Page 5 of 5
Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 4:21 am
by lowendbob
I heard the $69 hardshell case is really nice.
Better than the original green interior case.
MF has them for $349 too.
Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:48 pm
by marc61
Why is it that everyone has these for sale,they are all over Ebay,and music123 can't ship?All my order says is "valid order" what does that mean?
Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:59 pm
by jwr2
I find Chinese basses usually have minor neck problems ... they usually need fret dressing and fret leveling ... the wood usually has inferior tone and resonance ... basically Chinese instruments are a step below the ones made in Korea and Mexico ... and a few steps below USA instruments ...
Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:49 pm
by lowendbob
Music 123 is a joke. I cancelled my order from them, and bought a Hofner Club.
It just arrived today, and I'm glad I bought the German bass.
Awesome sound from that little bass, and the finish is top notch!
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:37 am
by bassduke49
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.
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 1:13 pm
by lawton
Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 11:02 am
by marc61
Cancelled order...saw one on Ebay today..$288 plus $24 shipping...I'll wait a bit..
Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 11:02 am
by rickfan63
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.