Hofner builds a bass for the working man.

congerz83 · Post by **congerz83** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 1:17 pm

Guess I know where next weeks paycheck is going. I hope it has that paper thin neck I love so.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=511788

wj350 · Post by **wj350** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:00 pm

No expert, but I'm thinking this is from the same source as the Rogue and Agile basses, but with Hofner's ok on the headstock. Which means it's a bit of jump in price from what's out there now--

congerz83 · Post by **congerz83** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:08 pm

I hope it's not like that Bill, I have a Rouge I hope it's a step up. I'll find out next week I guess.

wj350 · Post by **wj350** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 4:11 am

Me too Richard! Just comparing the specs on MF, it looks like the principal differences are the spruce top and a 30" vs 31" scale...I couldn't find any reference to the Icons on Hofner's web site.

I personally think the craftsmanship, etc. on the Rogue is quite good; what would be cool about these IMO, is if they had something closer to the actual Hofner electronics, pots, etc.

Bill

congerz83 · Post by **congerz83** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 4:59 am

Oh don't get me wrong Bill, I love my Rogue but, when I a 500/1 into my hands the neck was effortless. I felt like a king with that thin skinny neck.

wj350 · Post by **wj350** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 9:30 am

I don't know Richard...it's not looking good--check the info on Gary's Northcoast site:

http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/hofner/hofner_guitar/icon.html

Made in China, with Chinese/Korean electronics (dang--I was really hoping they might have done something like G&L's import line where they put the US G&L pickups, etc.) Gary points out the Hofner strap doesn't fit, which would be the same case with the Rogue or Agile clones.

It looks like the top laminate is crafted to look more like the traditional Beatle Hofner, but other than that, I'm guessing it's probably the same as it's Rogue, et al cousins.

I wish they'd been out when I bought my Rogue...I would have paid the extra $$ for the Hofner name on the top. I just kind of tinker with the bass anyway (LOL!! As opposed to my "virtuoso" guitar playing

.

BTW...lest there be any confusion--I think these Chinese (and Korean) instruments are fantastic deals--a lot of instrument for the money; my Casino and J-160E are of similar lineage.

I'd be curious to hear reports if anyone has picked one of these up...

Bill

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 9:50 am

Well maybe it'll make a nice partner for the new Ampegs!

I'm doubtful about those mini-humbuckers. Among many other things.

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 9:57 am

I got mine coming in a few days. It just got shipped. I never held on to a new Hofner Beatle bass because I always thought they were to expensive for what they are. Yeah, sure it's the McCartney vibe but to me, I don't think it's worth $1800 for a new one.. My first Hofner was a '74 that I paid $400 for, it was a used, near mint one. It served it's purpose and I sold it to buy my first 4003. I think these new Chinese Hofners are going to be great for the person who wants one, but doesn't want to spend a bajillion bucks.

revolver323 · Post by **revolver323** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:16 am

Lots of details in the Dudepit Hofner forum.
http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/showthread.php?p=228243#post228243

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:55 am

I was just going to post the same link Dave.
I have one on order from Music 123 since last July when I first heard about them. Since then I have sold my Rogue on EBay hoping the Hofner was a step up. There where some conflicting reports early on that the Icon series might have the German pups, but it was later confirmed that the Contemporary series would have them for $699.
I have also found out that the Contemporary series will only be sold in Europe. There was a site in the UK that was selling them for $899. I just hope the build quality is a little better than the Rogue, and the finish doesn't have a lot of yellow in it. So far I heard it sounds good.

jcb1100 · Post by **jcb1100** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 2:19 pm

FWIW, I have the Dillion version of a violin bass, and, never having held a Hofner or a Rogue, it seems pretty well built (in Korea). I also have one of their '56 Les Paul goldtop copies (also Korean), and it's just as good. And I promise: as soon as I save up tens of thousands for a real '56, I'll buy one and sell the Dillion...

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 2:35 pm

Several people around the boards have speculated that this isn't a great move by Hofner, and that it may have a detrimental impact on the sales of German basses. I disagree.

I do plan on purchasing an Icon, probably right before Christmas, as it seems to be the perfect fit for my situation. I have a few guitars, but as of yet, I do not have a bass. I cannot afford a $1600 German bass, but for the look (and the cool scale) of this one, at $349, it's a steal. Plus, you know as soon as I get it and play it for a while, all it's going to do is fuel my desire for a genuine German-made Hofner... which I will undoubtedly have in the future.

I look at it as a way to get acquainted with the instrument until I can afford the real thing. I'm sure it'll make a great first bass, and I can't wait to read everyone's reviews.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 2:57 pm

I, too, have one on order...I've worked on and played a number of originals ranging from a '65 to a mid-'70s and I suppose you could say that I'm intimately familiar with at least the construction details of these...

I'm curious as to how this one stacks up against the German-made ones. It's always been my opinion that the Asian manufacturers in general are just as good at attention to detail as American or German/Scandinavian, and a darned sight better than Italian, French, or ?

$350.00 for a nice copy with the Hofner name on the headstock sits pretty well with me.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 3:32 pm

I'm glad Rickenbacker hasn't done that, it cheapens the name no matter what. Years ago when I looked at a Fender P bass I knew exactly what it was, now?? When I looked at a Hofner I knew exactly what it was, now??

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 5:25 pm

Sorry to be "Debbie Downer", but I've got my panties in a bunch over these "Hofners". They seem to be a nice bass for the money, but the whole copy thing bugs me.

It somehow seems disingenuous to make such a close copy of a 500/1 in order to live off it's fame and reputation. It smacks of Italian Harley's back in the 70's, four cylinder Dodge Daytona's back in the 80's, and most recently the Pontiac GTO. Add the huge number of copied instruments & amps in general and I start wringing my hands and mumbling to myself, "When I was a boy..."

No problem with making an inexpensive and decent quality product, but give it an original name and face. I can see that the world is changing and Hofner may need to do this to survive a global market, but wouldn't an Asian Hofner of it's own design be of interest? Something along the lines of the Club bass perhaps?

Just my opinion, I could be wrong, usually am. At least Hofner is making this knock off rather than the rampaging hordes.