Looking for a Beatles-style Violin Bass...

[Johnny Crab]

Not doubting that it does sound the same as Chas Chandler's bass in We Gotta Get Out Of This Place, but Chandler would have been playing either an Epiphone Rivoli or a Gibson EB-2 (essentially the same bass as the Rivoli) in the recording.

Thanks for that. I was kind of astounded when I played it because it had that exact sound. With the Helix set right, it can sound similar to a "Beatle bass". We do some Beatles covers where it fits right in sound-wise. I loved the looks of the natural and everyone seems to get a sunburst so I got this one.

 

[skygzr]

Cool mod...like the way it has shows a tip of the hat to the original but more practical Is it master tone, master volume and PU selector?

Thanks! Yes, master volume, master tone and selector switch.

 

[Nunovsky]

I got an Epiphone Viola bass because I prefer the classic VVT to the control plate of the Hofner. I really like how it sounds but the key ingredient to sound like Sir Paul is to put some flats on it. I have a set of Labella on it and they sound great.

 

[rabidgoodra27]

Hmm, that panel mod looks good. It seems like the traditional control scheme for this bass is a little subversive. Pretty much everywhere I've read about it says it makes no sense whatsoever. It surprises me that it hasn't been replaced with something less... misleading?

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

Hmm, that panel mod looks good. It seems like the traditional control scheme for this bass is a little subversive. Pretty much everywhere I've read about it says it makes no sense whatsoever. It surprises me that it hasn't been replaced with something less... misleading?

Hofner tried to change it and folks complained. They do have some models with three knobs. I like the control panel myself. This might be because I change tone primarily from the amp EQ and leave the bass knobs alone. With some of my Hofners, though, I do easily switch up the tone by using the switches. Plus they make great on/off switches. So count me as one of those folks that prefers the panels.

 

[rabidgoodra27]

Yeah, same. I'm usually hitting knobs/switches by mistake when I play. (looking at you predator pickup selector)

 

[JRT64]

Hofner tried to change it and folks complained. They do have some models with three knobs. I like the control panel myself. This might be because I change tone primarily from the amp EQ and leave the bass knobs alone. With some of my Hofners, though, I do easily switch up the tone by using the switches. Plus they make great on/off switches. So count me as one of those folks that prefers the panels.

Same here. I usually set the controls on my amp and rarely use the controls on the bass, except for minor tweaks as they are needed.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Why are German Hofners expensive?
They are built like a violin or cello...

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Yes, they are built like guitars were in the 50’s, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Handmade doesn’t always mean better, it just means each one is unique, for good or ill. My favorite part of the video is where he appears to “eyeball” the fret slots, which might explain why most Hofners sound distinctly wonky above the 12th fret. It’s hard to argue that a CNC cut board isn’t more accurate, as I’m sure they are on most of the clones. It’s nice to see the Old School approach, and if you don’t mind paying (a lot) more for it for charm’s sake, that’s cool, but don’t assume it’s actually adding value. I’ve handled plenty of Vintage instruments, including a few high dollar Fenders, and compared to modern, largely CNC production, they just weren’t that well made. I’ve played the German Hofners, and they are definitely “nicer” than the Ignition, but 5 times nicer by price? Nope.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Yes, they are built like guitars were in the 50’s, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Handmade doesn’t always mean better, it just means each one is unique, for good or ill. My favorite part of the video is where he appears to “eyeball” the fret slots, which might explain why most Hofners sound distinctly wonky above the 12th fret. It’s hard to argue that a CNC cut board isn’t more accurate, as I’m sure they are on most of the clones. It’s nice to see the Old School approach, and if you don’t mind paying (a lot) more for it for charm’s sake, that’s cool, but don’t assume it’s actually adding value. I’ve handled plenty of Vintage instruments, including a few high dollar Fenders, and compared to modern, largely CNC production, they just weren’t that well made. I’ve played the German Hofners, and they are definitely “nucer” than the Ignition, but 5 times nicer by price? Nope.

As cool as their build by hand thing is.
Maybe at home I could hear the nuance of the hand built model. Rockin' it in a club, all of that nuance goes right out da window imho. At that point for me, any of the knock offs with flats would suffice and no one will notice, as long as you're wearing these...

 

[l0galici0us]

Since I'm on a budget, I'm torn between the Rogue one and the Harley Benton one. Thoughts?

 

[Gilmourisgod]

AFAIK, the Rogue is made in the same factories, using the same CNC files, as the Jay Turser, which makes it a well made and finished bass with cheap (and easily upgradeable) electronics. The tuners are also cheap but serviceable. You'll never recoup your investment upgrading a cheaper bass, but in the case of the Turser/Rogue, you can make some improvements over time without spending a lot of money. I haven tried the Harley Benton version, but their stuff gets pretty good reviews on TB.

 

[FunkHead]

Right now, the only bass I own is my Ibanez GSR205 (which I absolutely adore). However, I'm really into the Beatles right now, and the Soundgear doesn't quite give me that 60s sound I'm looking for. Out of the basses Paul McCartney used, my favorite sound is the Hofner he was so famous for. I've been looking around at a lot of different ones: Hofners, Rogues, Epiphones, and many others... Do any of y'all seasoned bassists have any personal recommendations for getting that sound without breaking the bank?
(Also, sorry if this is the wrong place for this.)

Not mine:
For Sale - Vintage Guitars Hofner Violin Cavern Style "Beatle Bass" w/ Case

 

[buldog5151bass]

Another vote to try before you buy. All the :Beatle basses" I've played had extremely tight spacing at the bridge. I just could not get comfortable.