I heard the $69 hardshell case is really nice.
Better than the original green interior case.
MF has them for $349 too.
Hofner Chinese Import 500/1 model.
Moderator: jingle_jangle
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jwr2
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bassduke49
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Wednesday, I had the opportunity to examine the Chinese Hofner Icon and the Contemporary Beatle basses at Northcoast Music here in Cudahy, Wisconsin, down by da lake, almost. (I own three German ones, so I'm not unfamiliar with the originals.) I didn't plug them in, just looked at them out of the cases. As I expected, the Icon is an inexpensive knock-off (but officially endorsed by Hofner). It sells for $350 plus case.
The Contemporary model, however, is very nice, and nearly indistinguishable from the German models. The only visible differences are the black plastic knobs and switches on the control panel, and the flatter top and back compared with the more arched German ones. The Contemp also has a cantilevered neck at the body end, just like the German ones. The cheaper Icon is not cantilevered. The wood and finish of the Contemp are equal to the German ones, but the bass is a tad heavier. It supposedly has a wood block running through the hollow body to improve strength and sustain. The Contemp also has the German Hofner pickups. This is a quality instrument and sells for $800 plus case. With the German ones going for around $1800, the Contemporary is a bargain.
Northcoast supposedly has the entire initial shipment of Contemps in the US, and a few black ones with white binding (a great complement to a Jetglo Rick). You can see photos at:
http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/shopping/index.htm
Click the Hofner name and it will take you to another page.
The Contemporary model, however, is very nice, and nearly indistinguishable from the German models. The only visible differences are the black plastic knobs and switches on the control panel, and the flatter top and back compared with the more arched German ones. The Contemp also has a cantilevered neck at the body end, just like the German ones. The cheaper Icon is not cantilevered. The wood and finish of the Contemp are equal to the German ones, but the bass is a tad heavier. It supposedly has a wood block running through the hollow body to improve strength and sustain. The Contemp also has the German Hofner pickups. This is a quality instrument and sells for $800 plus case. With the German ones going for around $1800, the Contemporary is a bargain.
Northcoast supposedly has the entire initial shipment of Contemps in the US, and a few black ones with white binding (a great complement to a Jetglo Rick). You can see photos at:
http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/shopping/index.htm
Click the Hofner name and it will take you to another page.
Author: "The Rickenbacker Electric Bass - 50 Years As Rock's Bottom"
I plan on getting the Contemporary model after the first of the year. I should have the money by then. I'm passing on the Icon, even though it's less expensive. I like the idea of adding a short scale bass to my collection. And if I'm going to buy a Hofner, I want the vintage pick-ups on it. Plus, I think that sound block will improve the tone, as well as adding strength and sustain to the body. Besides my Rickenbackers, I also have a OLP/Music Man Sting Ray bass that is quite nice. I would expect the Hofner Contemporary Series bass to be as good.
I recently went back to playing a Rickenbacker bass. Its like meeting an old friend again