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

[markjazzbassist]

Yeah I have seen that one. Really want to do that. But for now, even without sanding my bridge can’t go very low without getting buzzy or fret slapping strings. I know how to do a basic setup but on this one it doesn’t seem to work out somehow. And I don’t even want that low of an action.

So I’m hoping it’s the one thing that I can’t do myself: the nut.
Although I also have a slight fear that the neck may be a little off. Relief can differ from bass side to treble side, but on this one the difference seems bigger than I’m used to. Several mm’s.
In that case it might not be worth upgrading too much.

The nut won’t matter at all, these basses have a zero fret which nullifies the nut. All it does is provide a channel for the correct string spacing. Have you adjusted the truss rod as well? It’s a fickle instrument to setup, my pro luthier guy did “a setup” and it was like you described. I worked at it for a while adjust truss, re adjust string heights, bridge, etc. wait a couple days, do again. I’ve got it as low as it will go without fretting out or buzzing. My bridge is bottomed out on the e string side and just a little up on the G string side, if I hadn’t sanded the action would be a lot higher.

 

[SteveCS]

The nut won’t matter at all, these basses have a zero fret which nullifies the nut.

We were talking about the Ignition (Chinese) version, which sadly does not have such refinements.

 

[SouthPaul71]

Thanks for all your pointers and the inspiration to upgrade my humble Ignition.
I’m really into Hofner violins, and to be honest I’d upgrade to a contemporary without a second thought if it wasn’t for the center block. I want full hollow, but can’t afford a German full hollow, so Ignition it is

 

[DrSteve]

I get your point about the full hollow body, and the Ignition is a fine choice given the price difference between it and the German models. And while you do get the full hollow body experience, I think the Contemporary feels/plays more like the German models. At least the '64 and beyond with the slightly slimmer necks.

To each his own.
That's why Hofner gives you options.

Enjoy your upgrades.

Here's my upgraded Contemporary (if you're thinking bout any additional mods):

 

[SouthPaul71]

I get your point about the full hollow body, and the Ignition is a fine choice given the price difference between it and the German models. And while you do get the full hollow body experience, I think the Contemporary feels/plays more like the German models. At least the '64 and beyond with the slightly slimmer necks.

To each his own.
That's why Hofner gives you options.

Enjoy your upgrades.

Here's my upgraded Contemporary (if you're thinking bout any additional mods):

Damn, I have started starting sliding down the Contemporary rabbit hole these last few days. Your reply sure has diabolical timing

Still not completely over the ‘I want hollow’ thing, but something is shifting.
Couple of hours on YouTube last night checking out everything HCT, so I have definitely entered the Danger Zone…

Been checking out EU sellers too. Not too many of them available at the moment. At least not lefty.

Also, on the Hofner website I found that the newest HCT’s now come with teacups. Maybe I should hold off my decision until I see those appear on Thomann etc.

Edit: great looking bass you’ve got there! Don’t think I ever saw one with a 3 pickups mod. Interesting.

 

[SJLee]

I get your point about the full hollow body, and the Ignition is a fine choice given the price difference between it and the German models. And while you do get the full hollow body experience, I think the Contemporary feels/plays more like the German models. At least the '64 and beyond with the slightly slimmer necks.

To each his own.
That's why Hofner gives you options.

Enjoy your upgrades.

Here's my upgraded Contemporary (if you're thinking bout any additional mods):

Very nice!

 

[DrSteve]

Damn, I have started starting sliding down the Contemporary rabbit hole these last few days. Your reply sure has diabolical timing

Still not completely over the ‘I want hollow’ thing, but something is shifting…

Sorry about that.

The usual suggested Try before you buy applies. Youtube only takes you so far. To me, feel is more important than sound. That's why you have filters, dials, preamp, and pedals.

 

[markjazzbassist]

Thanks for all your pointers and the inspiration to upgrade my humble Ignition.
I’m really into Hofner violins, and to be honest I’d upgrade to a contemporary without a second thought if it wasn’t for the center block. I want full hollow, but can’t afford a German full hollow, so Ignition it is

Something else that just jogged my memory....when i played an Ignition at Guitar Center i noticed the neck sits closer to the body, whereas my German the neck is higher off the body. This would definately affect your action and inability to get it lower. I just checked my truss rod and there is no relief, that is the only way i'm able to get my nice low action. I believe that back bow that is needed on fenders is likely due to bolt on and low neck height on the body (and low bridge). the high bridge and neck sitting higher on the body and neck thru on the Hofners makes me believe that the truss rod action needs to be a little different than your standard fender setup. hence my no relief and the bridge sanding. so don't be scared to get that truss rod going some more.

ok hope that helps.

 

[SouthPaul71]

Something else that just jogged my memory....when i played an Ignition at Guitar Center i noticed the neck sits closer to the body, whereas my German the neck is higher off the body. This would definately affect your action and inability to get it lower. I just checked my truss rod and there is no relief, that is the only way i'm able to get my nice low action. I believe that back bow that is needed on fenders is likely due to bolt on and low neck height on the body (and low bridge). the high bridge and neck sitting higher on the body and neck thru on the Hofners makes me believe that the truss rod action needs to be a little different than your standard fender setup. hence my no relief and the bridge sanding. so don't be scared to get that truss rod going some more.

ok hope that helps.

Yes it does, thanks.

 

[Jefro]

....
Couple of hours on YouTube last night checking out everything HCT, so I have definitely entered the Danger Zone…

Been checking out EU sellers too. Not too many of them available at the moment. At least not lefty.

....

Barry Clark Music in Wisconsin is VERY knowledgeable about all things Hofner, and offers fair deals.
Their staff has great recommendations concerning strings, mods, parts and component swaps.
They had an HCT available for me when nothing was available here on the West Coast.

 

[SteveCS]

Something else that just jogged my memory....when i played an Ignition at Guitar Center i noticed the neck sits closer to the body, whereas my German the neck is higher off the body. This would definately affect your action and inability to get it lower.

Yes the neck sits lower in the body but at the same time the there is significantly less depth of arch in the top and possibly a little less break angle at the heel. I've yet to find anything in the Ignition geometry that prevents a setup lower than even the most light-handed of players would want. Certainly better than some big-name bolt-ons can achieve without an appointment with the screwdriver

 

[Thornton Davis]

A recent pic of my Contemporary 500/1-CV which I've owned it for a few years now. Replaced all the Chinese parts with German counterparts last year including rugby's.

I like this bass a lot, but not as much as my 60th Anniversary 500/1 (#24).

TD

 

[DrSteve]

A recent pic of my Contemporary 500/1-CV which I've owned it for a few years now. Replaced all the Chinese parts with German counterparts last year including rugby's.

I like this bass a lot, but not as much as my 60th Anniversary 500/1 (#24).

TD

I left these HCTs stock, except for the TI Jazz Flats. Like Thornton, I've had them a long time. Unlike Thornton, I no longer have a German Hofner.

 

[markjazzbassist]

i've always loved the blonde look on the Hofners. the old 5000/1 super beatle basses had that look, it's cool.

 

[eSam]

A recent pic of my Contemporary 500/1-CV which I've owned it for a few years now. Replaced all the Chinese parts with German counterparts last year including rugby's.

I like this bass a lot, but not as much as my 60th Anniversary 500/1 (#24).

TD

Thornton; Small world my friend - I have Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary #25 and my buddy has #28 !

i've always loved the blonde look on the Hofners. the old 5000/1 super beatle basses had that look, it's cool.

markjazzbassist; likewise I love the blonde 5000/1's and the G500/1'S. I was very fortunate to find a minty G500/1m Super Beatle several years ago.

Both of these are my most valued instruments!

 

[markjazzbassist]

View attachment 7121016

Beautiful!! i also REALLY love the headstock inlays, there is another variation with flowers and stuff that's cool too.

 

[Mosthigh]

I asked this a while back on a Hofner Facebook group but could use a few more opinions - my friend (more of an acquaintance) has what he says is a 1967 500/1 but it has the staple pickups, so probably '66. It's in very good condition but definitely needs a neck reset. He's dragging his feet on getting that done so I'm thinking on making an offer on it as is and taking it to a luthier myself.

Any thoughts on what I should offer him for it in its current state?

 

[SteveCS]

I asked this a while back on a Hofner Facebook group but could use a few more opinions - my friend (more of an acquaintance) has what he says is a 1967 500/1 but it has the staple pickups, so probably '66. It's in very good condition but definitely needs a neck reset. He's dragging his feet on getting that done so I'm thinking on making an offer on it as is and taking it to a luthier myself.

Any thoughts on what I should offer him for it in its current state?

View attachment 7126071

I think you might need a supporting membership to ask that question (just thinking for a friend).

 

[Shawn Luckman]

Defiantly 65-66 Price up a neck reset & ask your friend, if he was willing to take that off the selling price.

 

[markjazzbassist]

neck reset is 300-500 depending on where you live. value of the bass go look on reverb. it's not a 65 because it doesn't have the small pickup surrounds, it has the large ones, 66 or 67 for me.