John Entwistle playing a Hofner bass

[IMMusicRulz]

Felt like posting about this. Apparently he used it for a short time, but this picture was from 1966.

Here is that picture:

Like most of his basses, this was auctioned off in 2002 after he died. Odd seeing John Entwistle play a Hofner Bass.

 

[godofthunder59]

Felt like posting about this. Apparently he used it for a short time, but this picture was from 1966.

Here is that picture:View attachment 4241931

Like most of his basses, this was auctioned off in 2002 after he died. Odd seeing John Entwistle play a Hofner Bass.

Pretty much the antithesis of what we came to know John for. A whole generation of bassist were lumbered with the Hofner because of a certain Liverpudlian, myself included, even John wasn't immune. I moved on from the Hofner once I realized that the tone I wanted could only be achieved with a full scale solid body bass. My Journey eventually lead to a life long obsession with Thunderbirds. Still have my '65 Hofner.

 

[Joe Nerve]

While I don't think Entwistle and this guy have a whole lot in common, I was surprised watching an SNL rerun last night that this guy used a Hofner every now and then. Great bass player, IMO, but not quite the legend of them there other Hofner players ...

 

[80jazz]

He appeared to be trying shortscales, as he has been photographed with a Longhorn around the same time.

 

[RickBlair]

I remember a picture of him playing a Mosrite also.

Rick B.

 

[godofthunder59]

He appeared to be trying shortscales, as he has been photographed with a Longhorn around the same time.

I've seen pictures of him with a EB3 and Rivoli as well.

 

[IMMusicRulz]

There is also a picture of Keith Moon(!) holding a Hofner bass with no strings on it.

I used to have it as my screensaver on my computer. Hopefully someone can find that exact picture for me.

 

[baileyboy]

Looks like he's ready to smash it against the wall.

 

[80jazz]

I've seen pictures of him with a EB3 and Rivoli as well.

I would like to see an EB-3 pic, as I have never seen him with one!

 

[Iristone]

I've seen pictures of him with a EB3 and Rivoli as well.

He recorded Substitute with the EB3. I'd be willing to guess that I Can't Explain might have been done on the Rivoli.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

Keep in mind that imported instruments in Europe were banned and rare in England during that time period. The Hofner was more necessity than choice. A lot of people played what they could get there hands on.

 

[songwriter21]

Felt like posting about this. Apparently he used it for a short time, but this picture was from 1966.

Here is that picture:View attachment 4241931

Like most of his basses, this was auctioned off in 2002 after he died. Odd seeing John Entwistle play a Hofner Bass.

Not surprised...he tried everything.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

Not surprised, Considering he was a " got to try em all" guy.
But it does look sorta goofy on him.
Man!....he sure strapped them up high! Looks like he's playin rythem guitar!

 

[StereoPlayer]

Alway a good page to view.
John Entwistle Gear | Whotabs | The Who Equipment

 

[LoTone]

Entwistle must have hated playing an Hofner. It's way too boomy for his style. I guess it was earlier on in his career and he was still searching for his own tone back then.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Entwistle must have hated playing an Hofner. It's way too boomy for his style. I guess it was earlier on in his career and he was still searching for his own tone back then.

He still had his own hearing too.

 

[superdick2112]

I just picked up a Hofner 500/1, and as much as I love it's feather weight, its easy playability and it's surprisingly deep & thumpy tone, it will never replace my long-scale basses as my main instrument.
A long-scale bass remains the best instrument for getting that piano-like tone that was Entwistle's signature sound.
The Hofner does, however, have it's uses beyond just playing Beatles songs.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

I just picked up a Hofner 500/1, and as much as I love it's feather weight, its easy playability and it's surprisingly deep & thumpy tone, it will never replace my long-scale basses as my main instrument.
A long-scale bass remains the best instrument for getting that piano-like tone that was Entwistle's signature sound.
The Hofner does, however, have it's uses beyond just playing Beatles songs.

You got that right. Amy Winehouse's bassist (Dale Davis) in her back up band used a 500/1 - it sounds great.

 

[godofthunder59]

As I said I still have mine, it does have it's uses, I still think aesthetically it's one of the most beautiful basses ever made.

 

[mikecd1]

Now lets see if that bass is right here somewhere...