It could be part of the sound. That paper strip is gong to be removed anyway.
I'm also considering fitting an original German ebony bridge on it.
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Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
I'm also considering fitting an original German ebony bridge on it.
Does anyone know if the Backbeat Vintage channel on YouTube has gone?
- Feb 26, 2011
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- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Pyramid Strings
yeah, I believe he deleted his channel somewhat recently. why? I have no idea. I would assume he's a member on here. He got rid of his Facebook acct sometime ago, too.
Shame I used to love watching his videos, hope he brings it back.
i reached out to him about 3-4 years ago when i first acquired my Hofner and it needed a neck reset. he said he closed down his shop and wasn't doing repair work anymore. I'm surprised about the youtube/facebook thing as those generate money (albeit very little), but maybe he was tired of people asking questions/contacting him. retirement it is.
Yeah I’d watch those videos quite a bit for great references. I understand if you don’t wanna take the time to post new content but it’s a shame to remove all the videos you’ve done already.
Work in progress.
Received an Ignition Club bass last night.
First impressions after a tune up.
-Set up is a bit high, octaves are in tune.
-Fretboard and bridge can be oiled since they are dry.
-Pots are not great, they react mostly on their last bit of turning.
-Switch panel seems to sound a bit muffled compared to the one on the Cavern.
(Maybe some pickup height adjustment will improve that.)
Overall build quality is fine for the money.
Acoustic sound is okay.
It will get a change of strings, the roundwounds will be replaced with Thomastik Infeld THJF-324 short scale Jazz flatwounds.
Plans are to fit the Club with 513b pickups.
I haven't made up my mind about buying a German control panel or creating a V-V-T panel with 2 on/off switches.
The pickup holes are enlarged to fit the blade pickups.
The original pickup ring is too high (10mm).
The ignition neck ring is about 5mm lower. So the original (H512-BL) ring needs to be lowered.
D
I have two old blade pickups too. From the first bass I ever owned in 1978, a flat body short scale Hofner. It was $155.00. This one isn't mine, same model, mine can't be repaired. I thought I'd use the German electronics from it. Maybe on a Very thin one day..? was thinking of putting them in my HCT 500/5. Bad idea to drill holes? Would it increase the value? I was also thinking of upgrading an Ignition Violin Bass with them..? IDK, money is tight right now. I'm dreaming a little.
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I've considered a Verythin Bass [HCT-500/7] too to put the blade pickups on.
Reasons I didn't:
- A Verythin bass is more expensive than an Ignition Club bass.
- The 62/63 H511/b pickups are in a ring on top of the Verythin body, which means you'll have to create holes where they aren't, to fit the blade pickups. (The pickup-holes in the Ignition Club bass have to be enlarged to fit the blade pickups, but are already in the top)
- The modern Verythin basses have a sustain block, where the originals haven't.
- A Verythin has a similar size and bodyshape as the Crucianelli Cougar bass that is on my list to restore.
Which makes a Club bass more interesting for me.
I don't think it would increase the value of your 500/5 when you fit it with blade pickups.
The solidbody you posted is called a 182 bass, there are 2 for sale on a Dutch marketplace:
≥ Höfner 182 — Snaarinstrumenten | Gitaren | Bas — Marktplaats
≥ Hofner 182 Bas — Snaarinstrumenten | Gitaren | Bas — Marktplaats
There's also a '63 Verythin for sale there:
≥ Hofner 500/7 Verithin Bass 1963 — Snaarinstrumenten | Gitaren | Bas — Marktplaats
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D
Wow! Thanks very much. Excellant info! I think given my finances and your advice Someday ill get an ignition to put them in. I stupidly once sold a 500/1. I love violin basses, so. It just occurred to me, I could sell the 500/5 to get one. Why I didn't think of that sooner....?
You know, I've been playing bass for many years, and I'm always trying to check out gear and basses, but there is always someone here more knowledgeable than I am. Like you. Thanks again.
D
this website has info on all the makes and models.
yours is a 500/8M, M standing for SoundMix module. There are plenty of pics for every model and info. enjoy!
Lovely photo. Still gigging my hofner club as my number one (and only bass). Still loving it.
They’re great basses. Love both the tone and light weight.
Work in progress.
The pickup holes are enlarged to fit the blade pickups.
The original pickup ring is too high (10mm).
The ignition neck ring is about 5mm lower. So the original (H512-BL) ring needs to be lowered.
Lowered the neck pickup ring, which was a meticulous job that took a while.
Made an ebony bridge fit the vaulting of the top.
Copied the pickguard in black since I didn't want to cut in the original pickguard.
(The pickup blanks still have be be cut and the sides beveled and polished.)
Made an original switch panel fit.
Still need to solder the pickups to the panel.
And adjust the nut for black nylon strings with a heavier gauge.
My 500/1 bass is 61 years old today.
Congratulations, wow, that bass deserves a proper party!
