Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Now that these are out how many here are going to take that kind of plunge? Man, I'd love to get one but $3000.00 for a Hofner! I think for that kind of $$$ I would rather have a 50's Hofner bass. Those truly are limited.

Is that the retail price?

EDIT: OK I JUST CHECKED NCM. That does seem a bit pricy. How does it differ from the other Cavern re-issues. I think I'll stick with mine.

I believe it has a carved top,tweed covered case, and the ever so pricey pickguard with 50Th Anniversary on it. I have an early cavern reissue from the 90's that cost around $1400.00 I thought that was high then considering my first Hofner that I bought in the 80's was a 1966 Hofner violin bass and it cost $250.00 I'd still like to have one but I don't see it happening. I may be auctioning a late 60's,early 70's Hofner President bass on ebay soon to help fund a 62 Hofner reissue. Thats more in my price range. I'm debating whether to get a lefty as I'm lefthanded and have always played righty. I'm wondering how long it would take to be passable as a lefty player.

If anyone is interested my Hofner President bass is up on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250018304773

What's the quality on a new Hofner? I've heard everything from great to not very good at all. For all that money, are the electronic components worthy of 2K to 3K? How about the wood?

Geoff, if you're a natural lefty, I'll bet your chops would be up to speed in no time if you made the switch.

I've got three relatively new Hofners (1999, 2000, 2003) and the quality of the materials and electronics is good. I don't have old ones to compare with, but I've heard nothing about the old ones that would be desireable over the new ones, unless you yearn for true vintage instruments.

Playability and sound are certainly not Rick-like, but they sound good -- if you like that sort of thing. They're almost toylike due to the narrow but deep neck, short scale, and super light weight (under five pounds!). I've gigged a few times with them, and adding round wound strings gives you sufficient growl -- if you like that sort of thing. Overpriced? Yeah, probably, when you can get a pretty good clone for less than half the price. But if you're nuts on the genuine shape and looks, the clones just seem to lack something.

I agree that $3000 is too much for the anniversary model, but then I never liked the look of the "Cavern" pickup arrangement. However, check out that burgundy 500/1 with black trim and gold hardware on NCM site. Now THAT's pretty!

I'm not a bass player, but I'm very happy with the Hofner '62 reissue that I bought from a Forum member (thanks Chris!). It seems to be built exactly like the vintage ones I've seen over the years, but without the finish checking and neck issues. The form fitting case with green velvety lining is neat too. As everyone says, it's toy-like, but fun to play.

The burgundy 500/1 is amazing. Only thing I don't like about it is the gold tail piece. I am not a fan gold. Well, against red at least. It should have been black.

That Burgundy 500/1 has gotta be just about the butt uglyest 500/1 basses that i've ever seen.

Black binding on any bass is a mistake IMO.

Thank god they only made 12 of them.