Hofner Questions

[doglesby04]

Hi all

I have recently acquired not one but two Hofner basses. The are the Ignition series and I’m trying to find out more about them. For the most part they are identical in finish (sunburst), controls, etc. BUT one has the words “B-bass HI series” on the truss rod nut cover and, on the back of the headstock, a serial number and the Hofner name and some German writing. I’m guessing it says something like “fine instruments since 1874” or something similar. The other is missing both of those things - no serial number or any indicia other than the label on the headstock.

Any ideas on why these differences? Is it just normal change from one model year to the next for basses at this price point? Or something more sinister?


Second question -the one without the serial number has flat wound strings. They slip a bit on the bridge when playing, mostly the G and A strings. (the other has round wound and does not exhibit the problem). This changes the tone or volume as a result because the string is no longer centered on the pickup. Have any of you Hofner owners experienced this? What did you do?

 

[DrSteve]

Difficult to say. More pics might be helpful. Also, you could open the control plate and see it there's any indications inside.

I've had Contemporaries and German models and have never had strings slip.

Don't know it it's a thing, but perhaps the strings are just too old. Looks like the string ends are bare. Or maybe the slots on the bridge have been compromised.

You may want to take it to a luthier to find out and have the necessary adjustments made.
I typically take all of my basses to one before I use them outside of my home.

Good luck.

 

[frankie5string]

HI-BB is "Hofner Icon - Beatle Bass" It's (I think) the lowest production wrung from years ago, made in China.
A great bass, still. It predates the "Ignition" line, but should basically be identical.

When you say slip, do you mean side-to-side? The strings should be sitting in tiny divets in the fret-wire of the bridge. Those are basically the "saddles"...Hard to tell exactly, but it looks like the bridge might be slightly off-centre, which could cause the strings to jump out of those divets if they're being pulled to the side.

Does it play in tune up and down the neck?

 

[vstrode]

I have had a"HI" for almost 20 years, no problems. I also have a Contemp Club which has more growl since it has solid body down the middle.
Bridge ok?