Upgrading a Hofner icon PU

[darkhorse9]

I love playing my Hofner Icon bass, but the pickups leave a lot to be desired.

I admit that the look of the bass is critical ( I do a lot of Beatles) but what are my options for improving the pickups?

The Hofner has some really bizarro wiring so that usually gets in the way as well.

Any suggestions?

 

[darkhorse9]

Shall I judge by the crickets I'm hearing that there really is no way to upgrade the pickups on a Hofner Icon, so I'm stuck with what I have stock.

 

[TobyBass55]

Maybe try asking in the Hofner group thread. Some people who follow that thread might know.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619448

 

[Pilgrim]

There's always a way to change pickups - it's just a matter of how close you can get the fit, what kind of surround ring you need, whether it's a flat or arched top, and working out both the pickup mounting method and the wiring. Nothing to it.

But you ought to ask yourself - you bought a Hofner. Don't you want it to sound like a Hofner?

The first thing to try is NOT pickups...instead, buy a set of Labella Hofner Flats and install them. Then the bass will sound like it should. Rounds don't belong on that bass.

 

[Jazz Ad]

PUs in the Icon don't sound the same as the original stapples.
I don't know what they did but they don't have that ooompphh attack when you pluck.

 

[plangentmusic]

Mac uses stock Hofner pu's in his to do the biggest world tour of any artist.

If it's good enough for him...

 

[Michael Tooke]

The German made Beatle Bass has different pots they use 500k. The HTC 500/1 uses 250K. They
will give you better tone and more volume. I think the pickups are the same models