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Hofner Violin Basses

#62
J.T. Chester said:
Mark... have you bought anything yet?
Keep us posted.
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To be honest I havent yet - Why ? Well for around 15 years now I have been wanting to take up an instrument and yes I did try and pick up an acoustic guitar and learn a few chords while I was at uni but I didnt seem to get far (maybe my fingers are a bit small and stumpy). My main problem was I was a little impatient and wanted to learn everything about music straight away. So this time round (and at the age of 34) I thought I would take it easy, one step at a time, so - I am currently going my grade one theory in music and I am soo pleased that I have (plus my other half is brill at music, grade 8 flute, grade 5 music theory etc etc etc).

At some point I will get a bass and I have decided (thanks to the comments on here) that when I do it will be a Hofner "Icon" bass - The best deals in the UK are those imported via ebay from the US.
 
#64
main_sale said:
Here's my '65 Hofner, s/n 937, that I bought new, in Germany, for $119.00. I still have it and it has served me very well indeed!!

Guitars203.jpg
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Now that is just beautiful.
 
#67
#68
If we're talking about "Beatle" basses, it's probably worth noting that Paul McCartney didn't use these basses for very long while he was with the Beatles. He switched to a Rick 4001 in 1965, and started using a Fender Precision in the studio around 1966/67. I think he ended up either modifying his Hofner or picking up a modified version of the Hofner for later use, because people identified him so strongly with that bass.
 
#69
BigSwami said:
If we're talking about "Beatle" basses, it's probably worth noting that Paul McCartney didn't use these basses for very long while he was with the Beatles. He switched to a Rick 4001 in 1965, and started using a Fender Precision in the studio around 1966/67. I think he ended up either modifying his Hofner or picking up a modified version of the Hofner for later use, because people identified him so strongly with that bass.
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He got his first Hofner around '61/'62, his second in '63. Started using the 4001S on Rubber Soul, but still played the Hofner live.
He never played a P-Bass with The Beatles, he used a Fender Jazz on some tunes on the White Album and Abbey Road. The Hofner returned for Let It Be. Around this time his first Hofner(which had been modified) was stolen.
 
#71
Right, Mark. The one on ebay is the "Contemporary" model. Chinese made but with real Hofner hardware & pickups... plus it has a sustain block, which none of the others do (except Epiphone's copy).

It's the next step above the "Icon", but probably sounds a bit different than all the others.

Here's a more complete explanation: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#73
On the subject of the Jay Turser models, I don't like the tiny black knobs on mine and I'm thinking of swapping them out for something a little more substantial, possibly in a cream or clear color. The Hofner knobs are nice, somewhat pricey, but will they fit on a JT bass? My other consideration is to get some plastic bell knobs or speed knobs, but the question again is will I have to get ones that fit import or USA shafts?
Any suggestions?
 
#74
Everyone-
If you want a Beatle Bass, I'd recommend a NEW Epiphone Viola Bass. Very good quality for the $$.
But I'd agree that a Beatle bass is probably not the best starter bass, unless you're heavy on style. If that's the case, you can hardly make a better choice as the Beatle Bass is one of the most well-known visual icons in the music world. You might consider something a little more ergonomically friendly. But The Heart Wants what The Heart Wants.
Good Luck To You!!
 
#75
Unless you are Paul McCartney, I think it looks weird to play a violin bass. The darn thing is so IDed with Paul, it's crazy! Unless you are Paul in a Beatles tribute band.

Get a Hofner Club bass, same mojo, different look. I use Waterstone Indra basses, they are MUCH better quality than a Hofner, and sound AMAZING, and look cool too.

Eastwood guitars have a Club bass, may be worth checking out.
 
#77
Rob Martinez said:
Unless you are Paul McCartney, I think it looks weird to play a violin bass. The darn thing is so IDed with Paul, it's crazy! Unless you are Paul in a Beatles tribute band.
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I get comments and compliments every time I bring out my old Univox Beatle bass. People love it. I think it's the one and only bass that the average Joe in the audience can recognize.

And we don't play anything remotely close to a Beatle song.
 
#79
BigSwami said:
If we're talking about "Beatle" basses, it's probably worth noting that Paul McCartney didn't use these basses for very long while he was with the Beatles. He switched to a Rick 4001 in 1965, and started using a Fender Precision in the studio around 1966/67. I think he ended up either modifying his Hofner or picking up a modified version of the Hofner for later use, because people identified him so strongly with that bass.
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And he's on record as saying the reason he switched from using the Violin bass live wasn't really the sound....the damned thing never stayed in tune.

I play a lot of Beatles stuff & have been looking at these lately.........that NCM site looks like a real winner; thanks JT Chester !!!
 

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