I have a 68 with the shorter tail piece and I'm not in favor of it. I could be wrong, because I haven't tried, but I think it could fit medium scale strings but long scale would likely be too long.
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Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
Nah, they take 32" scale strings with the short tailpiece. I would get the shorter tailpiece and get some TI jazz flats for it, the hofner version. best string ever by far IMO. I bought my '67 about a decade ago give or take a year,bought the TI's because I never bought flats before, and i wanted the best, did minimal research, and just bought the most expensive strings because I wanted my new vintage bass to be top notch, regardless of price. I spent $400 getting the neck reset and refretted and laquer removed from the fingerboard, but got a good deal on the bass itself, whose neck was in bad shape, so another $60 didn't seem much for the best (which i kind of foolishly though happened to be the most expensive). But I didn't like them, and chose some nylons tapes instead. Then just to experiment a while later put the Ti's back on , and they have, other than for setups and repairs, been on there since, the same strings. Once they are broken in (after 5-6 years or so, JK), but longer than usual, they start to sound and feel like butter tastes. They allow extremely articulate and fast playing, at least fingerstyle, because you can grip them like no other string, and without any callouses. The looseness feels off if you are not used to it, but you get used to it quick because of how effortless they are to pick. I don't even have the beginnings of callouses since it is my only bass, or was until a couple of days ago, but that bass is getting the first new set of strings I bought in a decade, also the TI flats but in "short scale, 32" not for hofner. The only difference is the .105 E, rather than the .96 they recommend for hofner because of the nut, at least german one, not sure about the ignition. But the options I think for 32" scale strings is larger if I am not mistaken.
Yes, I have TI's on my Hofner at the moment, I have tried a number of other brands of flatwounds but they all feel kind of stiff compare to the TI's which are really comfortable to play
An update on my recent purchase. Had the Ignition Beatle bass for a few weeks now and the first thing I did was change the strings to nylon tapewounds - massive difference. Luckily I had them lying around and with some trimming they are ideal.
After playing a P bass for so long it has taken me a while to get comfortable with this bass. Couldn't see the neck side markers on a gig which made for a stressful set. Because the bass is so unbalanced and leans forward, this compounded the problem. Made up some larger stickers for the neck - problem solved.
But what to do about the leaning forward problem. On the Ignition Beatle bass, no gap between neck and body so couldn't fit strap between neck and body. Only solution was to move the strap pin. I had to think long and hard about drilling a hole where it shouldn't be, but if I didn't, it would not get on a gig again. I drilled a hole on top of neck and installed a strap-lock pin. I was worried it would look awful and it might not work but it worked perfectly. I don't even notice it now.
After playing a P bass for so long it has taken me a while to get comfortable with this bass. Couldn't see the neck side markers on a gig which made for a stressful set. Because the bass is so unbalanced and leans forward, this compounded the problem. Made up some larger stickers for the neck - problem solved.
But what to do about the leaning forward problem. On the Ignition Beatle bass, no gap between neck and body so couldn't fit strap between neck and body. Only solution was to move the strap pin. I had to think long and hard about drilling a hole where it shouldn't be, but if I didn't, it would not get on a gig again. I drilled a hole on top of neck and installed a strap-lock pin. I was worried it would look awful and it might not work but it worked perfectly. I don't even notice it now.
Are you referring to neck dive? When I use leather straps I have no issues with neck dive, but only if I use a nylon strap. If you found a solution, though, that is cool.
what strings, and do you have to have some winding in the string into the tuners?
No, not neck dive, just falling forward away from my body. New strap locks have sorted that.
I used an old, previously used set I had in the cupboard. D'Addario ETB92M Deep Warm Nylon Tapewound .050 - .105. I had to trim the nylon off the tuner end and then trim length about an inch and a half off the ends to make them work. They wound on no problem with the nylon winding just catching on the last wind around the peg, but I had to take care trimming them - it could have gone pear shaped but they are working fine.
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I'm happy with the La Bella Beatbass Flats on my '61 Cavern. Huge, deep tone. With the neck PU soloed it comes quite close to an upright bass.
Here’s a demo of the vox T100!
It’s set to a completely flat EQ to let the tone of both the amp and the bass shine through.
So first is my 2013 Hofner 500/1V62 and then my 1976 Rickenbacker 3000 (short scale!). Then the Hofner comes back in at the end. My playing’s a little sloppy to my standards, but it conveys the intended message.
Enjoy!
@Pet Sounds
It’s set to a completely flat EQ to let the tone of both the amp and the bass shine through.
So first is my 2013 Hofner 500/1V62 and then my 1976 Rickenbacker 3000 (short scale!). Then the Hofner comes back in at the end. My playing’s a little sloppy to my standards, but it conveys the intended message.
Enjoy!
@Pet Sounds
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somebody was saying that they don't play their hofner because of neck dive, but never had the problem. maybe they got narrow shoulders or something.
I used to have those same strings, after changing them from TI jazz flats. I was happy with them (although did experience some intonation issues), but one day decided to put the TI's back on to compare, and they haven't left since. that was almost 10 years ago. If you get a chance and can spend the dough, I'd check em out. I wouldn't say they are that much better sounding, it's different, so it's taste, but the feel of the TI's is superior, IMO. I like the grip of the tapes, but the TI's are so loose that it's an even better grip. And they are easier on that tiny neck of the hofner.
I never hear anyone rave about bass strings to the extent of the TI's. I never even knew before using them that one could love their strings, not just the brand and model, but the actual strings (other that story about james jamerson unsuccessfully trying to save his broken flatwound). Best investment I ever made on the bass, maybe ever for anything. And on the hofner hollowbody? come on. That sound is incredible. It surprises people.
Honestly I feel like the TI’s contribute to like 80% of my sound. The ones on my V62 are 6-7 years old or so now and sound even better than ever. Flats are like a fine wine; they get better with age. My old TI’s have followed me from my CT to my V62.
Nice video, @ICM. I like the way both the Hofner and the Rick sound through your Vox amp. Do you ever use that amp with a full band? Thanks for doing this video.
Of course!
And not yet, I just recently got it, but I totally would use it, it’s very powerful and loud. I look forward to using it though! If so I’d boost the mids to cut through. I imagine it’d sound great with a full band and can easily compete with a PA system.
Also, everyone I’m totally sorry; I forgot to edit out a part where I swear a bit, my bad.
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I customized my ed sullivan ignition a bit. Total spent on brand new bass, vintage early 70s control panel and pickguard is $435.
It also sounds as good as my German basses.
It also sounds as good as my German basses.
Awesome stuff! The Ed Sullivan models have a more period correct burst. Looks great with that vintage celluloid!
I also see you’ve upgraded the tailpiece, modded the bridge with stripes and given it the necessary teacup knob treatment. Right on.
