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Lets make this the last Hofner Icon vs Contemporary Thread

#61
funkythumb said:
No fair Mongo. We're here to learn from each other.
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Learning to trust your own instincts regarding selection of your instruments is a valuable lesson. Try a few basses and see what you think. If you have specific questions about the instruments then, ask away, but no one can tell you what's best for you.

I will say one thing, to me the Viola sounds very stiff and the Icon sounds more open.
 
#62
I play the Hofner Icon. I have played the Epi Viola in a store, it is a very nice instrument. I prefer the feel and tone of the Hofner. That is the one I choose. I am not going to change my mind based on other people prefering the Epi. I am cool with that!
 
#64
Thanks for the input all.
Well I must say that an excellent point here has been made regarding trusting your own inner feelings toward an instrument. I play and teach full-time and over the last couple of decades, I've learned that lesson the hard way.
I definitely now go with what feels right to me. However, I think my inquiry here about the Epi vs. Icon was not understood in the right light.
I am simply trying to ascertain whether one of instruments is clearly superior in perhaps construction, or reliability.
I am also trying to get a feedback from those who have played both regarding their sonic qualities, not necessarily as in good or bad, though those are valid opinions.
Anyway, I'm looking for information on tone, build, etc, which taken all together will help me make a more informed decision. And, of course, my ear, heart, soul, will have the final word. :-)
 
#68
I dont know where to put this ---- so im putting it here. I have an icon club husk so i need all the parts. I am advised the regular Hofner parts do not fit. Found good places for bridge tuner and trapeze but nothing for replacement pick ups and control box. I am not looking to recreate a "Beatle" sound. I just want a light weight flat wound bump for a live blues and old rock show & recording. i am open for suggestions or redirections--- thanks to the biggest collection of hofner lovers in one place i have ever read.
 
#69
STARKEY97 said:
I just want a light weight flat wound bump for a live blues and old rock show & recording. i am open for suggestions or redirections--- thanks to the biggest collection of hofner lovers in one place i have ever read.
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You might want to ask your questions over here. There's a better chance you'll find the information you're looking for.

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TD
 
#74
Sorry to resserrect an old thread...but - would the Icon make for a fair 'beginner' bass? Basically looking to get into this just for my own kicks and being that I am a Beatles/McCartney fan, I thought having a 'Beatle bass' of sorts would help keep the interest.

Funny thing I was at Guitar Center earlier this evening trying to get a feel for how well the learning curve could go (while never having played bass before, I do play some guitar, although pretty much at beginner level...) Although sloppy, I actually was playing the basic bass line to Silly Love Songs...LOL...I think the tabs were something like C-A-G-F-E, or something similar (I'm sure I'm missing something in there...)...but I made it easy (out of necessity:-)) by playing off the E and A strings, and never I never moved up past the 4th fret.

Wasn't sure if I was asking this in a place where I'm out of my league...but figured you guys might know...Thanks in advance

PS - I can tell you with my previous experience with guitar and piano, I do learn to 'get it' to some degree fairly quickly, but will be stumped along the way by having somewhat clumsy and uncoordinated fingers (and being that I work full time, and a father/husband + go to nursing school fulltime...the learning curve will be slow for the next year or so, which is when I graduate)
 
#75
rich n said:
Sorry to resserrect an old thread...but - would the Icon make for a fair 'beginner' bass? Basically looking to get into this just for my own kicks and being that I am a Beatles/McCartney fan, I thought having a 'Beatle bass' of sorts would help keep the interest.

Funny thing I was at Guitar Center earlier this evening trying to get a feel for how well the learning curve could go (while never having played bass before, I do play some guitar, although pretty much at beginner level...) Although sloppy, I actually was playing the basic bass line to Silly Love Songs...LOL...I think the tabs were something like C-A-G-F-E, or something similar (I'm sure I'm missing something in there...)...but I made it easy (out of necessity:-)) by playing off the E and A strings, and never I never moved up past the 4th fret.

Wasn't sure if I was asking this in a place where I'm out of my league...but figured you guys might know...Thanks in advance
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An Icon will do just fine to learn bass on. Maybe too well...it's small size and light weight may spoil you for a more conventional bass.
 
#78
One other thing to consider Rich: if you are playing live and the stage volume is high, you will have a greater tendency to get feedback with the hollowbody icon/ignition than the semihollow contemporary model. (I understand that "high volume" is a relative term and monitor placement makes a difference too.) The nice thing is that GC has a good return policy so you can make sure you are comfortable with the bass. Good luck in any case.
 
#79
It's official - Just got home with my new bass, the Hofner Icon series in the sunburst color scheme (they had a black one which I had no interest in)...Throw in an entry level Ampeg amp and a Mogami cable and I'm close to $500 lighter today...LOL. But I was allowed to use two coupons - one which was $50 off the guitar itself and one that was 10% off the amp (they had to make it into two transactions)...Now...if I can learn how to play this thing:-)
 
#80
boynamedsuse said:
One other thing to consider Rich: if you are playing live and the stage volume is high, you will have a greater tendency to get feedback with the hollowbody icon/ignition than the semihollow contemporary model. (I understand that "high volume" is a relative term and monitor placement makes a difference too.) The nice thing is that GC has a good return policy so you can make sure you are comfortable with the bass. Good luck in any case.
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Thanks a lot - I can tell you that for the foreseable future, this is basically going to be a living room thing, probably playing along with songs, etc
 

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