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

My biggest gripe is the misalignment of the strings with the pole pieces of the pickups. The strings themselves are not centered on the neck (likely due to poor positioning of the trapeze bridge). That said, it still looks like the pickups were designed for a bass with slightly wider string spacing. Here are a couple of photos: the first is from Höfner's website showing good alignment, and the second is from the bass I received.

EIPD1cW.jpg

Nsz6FU8.jpg


Also, the neck pickup was a bit dislodged, but they are height-adjustable, so that's probably not a problem (I pushed it back down into place).

fnv5cYO.jpg


Finally, the action is really high and the strings are a long way away from the pickups. I know that I can raise the pickups, lower the break part of the bridge and adjust the truss rod if necessary, but I don't want to do that unless you convince me to keep it.

cLNP711.jpg
The truss rod on my Hofner Greenline 500/1 needed adjusting several times for the 1st 2 years. It has settled nicely this year.
I ended up putting Thomastik Infeld Beetle bass nylon strings on. I have bought spares as I intend to keep using these for the next 30 years of my career till I am well into my 90s.
 

Attachments

  • 20220309_120010.jpg
    20220309_120010.jpg
    386.8 KB · Views: 14
The truss rod on my Hofner Greenline 500/1 needed adjusting several times for the 1st 2 years. It has settled nicely this year.
I ended up putting Thomastik Infeld Beetle bass nylon strings on. I have bought spares as I intend to keep using these for the next 30 years of my career till I am well into my 90s.
Nice rig! It looks like it can move a LOT of air. :thumbsup::bassist:
 
  • Like
Reactions: KLINCOLNS