Hofner Violin Basses

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Tue May 27, 2003 10:52 am

. . . for Hofner "Beatle Bass" owners that you folks know of? I love my Rick, but I'm also going to buy a Deluxe 5000/1 soon. I realize that this group has the blessing of RIC, so maybe I shouldn't ask, but . . . ?

bassman · Post by **bassman** » Tue May 27, 2003 1:19 pm

Well not to take anything away from Peter's site because this is the ultimate Ric site on the web. There is a Yahoo site called HofnerHounds that discusses everything that is Hofner. Especially 500/1's and so.
You can also visit the VoxTalks website and the Hofner Internet Guitar Community web sites to discuss all that is Hofner.
I owned a 500/1 long before I bought my first 4001. I still own and love both basses. There are a few sites out there that specialize in both.
The other site is the forums page on The Music Group's (the old Boosey & Hawkes) site. There is lots of info posted there.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed May 28, 2003 8:53 am

Paul: Why not start a thread under Hofner Basses there? Nothing ventured nothing gained. My two cents.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Wed May 28, 2003 11:48 am

Yup. Did that. Thanks, everyone. And right after I put a deposit down on a Hofner 5000 Deluxe, somebody lists a near-mint Cheyenne I on ebay. Dammit! I want one of those, too. Anybody out there can give me about $1,500 just 'cause I'm a nice guy?

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Wed May 28, 2003 6:47 pm

Paul-- I have the sneaking suspicion you'll wish you had waited on the Hofner 5000/1 Deluxe. The Cheyenne I is a lot tougher to acquire (and, IMHO, a much better all-around bass, although I've never personally seen/played the 5000/1 Deluxe.)

By the way, what prompted you to choose the 5000/1? Certainly it's an attractive instrument and stands out from the more common 500/1 models. But I don't care for active electronics. I'm still toying with the idea of acquiring the Vintage '63 model but can't yet convince myself that the final asking price is worth it. Any of the current production Hofner basses seem too expensive for what you're getting. However, this is strictly my opinion, and I know that the Hofner bass has it's devotees.

Be sure to give us a report when your Hofner comes in. Someone may still end up convincing me to get one.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Thu May 29, 2003 3:27 am

Actually, the 5000 is not active. It is electronically identical to the 500/1 now. I like it because of the woods, the birds-eye back, and the gold hardware. More for looks than for sound, really, but right now I'm only playing for fun. I've always wanted a "Beatle Bass" since I was 14 (only 40 years ago), and the "blonde" Deluxe just suits me. Also, as I get older, I figure that the light weight of the instrument and the short scale will be easier for me to handle.
I'm buying the 5000 from Northcoast Music (who also sells Ricks--www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast) for $1,900 and change with bullet case. List is about $2,800. Gary is a great guy to deal with. He also makes Sonic amps and is manufacturing new "Vox" vintage-look amps.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Thu May 29, 2003 4:06 am

I have two ric basses, but I gotta say I love my '67 Hofner. Light, easy, even toned top to bottom, and through my Eden amp, a great overdriven sound (though I play guitar).

ricnvolved · Post by **ricnvolved** » Thu May 29, 2003 5:55 pm

Paul-- Thanks very much for the update on the 5000/1; I wasn't aware that Hofner had dropped the active electronics feature on that model. Did this happen recently?

No doubt you will like the lighter weight of the instrument. THAT is certainly one of the features about the bass I find attractive. It's no wonder to me that McCartney prefers playing the Hofner over the Ric in live performances. But I still can't believe the Hofner is equal to Rickenbacker in overall quality......... and at a far higher price.

I STILL contend that Hofner should get down on their collective knees and pay an annual royalty to McCartney; if not for the incredible fame he brought them, they very well could've gone out of business many years ago.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri May 30, 2003 4:22 am

As a Hofner owner, let me say this: I think they're a ****** guitar that accidently is very good. They feel very fragile. And yes, they exist today soley because of Mac. I mean, look at their current models: Mac's Cavern Bass, Mac's '62 Bass, and Mac's '63 Bass (plus the deluxe). They are fun to play, but you can't go on stage without people going, "oh, a Beatle freak". When all of us die off, who will buy their guitars?

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri May 30, 2003 4:37 am

You make a good case for the McCartney effect. I have often wondered why the Lennon effect never materialized with regard to the Hofner Club 40. Or did it?

robj · Post by **robj** » Fri May 30, 2003 5:46 am

I have a '65 500/1 and to me it's a toy. If not for the strong connection to Sir Paul I wouldn't own it. I payed $150.00 for it in '73 but as basses go (without the link to McCartney) I don't think it's worth that much.

It's not one of the better quality instruments I've seen and certainly not comparable to a Rick in my opinion.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri May 30, 2003 6:17 am

I can't think of an recording artists who started out with an "affordable Hofner" and continued to use one throughout their career once they made it big, McCartney excepted. There must be some. Anyone?

robj · Post by **robj** » Fri May 30, 2003 6:57 am

I recall reading an interview with Sir Paul not long ago where he equated being seen with his Hofner to Charlie Chaplin's cane, bowler hat and mustache, which are his "trademarks".

McCartney went on to say people expected to see him with his Hofner and so that's the bass he uses on stage.

shamustwin · Post by **shamustwin** » Fri May 30, 2003 5:41 pm

Yeah, anyone who saw his tour last year saw the "logo" of his shadow w/said bass. BTW, '65's are a desirable year, more than my '67, and you can get about 14 times what you paid for it.
A few years ago at place in Hollywood called Jack's Sugar Shack (RIP) a guy named Ronnie Mack led a group of studio guys doing some oldies as a warmup for the acts that night. Bassist played a Hofner, and man, I've never heard a better tone. Loud, booming, clear, very even. I couldn't beleive it. But then again, Paul's bass sounded great live last year, too.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat May 31, 2003 3:31 am

Without a doubt, I am always amazed that the lightest of basses packs a considerable wallop.

In a recent Fab Four concert, the opening set really rocked with the Hofner bass. Unfortunately, the group used the Hofner for the second set as well. For the mid to late sixties Beatles' material the "big boom thud" of the Hofner lacked the clarity and vibrant treble tone needed.

If you want boom go Hofner, but for clarity, rich tonality and a range of sounds my pick is still the Rickenbacker Model 4001. Hey, Paulie discovered this too. Better late than never.