Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There's no way. They have to have their information wrong. I can't read the name on the headstock, but it's not Rickenbacker. Besides, RIC isn't even currently taking orders for acoustics right now.

Phil, you have to understand that the 9 prototypes that were made for the NAMM show were a one off run. Thoses basses are unique in that all of the hardware, electronics and necks were German made. They were to close to the original German made basses to be considered for production in China and would have hurt sales of the German made 500/1 had they gone into production and sold for $600.00

The new series will be 100% Chinese made in the case of the Icon Series, while the Contemporary Series will be 90% Chinese made.

All Hofner are trying to do is simply expand their customer base to include beginner and semi-pro players who want to own a Hofner branded Violin bass, but can't afford to pay for a original German made bass.

That market is huge. How many different Violin Beatle Basses are currently offered in the market today. I can think of a dozen different brands. Since Hofner can't force these different brands to cease and desist, they've decided to up the ante, and compete with them on their own playing field by offering a Hofner branded Violin bass at a very competative price point. If you want that famous Hofner Beatle Bass sound you'll buy a Contemporary Series bass. But if you're just looking for a cool semi-acoustic Violin starter bass for yourself or one of your kids and are on a budget, you'll buy a Icon Series bass.

Demand for original German made 500/1 basses is still at an all time high. They can't make them fast enough. There's no concern that the new Chinese made basses will impact sales and production in Germany. In fact they will help strengthen the company by adding additional profit to the bottom line.

Jon, hi. Your points are well articulated and thoughtful, and I have no problem with Hofner
making an economy line so long as it is somehow clearly different from the premium line.
Your first point agrees with me - if the Chinese made product is indistinguishable from the German made, at 1/4 the price, then sales will suffer of the 500/1. In fact the 9 NAMM prototypes are probably going to be some of the most valuable ones out there.
From what I have heard or seen of the new models they are not any different from the 500 series - and you really can't tell them apart aside from some removeable/replaceable decals and the electronics in the Icon series.
I will definitely be looking for one of the economy guitars when they come out, if just to avoid taking a $1,500 guitar to jams or parties where it may get trashed.
The other brands out there are clones - and they are pretty good value - but they are not Hofners. I guess that's my main point.
So if in fact the Hofner economy lines will not impact sales of the 500 series will remain to be seen - I certainly have no financial interest in Hofner, I was merely commenting my view, I think it is an interesting case study that we will get to see the real outcome of.

I have to see a photo of this bass.

You can see a photo of the Contemporary Series Violin bass today on Hofner's site. The Icon Series bass won't be posted until mid August.

Does this bass come with a case?

[sorry, please disregard. I tried to post a direct link but it doesn't work]

As soon as someone in the forum gets one of these, I'll be anxious to hear a report of what they're like.

I'll be checking out one of the new Icon Series Violin basses next week. Once I have, i'll post some feedback here.

That will be great Jon. I'm still waiting for Hofner to post some pics on their website.

Bob, you can check out the new Icon Violin Bass on the Northcoast Music site. There are no photos of it posted on the Hofner site yet.

http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/shopping/index.htm

I will be holding one to inspect and play in a little over a week.

Thanks Jon. I am happy with the way it looks.
Please let us know what you think after your inspection.

This can be the end of other clones. The Icon looks like another Chinese made clone, with the wrong pickups, tailpiece, finish etc., but it has a Hofner logo on its headstock, and that should be enough for a lot of people.

I think pretty soon we're going to see tons of used Rogues, Epi Violas, Jay Tursers etc on eBay.

Yep, starting with my Rogue.

Any verdicts on these things?