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Hofner-(not just Beatle Basses)-Group

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#782
brandau said:
Any of you notice a difference in output in your Hofner pickups? My 68 club has original blade pickups and the neck pickup is several dbs louder than the bridge... My bridge pup is closer to the strings than the neck... Thanks! -b
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I have one blade pickup at the bridge of an Italian built hollowbody, it's quite a bit louder than the humbucker at the neck. It also differs in character from the diamond logo humbucker pickups on my Cavern. I'm guessing that it's not necessarily the bridge-pickup that's less loud than the one at the neck, it could be a matter of resistors an capacitors on your switch panel.

H.bodys.JPG
 
#783
Stempelloos said:
I have one blade pickup at the bridge of an Italian built hollowbody, it's quite a bit louder than the humbucker at the neck. It also differs in character from the diamond logo humbucker pickups on my Cavern. I'm guessing that it's not necessarily the bridge-pickup that's less loud than the one at the neck, it could be a matter of resistors an capacitors on your switch panel.
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I'll check that out... Thanks! Yeah the blade pickups are pretty hot in general compared to most pickups... I prefer them to the older toaster models...they're alittle more aggressive and thumpy...
 

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#784
Found several really old photos of me playing this in 1965. I purchased it used from an Army brat, so it's easily older by a few years. It was covered with a leatherette material; black over the back and white over the front. Inlaid mother of pearl fret markers. I don't remember the switch/pot configuration. It was easy to play and a lot cheaper than the Fender. I think I paid $25 for it.
 

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#785
Blankandson said:
Found several really old photos of me playing this in 1965. I purchased it used from an Army brat, so it's easily older by a few years. It was covered with a leatherette material; black over the back and white over the front. Inlaid mother of pearl fret markers. I don't remember the switch/pot configuration. It was easy to play and a lot cheaper than the Fender. I think I paid $25 for it.
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This is a Model 185 most likely from 62-63. I assume that it's long gone.

If you'd like to own another one, Hofner have re-issued the 185 as part of the Contemporary Series. It's available in White or Sunburst finishes (no vinyl).

TD
 
#786
Thornton Davis said:
This is a Model 185 most likely from 62-63. I assume that it's long gone.

If you'd like to own another one, Hofner have re-issued the 185 as part of the Contemporary Series. It's available in White or Sunburst finishes (no vinyl).

TD
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No, it has to be a '64 or '65. The 185 didn't have pickup switches until 1964 (my '63 doesn't).

The current model doesn't have a lot in common with the old 185. Long scale and pretty similar to a P.
 
#787
oerk said:
No, it has to be a '64 or '65. The 185 didn't have pickup switches until 1964 (my '63 doesn't).

The current model doesn't have a lot in common with the old 185. Long scale and pretty similar to a P.
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I didn't say that the new HCT185 bass was identical to the original, just that Hofner have re-issued it, period. I'm more well aware of the differences between the original and the new version.

TD
 
#789
Thornton Davis said:
I didn't say that the new HCT185 bass was identical to the original, just that Hofner have re-issued it, period. I'm more well aware of the differences between the original and the new version.

TD
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This was more or less directed at Blankandson, just to inform him that the new one isn't really comparable to the original. Sorry if I offended you.
 
#791
I am not convinced that any bass made in 2012 can truly replicate a bass made in 1964. Personally, I am not sure I want one that does. Vintage instruments can be over rated and have a "mystique" about them. But most were cheaply made instruments with electronics not made even specifically for that instrument.

A friend of mine had a re issue of McCartney's Hofner bass. I played it, great bass. But the neck was chunky and the tone not all that different from my Icon. And I love the think, slim neck profile on the Icon. So I will take my Icon over the German made reissue any day.
 
#792
There might be something to be said about how much aged wood contributes to the tone. And yes most were made back in the day with electronics that were retrofitted to work for a new purpose, but that also lends something to a signature sound. I mean look at the sound of an old Leslie Speaker 147, you can't get that with "current" electronics. But mind you, I'm quite happy with my modern CT.
 
#793
Kinetic Shadow said:
There might be something to be said about how much aged wood contributes to the tone. And yes most were made back in the day with electronics that were retrofitted to work for a new purpose, but that also lends something to a signature sound. I mean look at the sound of an old Leslie Speaker 147, you can't get that with "current" electronics. But mind you, I'm quite happy with my modern CT.
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I can see that. Still, will it REALLY matter in the context of playing with a band? IMO, not that much. If at all.
 
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