Question for Hofner Ignition/Icon owners

[Kestrel]

So I bought a Hofner "Ed Sillivan Show ltd edition" Ignition Violin Bass today. Nice finish on this one, with a darker looking finish than the basic sunburst Ignition models. Anyway, I adjusted the action and repositioned the bridge to rougly intonate to an acceptable level and I noticed that the output level of the D string is somewhat lower than the rest. I lowered both pickups and began to gradually raise them, but the D string still sounds somewhat lower in volume. Anyone experience this on their ignition or icon basses?

 

[Mike M.]

So I bought a Hofner "Ed Sillivan Show ltd edition" Ignition Violin Bass today. Nice finish on this one, with a darker looking finish than the basic sunburst Ignition models. Anyway, I adjusted the action and repositioned the bridge to rougly intonate to an acceptable level and I noticed that the output level of the D string is somewhat lower than the rest. I lowered both pickups and began to gradually raise them, but the D string still sounds somewhat lower in volume. Anyone experience this on their ignition or icon basses?

Can't help you with the bass itself, but was the output of the D string lower than the other strings before you made the adjustments? If so then maybe the problem is the D string itself. Are the strings still the factory installed ones or did you change the strings as well. Could just be a bum string.

 

[Kestrel]

Thanks for your post. You're right. It was the stock roundwound D string that was bad. I went out looking for a set of short scale bass strings, and could only find a set of D'Addario Chromes. Had to shave off some of the blue string wraps so each string could fit into the nut properly. Also noticed the nut comes off easily, but says in place with the strings on. I'll have to remedy that at the next string change. Cool inexpensive bass with a distinctive sound and a unique look, though.

 

[SirMjac28]

Grab some Labella short scale flats and watch that bass come alive congrats on a nice bass

 

[Kestrel]

Grab some Labella short scale flats and watch that bass come alive congrats on a nice bass

Thanks. I'm defintely ordering some Labella flats. That said, it sounds nice with D'Addario Chromes. This Hofner has a lot of character. Obviously, it's not a bass that will appeal to everyone, but I really like it. I can't justify paying over $2000 for the German made 500/1, even as a Beatles fan, certainly not for a bass of this type. But, for $369 this Indonesian made version plays and sounds really good. I read somewhere that Paul McCartney paid £30 for his Hofner back in 1961 because it was cheap and he couldn't afford a Fender which cost about £100 at the time. £30 back then is about the equivalent of £465 today, so I'm quite happy with the price of the Hofner Ignition bass.

 

[Kestrel]

Forgot to post the obligatory pic.