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Lets make this the last Hofner Icon vs Contemporary Thread

#41
Ferniff said:
Seriously guys, let's just end this argument here. No winners or losers.

So I got to play a CT today, (they had no Icon) and I actually quite liked it. Not as loud as I liked acoustically but I dont think any of us really look for that in an eletric bass. It sounded great plugged, even with the rounds. I can only imagine what flats would do. I wasn't away that I had to leave either the Bass or Treble on, not both.
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Yeah, that's one of the idiosyncrasies of the Hofner. I like the CT too - I would have gotten one but I already have a Greco violin bass that I like even better - sounds like a 500/1 but with more sound variations - i.e. both pickups can be used, and has a tone control.

Have you tried the epiphone viola as well? Lots of people like that one too.
 
#42
lazerbrains said:
Temper now....... remember that blood pressure!

popcorn-eating-emoticon.gif
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Well? Have you burned your Icon yet? Still waiting!:bassist:
 
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#47
lazerbrains said:
Yes, I hear it is the best bass ever made - some say if you scrape off the paint you will even find gold underneath there! (although I did hear that a waterstone indra beats it ANYTIME, ANYWHERE!) HAHA
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Well, then, if you burn it, it should be ok. But since you aren't going to that must mean you came to your senses and are keeping it.

I mean, who would keep a bass they hate so much?

Glad to see you finally came around to the Icon camp, Lazer! Welcome!

BTW, the Waterstone Indra will beat the CT. Both have a wood block down the center. NICE bass! I just played mine.
 
#50
mizzou541 said:
I've been looking at these and I've been thinking about picking one up. Anyone have experience with them? I guess if you're gonna buy a cheap violin style bass you might as well get the Hofner but for some reason I'm kinda GASing for the Epiphone.
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I played the Epi viola in a music store, it is a very solid, nice bass. I prefer the Icon, but would have no problem paying for and playing the Epi bass.
 
#52
funkytoe said:
Funny thing about Hofner switches. The switch is really reversed. The pickup is on when the switch is up. Not down where it says "on". So, the poster's attempt to play both pickups "on" meant that he probably had both switches in the off position.
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Now I feel silly. I thought that would've been awfully weird to only have one pickup on at a time. Thanks!
 
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#57
So what's the verdict on the Epi Viola vs the Icon?
I played both today at GC but unfortunately the Icon was a lefty so I couldn't give it a fair test. The Epi sounded fatter.
I'm gassing for one of them. I then went to ATL Bass Gallery and tried a $2,700 German.
Epi vs Viola is all I care about getting answers to on with this post.
thanks
 
#59
mongo2 said:
I have both but all I can say is, it's going to be your bass so your verdict is the only one that counts.

Let us know what you decide.
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No fair Mongo. We're here to learn from each other. If there's a clear consensus out there regarding which is the clear winner, I'd like know. If there is no clear consensus, then I'd appreciate knowing your preference and any issues you've had with either one.
I'm not necessarily getting this to copy Paul's tone for a Beatle cover thing. Though I will use it for that at times, I'm looking forward to doing studio work for others and perhaps using it for a wide range of music from jazz to reggae, wherever I feel it might fit.
 
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#60
funkythumb said:
No fair Mongo. We're here to learn from each other. If there's a clear consensus out there regarding which is the clear winner, I'd like know. If there is no clear consensus, then I'd appreciate knowing your preference and any issues you've had with either one.
I'm not necessarily getting this to copy Paul's tone for a Beatle cover thing. Though I will use it for that at times, I'm looking forward to doing studio work for others and perhaps using it for a wide range of music from jazz to reggae, wherever I feel it might fit.
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I have never used an Ephiphone Viola but I've seen more positive remarks on that one than the Icon on these forums. My first and current bass is actually a knock off of the Ephi-Viola and its actually pretty good, it has a nice thump that I like. I being kind of a "name-brand whore" and a huge huge fan of the Beatles, I lean towards the Hofner. I'm actually going to buy a very nice Contemporary from the classifieds here.
 

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