• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Lets make this the last Hofner Icon vs Contemporary Thread

Ferniff

Ferniff

Jul 11, 2010
578
229
Brooklyn (Bedstuy), NYC
#1
Lets have all questions and answers posted here. And this would be the go to page for all curious minds (like myself) looking to get a new Hofner bass.

So lets start:

Differences
CT is a few hundred more but has German Pickups, while the Icon is 100% Chinese but meets Hofner's qualifications.
CT has a sound block but Icon does not, so structurally Icon is more similiar to the real deal.
The CT also sounds less "acoustically" than the Icon due to the soundblock. But if we wanted to play acoustic, we all picked the wrong instrument to do that.

Now here are some questions I have:
I see that some consider the CT to be a more modernized version, but can it still nail the Maccas's original tone from the early Beatles. And can it also be more versatile and produce some non "Beatles tones".
Also can a CT's pickups be put into an Icon.

Also is there or can anyone provide a side by side testing of both. Same amp, same strings and everything to let the viewers decide for themselves and put this to rest.



So what are some other major differences between the two?
 
#3
For my part, I bought the Icon because I was never going to pay a whole lot of money for a Hofner violin bass. Ever. When a friend showed me an Icon bass he bought, I really liked it. I bought one for $265 used, figuring if I hated it, no big deal. I put flats on it and got a great, thumpy vintage tone that works great for the type of music I play, which is 50s and early 60s. I love the sound it gets and the neck profile is nice and fast, very thin. I don't need to pay an extra $500 for a CT to get a "better" finish or whatever. My Icon fits my needs perfectly.
I think you can get a similar tone from a CT, but the wood block will make a difference. I have two basses with that design, they sound great, but have a different "character" than the hollobody of the Icon. I guarantee you, if two bassplayers in two different bands played the same stage in an evening, one with the Icon and the other with the CT, no one in the audience could tell the difference. Visually or sonically.
To me it just depends what you like and want to spend money on. I have been told to get the CT bass, that it is so superior to the Icon. Well, I need to know how. My Icon is reliable, looks and sounds great, and is a blast to play.
Oh and it weighs about 4 lbs!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Billedius and SnappyFerret
#6
I have the Icon and it is one of the worst basses I have ever owned - and I love violin basses/hollowbody basses. The audience may not know the difference, but to that point, just get a Rogue violin bass and save some $$ over the Hofner name stamped on the same chinese cheapie. The CT plays much nicer and has a better quality feel that the player will appreciate - and yes, it sounds like a Hofner. Really, if anyone is debating between the two, then try them both out - no comparison.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NewJackBass
#7
lazerbrains said:
I have the Icon and it is one of the worst basses I have ever owned - and I love violin basses/hollowbody basses. The audience may not know the difference, but to that point, just get a Rogue violin bass and save some $$ over the Hofner name stamped on the same chinese cheapie. The CT plays much nicer and has a better quality feel that the player will appreciate - and yes, it sounds like a Hofner. Really, if anyone is debating between the two, then try them both out - no comparison.
Click to expand...

You seem to be willing to pay an extra $500 for an extra peice of wood going down the center. If it sounds like a Hofner, which the Icon also does, follow your own advice and save yourself $500 and get an Icon. That's what I say. Your CT is also a Chinese "cheapie" (except it costs a lot more!) why don't you just get a Rogue and call it a day? You paid more money just to get the Hofner name on your headstock. Your hatred of the Icon really clouds your perspective on this topic. I have played quite a few violin basses and the Icon is one of the best out there for the money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SnappyFerret
#9
Ferniff said:
I have heard a few people complain that they're Icon was no good, but haven't read anyone complain about their CT. I also never read anyone saying that the CT sounded excactly like Paul
Click to expand...

The CT is supposed to sound different. Why put a wood block down the center?

I laugh when people buy a cheap bass then complain that it feels cheap! It's ridiculous.

Paul McCartney admitted he bought the Hofner because it was cheap. He plays a cheap bass and makes it sound like a million bucks because he is a great player and musician.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Iristone, The Trashman, caug and 2 others
#10
I owned a German 500-1 from 1967 until 1990, so I had a bit of experience with the real deal. I've played the CT & the Icon, front to back, & agree that the CT feels much more like the original. If I wanted a Beatle bass vibe I would definitely grab a CT. The German Hofners are just ridiculous in price, and the Icon feels...well...cheap.
 
#15
btw, i get a kick out of people thinking german hofners are some major work of art these days. know why they cost $2000 today? because mccartney started playing his again when he made that album with elvis costello. otherwise they'd still cost $200 just like they did in the 70's. that said, i still love them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Iristone, Billedius, SnappyFerret and 1 other person
#16
I just picked up an Icon club bass...I own a German V62 as well...I don't think the Icon compares in craftsmanship,feel or quality of materials used on the real deal...However,for 369 bucks it shouldn't.. But I do think it's an awesome little bass,has a great neck and feel to it,is incredibly playable and gets as close to the sound as I've heard...I think the Icons are the best Hofner band for the buck...The CT's are nice basses,but as mentioned,they're cheapie knock-offs as well...They sound good as well... they play fine,and have a little more to them cosmetically than the Icons...Are they worth 500 bucks more? I guess that depends on the individual holding the cash...I just recently played a CT,and while I liked it as well ,I'm happy I went with the Icon...I couldn't justify the extra cash.. ymmv
 
  • Like
Reactions: SnappyFerret
#17
okc-zee said:
I just picked up an Icon club bass...I own a German V62 as well...I don't think the Icon compares in craftsmanship,feel or quality of materials used on the real deal...However,for 369 bucks it shouldn't.. But I do think it's an awesome little bass,has a great neck and feel to it,is incredibly playable and gets as close to the sound as I've heard...I think the Icons are the best Hofner band for the buck...The CT's are nice basses,but as mentioned,they're cheapie knock-offs as well...They sound good as well... they play fine,and have a little more to them cosmetically than the Icons...Are they worth 500 bucks more? I guess that depends on the individual holding the cash...I just recently played a CT,and while I liked it as well ,I'm happy I went with the Icon...I couldn't justify the extra cash.. y mmv
Click to expand...

A very fair assessment, and I agree.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SnappyFerret
#20
Ferniff said:
sorry if it sounds like a dumb question, but most will say the CT sounds different because of the wood block, but can it still nail the Beatles sound plus more?
Click to expand...


Yep, it sounds like a Hofner should.

Best thing to do is go to your local store and try both out. Otherwise, you can get an Icon and keep trying to convince yourself that it is "just as good", or get the CT and know that you bought the better bass.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back