I was on the fence about the club. Your video gave me the final push and I love the instrument. Tonally it performs just as you said and it’s very well constructed. Thank you.
Thank you for this great video and generally a very well made YT channel! I litterally live a twenty 20 minutes drive away from Höfner headquarters in GER. Maybe I‘m pulling the trigger on one of this CT models. I totally agree that they are more versatile due to the added tone block. Noticed you had the Volume at 50%, and wondering if there is a siginficat tonal difference to 100% volume? I personally do notice a slight difference on Jazz Basses, when you roll volume back to 90%. It sounds more a little more even and less harsh, probably due to a change of the resonance peak of the Pickups. Same here? Keep up the good work! Cheers!
Hi! And thank you for watching and for the encouragement! This early video on the Hofner Club was one of my first few bass videos for this channel. I really wish I could undo so many things about it!! I was very new to the whole video thing... I have since gone through several different setups and string sets and dead spots with this Club, so I've had the time to fix a few of the tonal things I initially didn't like about it. Backing off the volume pot was an effort to get a less metallic, even and rounder tone out of it. The pot itself tamed some of the harsher frequencies I didn't like hearing from the new bass,....at that particular point in time. I purchased the Club brand new. It had all the tags and the styrofoam under the bridge,....so I think the bass mostly needed time to vibrate out and settle. Similar to how brand new violins and cellos, even the expensive ones, need time to vibrate out the bad frequencies. Now, it is much more even and the harsher upper mids initially heard are much better. Might continue to get better with more time. Maybe. The other factor may have been the TI flats I put on. They have a more prominent midrange in general, and maybe with a new semi-hollow, they simply amplified what I didn't want to hear. Subsequent videos sounded better. But I've since gone through a set of Labellas and now have GHS flats on my Club. Several Club videos and sessions later, I think I have it sounding much nicer! It's less noticeable on stage, but it was a studio trick that an engineer/guitarist taught me - roll the vol pot back between to ~50-75% and turn up the gain on the preamp. Depending on the context, could sound like a different bass and makes it sit differently in the mix. Sounds like you've discovered the trick already! Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you very much for answering so detailed! Strings do make big a difference in Sound and feel of an Instrument. That often is a widely underrated aspect of the quest for the perfect instrument. You grow on it! When you know the weaknesses and strengths of your bass, you will learn to deal with it. There‘s no perfect Instrument. And sometimes it is just turning back the volume pot or choosing a different Set of strings… Again, appreciate your answer! Music makes us connect over continents - how good is that?!
Hey there. Love your videos everything so well explained. Thanks. I would like to buy a Hofner Club bass, but can’t decide ignition or contemporary. I’ve head that ignition humbuckers are fine but you have to change the pots to a German plate to get better sound. Has the contemporary German electronics? I would like to hear your advice. Is it the zero fret so important? Please , could you help me?
Thanks for watching and for the encouragement! Before you buy any Hofner, are you after the esthetic, the vibe or the singular unique tone, or all of the above? Will you be gigging it? I like my Club, but it has several limitations that bother me every time I open the case! In terms of tone, for me it really only does one thing, and has one (maybe 2) useable sounds so it is a unique instrument and not that versatile. But the one thing it does, it does well. The bridge pickup is useless to me. Rarely use it. The tuners drive me nuts, both in terms of the fragile feel and in terms of the string hole being so small that I’m really limited in string choice. Currently stuck with Labellas, which I don’t love on it. Between the Ignition and the contemporary series, the workmanship, fit and finish is quite a bit better in the Contemporary series. But, you trade that for a centre tone block, which does affect the tone/overall sound and feel. It actually sounds less hollow than the fully hollow ignition series. But it’ll be less prone to feedback. I do think the electronics sound better on the contemporary series, but due to construction differences, it’s hard to say how much is from what factor. The Hofner electronics in general is a weird design, so it’ll be weird regardless of manufacture origin. The ignition feels more fragile overall than the contemporary but both are fragile, so hard case recommended. Both are heavier than they look. The zero fret is useful in having your open strings sound more like a fretted note. It’s part of the original design. I’m personally 50/50 on the concept. The string spacing is tiny (~14mm). Actually better if you’re using a pick. But if you have big fingers, might be limiting. Long way of saying, if you want to get into Hofners, you’ll also have to accept their multiple limitations! Hope that’s helpful…
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for you son answer. I own a Cort ch4 bass. Long scale very versatile Instrument. I’ve started playing bass 8 month ago due to my band needs (used to play guitar). We play for fun not really a gig. I love Horner Club look and sound, I really want to try a short scale and I think you can practice more If you are comfortable with a lighter instrument that sounds a bit as its own (you can practice without an amp). Buy I realize I need to think better all the wise thing you said. Thanks for helping me out keep in touch at your RUclips channel.
i love mine. HCT pro club. btw I saw a video of a fellow who put a realist lifeline upright pickup in the bridge of his hofner, when he plugged it in the sound was very credibly upright like @@jonathanwong458music
Hi Jonathan. I realize you are reviewing the Club bass Contemporary Series, and that is is semi-hollow. What about the Ignition Series? I have a 2007 Icon Series and I think it's hollow-body, not semi-hollow. Your input is appreciated here. Thanks, Jim.
Thanks for watching!! One of my earliest RUclips videos was on the Icon B bass. Those Icons were a fully hollow construction, unlike the contemporary series, which have a centre block. To my ears, there is a distinct tonal difference with the presence of the centre block - it sounds less hollow and has fewer overtones and complexity. Depending on the application, that may or not be a good thing but I think the centre block makes it less prone to on stage feedback (at higher volumes). As I understand it, the Icon was re-named the Ignition series at some point in its history. Those should be fully hollow too, but the QC became a little more variable compared to the Icon. Both are inferior to the contemporary series in terms of workmanship and hardware, but the tones are different as I think I’ve shown in the video you’ve commented on. Here’s a link to the Icon video: Hofner Icon Series B-Bass - The Iconic Beatle bass sound.....how do my other basses compare? ruclips.net/video/NRqiWE75I2Y/видео.html
@@jonathanwong458music To answer your question about your other basses, all things considered, at least to my ear, I prefer the Hofner tone to all the others. And that's whether I play with my fingers (usually how I play) or use a pick. I've been considering adding a Club bass to my arsenal which includes the Icon Series violin bass. I have the made-for-it LaBella flats on it and they sound great even if they are a tad stiff. Not bad, though. I would think if both the violin bass and the Club bass are hollow-body, then any tonal differences would be minimal at best and unnoticeable at worst. Perhaps if GHS flats were put on the Club bass there would be a slightly noticeable difference.
I now have those Labellas on my club. My Club has a few issues- I very much dislike the tuners as it really limits what strings I can put on it. I have a dead spot (that I’ve rectified) but it’s annoying nonetheless. But it does something my other basses don’t do. So it’s gets to stay! And I do love the Club shape. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
It was based on the shape. The sharp corners on all the Beatle-style basses stuck into my thigh, as I play mostly sitting down. The Club’s shape is more comfortable in the sitting position, for me. And Tina Weymouth played a Club! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks, my question was rather on a pick up point of view, there seems to exist a Cavern version of the Club bass (the model you own) with 2 neck pickups. Hello from France
Oh I understand now. I’ve never seen that version in person. Had I, I probably would have purchased the 2 p/u by the neck version, as I rarely use the bridge p/u on my club! Bonjour from across the pond!
Hi Jonathan. I picked up an Icon-B Hofner bass in 2007, when they first came out. It fulfilled a lifelong desire to own a Hofner violin bass. Are you sure the Icon bass is all hollow-body? I have been under the impression all along that it is semi-hollow. If you have any info to confirm, please do. Not a big deal, I love the bass no matter what. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for watching! According to the Hofner website, the Ignition violin bass is a hollow body design whereas the contemporary series (which is what my Club bass is) features a centre tone block. The Icons, as I understand it, were re-named Ignition. Tapping the Icon B-Bass I had in my studio, it sounded hollow. There are a few talkbass threads about this too, granted not officially from Hofner. One way you can find out is by taking off the control panel and peaking inside! But the distinguishing feature between the Icon/Ignition and the Contemporary series is the centre block in the contemporary series.
I have a mid 80s german beatles bass 500/1 and i can see what you ask for about 5.44. The first thing if i took out with these Hofner electrics is allways: oh, it´s broken. Or somebody made a cable change when built it ;-) But first of all: it´s a passive electronik. So "solo" is not a boost. Solo is the regular, max. output you get from the PUs. "Rhythm" is a attenuation. And i can hear the volume drop also while the switch is on "rhythm" not while is it on "solo". So it seems to be that the vol is going to back to max if you flip the switch. Hope it´s understandable. And i also think: the club bass contemporary does sound different than a regular 500/1 because this one is a hollowbody and the Club Contemporary is a Semihollow. Different building concepts. And of course the will sound different from priniciple. Nothing wrong with either, just different. And of course different strings in different age. Always not really comparable. So would be very interested to hear them really nearby with same strings. Thanks for your videos.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, I agree - the semi-hollow does sound different than the fully hollow Beatle bass, which I hope comes across in the video! I decided on purchasing the Club as it is capable of different sounds, more versatile for me.
Should have borrowed from the guitar store the cavern model and test that one too or instead of the club . Also best setting on hofner is both pickup on , vol max, roll bridge totally off. That s to emulate vintage macca tone he has today . Should also demo with same song , lonely road , not lady Madonna
Thanks for watching and for your feedback! To answer your comments: 1) I purchased the Club. Wasn't able to borrow the cavern, unfortunately 2) The comparison at the end was with a borrowed Icon B-bass and footage was taken from a previous video. (as unfortunately, I wasn't able to re-borrow the B-bass in time). But.... both basses played Lady Madonna at the end!
Thanks for watching! Re glove. I have an autoimmune disease (a form of dermatomyositis) that has affected my muscles, skin and joints. As a result, I have lots of vasculitic spots and sores on my finger tips and I have chronic inflammation in my hand joints. The glove is there for pain control as it cushions the impact and friction from the strings. If you wish to know more, I made a video on this topic! Here's as link: ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
I have the 62 Hofner Beatle bass but I also would very much like to have the Club . The controls not crazy about them It takes alot to dial in the sound due to those slide switches and how they can turn volume off depending what spot their in . But that is the controls Volume and tone controls on regular basses alot easier to dial in the sound you want.
Yes! I’d like the option of V-V-T. Without the stock capacitors though, not sure if you’d lose some of the character….I seem to have reasonable tone/expression with the settings in the video. And the volumes are similar to my other instruments. Thx for watching!
I got the ignition club last year and had tons of issues with sustain on several frets. My tech thought it was due to the short scale . Have you noticed this on either models? Would love to get the HCT if this was corrected.
Mine seems to be ok. Wonder if it’s more from either poorly seated frets or a loose neck pocket. I quite enjoy my club! The contemporary series feels more upscale than the ignitions and icons I’ve had my hands on. Thx for watching!
I recently tested some Höfners in a music store: The Violin Ignition (which should sound pretty similar to your Club Ignition) and the Verythin Contemporary (a different animal, but still lots of similarities to Jonathan's Club). I found the Verythin to have considerably more bottom-end and it was a lot more even across the board, without sustain issues on certain notes. The Violin sounded pretty bad in comparison, but I think it was a lemon. Setup was pretty bad on it, it lacked body and volume in its tone, and it had sustain issues on several notes. It might be because of the fully hollow construction, and/or due to the quality of the wood. I think you should try a HCT, they seem to be a lot more consistent considering quality and tone. Another very nice option is the Epiphone Rumblekat. I recently bought one and I'm very happy with it. The HCT Club would have been the best alternative for me.
Good question. I’m not sure. I’ve found a tonal sweet spot and rarely use the solo/bass on/treble on settings, so I’ll probably leave it alone for now. Thx for watching!
Good review, but the sound of your voice is much louder than the sound of the bass. So if I turn up the volume, in order to properly hear the bass, it will totally blast my ears, when you go back to talking.
Thanks for the feedback! Appreciated it. I think I have fixed the issue with more recent videos. The Club video was one of the early ones. Thanks for watching!
Here too in Canada, ignitions are considerably cheaper. But fit and finish on the contemporary series is better. I’m not totally sold on the centre block as it does sound less hollow. Haven’t had it long enough to conclude whether it is more structurally stable.
If the Hofner/beatle vibe is what you’re after, then you’re not any closer tonally with the contemporary series. Having said that, quality control is a whole other discussion as I’ve tried a few ignitions that were not very good at all. Some are fine, some less so. So I would definitely suggest being able to try before you buy. If you’re looking for best performance:price for a beatle style bass, give the Epiphone viola a try too! They feel more robust than the hofners, which would be something to consider if you’re gigging around or taking it in and out.
Pretty screwed up, actually! I have an autoimmune disease that affects my muscles, joints and shreds the skin off my fingertips. So as uncool as it is, without a glove, I can’t really play any of my instruments. I choose to play music. Thanks for leaving a comment!
@@-adrienblanc not nearly as successful or as talented a player as Scott! And different medical reason, but I will say that Scott was instrumental in making it 'ok' in my mind to play with a glove. Thanks for commenting!
8 месяцев назад
It is good that you can keep up with playing music, that the illness is not an end. I also used to use gloves, but because of hand sweating, something excessive. I got operated by a doctor and it went away, but for a long time I used gloves (I used to wet the floor with so much sweat dripping).
I’m not sure I understand what you mean, as the mix sounds fine on my end. Do you get the same issue on my other videos as well or just this one in particular? Thx for the feedback. Anybody else out there with this audio issue?
Are you using headphones or good speakers? Built in computer speakers won’t reproduce the lower frequencies, especially in the Hofner where there are less highs. I’m trying to troubleshoot …
I always liked the shape of the Club better than the Violin bass. Thanks for making this video.
Thanks for watching!
The format of your videos is just amazing, really great work! And nice playing too! Loved the added personality with the drum kit!
Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement!
I was on the fence about the club. Your video gave me the final push and I love the instrument. Tonally it performs just as you said and it’s very well constructed. Thank you.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you found a great instrument. Thanks for watching!
I really like your videos, I find them very exhaustive in illustrating the instrument.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you for this great video and generally a very well made YT channel!
I litterally live a twenty 20 minutes drive away from Höfner headquarters in GER. Maybe I‘m pulling the trigger on one of this CT models. I totally agree that they are more versatile due to the added tone block.
Noticed you had the Volume at 50%, and wondering if there is a siginficat tonal difference to 100% volume? I personally do notice a slight difference on Jazz Basses, when you roll volume back to 90%.
It sounds more a little more even and less harsh, probably due to a change of the resonance peak of the Pickups.
Same here?
Keep up the good work! Cheers!
Hi! And thank you for watching and for the encouragement!
This early video on the Hofner Club was one of my first few bass videos for this channel. I really wish I could undo so many things about it!! I was very new to the whole video thing...
I have since gone through several different setups and string sets and dead spots with this Club, so I've had the time to fix a few of the tonal things I initially didn't like about it.
Backing off the volume pot was an effort to get a less metallic, even and rounder tone out of it. The pot itself tamed some of the harsher frequencies I didn't like hearing from the new bass,....at that particular point in time. I purchased the Club brand new. It had all the tags and the styrofoam under the bridge,....so I think the bass mostly needed time to vibrate out and settle. Similar to how brand new violins and cellos, even the expensive ones, need time to vibrate out the bad frequencies. Now, it is much more even and the harsher upper mids initially heard are much better. Might continue to get better with more time. Maybe.
The other factor may have been the TI flats I put on. They have a more prominent midrange in general, and maybe with a new semi-hollow, they simply amplified what I didn't want to hear. Subsequent videos sounded better. But I've since gone through a set of Labellas and now have GHS flats on my Club. Several Club videos and sessions later, I think I have it sounding much nicer!
It's less noticeable on stage, but it was a studio trick that an engineer/guitarist taught me - roll the vol pot back between to ~50-75% and turn up the gain on the preamp. Depending on the context, could sound like a different bass and makes it sit differently in the mix. Sounds like you've discovered the trick already!
Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music Thank you very much for answering so detailed! Strings do make big a difference in Sound and feel of an Instrument. That often is a widely underrated aspect of the quest for the perfect instrument.
You grow on it! When you know the weaknesses and strengths of your bass, you will learn to deal with it. There‘s no perfect Instrument. And sometimes it is just turning back the volume pot or choosing a different Set of strings…
Again, appreciate your answer! Music makes us connect over continents - how good is that?!
Thankful for the international connections!!
Hey there. Love your videos everything so well explained. Thanks. I would like to buy a Hofner Club bass, but can’t decide ignition or contemporary. I’ve head that ignition humbuckers are fine but you have to change the pots to a German plate to get better sound. Has the contemporary German electronics? I would like to hear your advice. Is it the zero fret so important? Please , could you help me?
Thanks for watching and for the encouragement!
Before you buy any Hofner, are you after the esthetic, the vibe or the singular unique tone, or all of the above? Will you be gigging it?
I like my Club, but it has several limitations that bother me every time I open the case! In terms of tone, for me it really only does one thing, and has one (maybe 2) useable sounds so it is a unique instrument and not that versatile. But the one thing it does, it does well. The bridge pickup is useless to me. Rarely use it.
The tuners drive me nuts, both in terms of the fragile feel and in terms of the string hole being so small that I’m really limited in string choice. Currently stuck with Labellas, which I don’t love on it.
Between the Ignition and the contemporary series, the workmanship, fit and finish is quite a bit better in the Contemporary series. But, you trade that for a centre tone block, which does affect the tone/overall sound and feel. It actually sounds less hollow than the fully hollow ignition series. But it’ll be less prone to feedback. I do think the electronics sound better on the contemporary series, but due to construction differences, it’s hard to say how much is from what factor.
The Hofner electronics in general is a weird design, so it’ll be weird regardless of manufacture origin.
The ignition feels more fragile overall than the contemporary but both are fragile, so hard case recommended. Both are heavier than they look.
The zero fret is useful in having your open strings sound more like a fretted note. It’s part of the original design. I’m personally 50/50 on the concept.
The string spacing is tiny (~14mm). Actually better if you’re using a pick. But if you have big fingers, might be limiting.
Long way of saying, if you want to get into Hofners, you’ll also have to accept their multiple limitations!
Hope that’s helpful…
@@jonathanwong458music thanks for you son answer. I own a Cort ch4 bass. Long scale very versatile
Instrument. I’ve started playing bass 8 month ago due to my band needs (used to play guitar). We play for fun not really a gig. I love Horner Club look and sound, I really want to try a short scale and I think you can practice more If you are comfortable with a lighter instrument that sounds a bit as its own (you can practice without an amp). Buy I realize I need to think better all the wise thing you said. Thanks for helping me out keep in touch at your RUclips channel.
Awesome. My Hofner does fill a sonic gap for me. Short scales are fun! Good luck!
@@jonathanwong458music I will let you know if I buy it. Thanks again
The HCT series is built in a Hofner factory in China by Hofner trained luthiers, and the Ignition is built in a China factory licensed by Hofner.
Yes. Having played both, the contemporary series is a big step up from the ignition series.
i love mine. HCT pro club. btw I saw a video of a fellow who put a realist lifeline upright pickup in the bridge of his hofner, when he plugged it in the sound was very credibly upright like @@jonathanwong458music
Nice, bass, nice ikMultimedia MTM monitors and nice looking studio!
Thanks man! Don’t you use the same MTMs?! Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music I do indeed! Still love them!
That’s awesome! Your channel was one of the reasons I got them years ago!
Hey Jon, awesome video!
Thanks Ted!
Cool video, man!!! Thank you.
Thanks for watching and supporting my new channel!
Hi Jonathan. I realize you are reviewing the Club bass Contemporary Series, and that is is semi-hollow. What about the Ignition Series? I have a 2007 Icon Series and I think it's hollow-body, not semi-hollow. Your input is appreciated here. Thanks, Jim.
Thanks for watching!!
One of my earliest RUclips videos was on the Icon B bass. Those Icons were a fully hollow construction, unlike the contemporary series, which have a centre block. To my ears, there is a distinct tonal difference with the presence of the centre block - it sounds less hollow and has fewer overtones and complexity. Depending on the application, that may or not be a good thing but I think the centre block makes it less prone to on stage feedback (at higher volumes).
As I understand it, the Icon was re-named the Ignition series at some point in its history. Those should be fully hollow too, but the QC became a little more variable compared to the Icon. Both are inferior to the contemporary series in terms of workmanship and hardware, but the tones are different as I think I’ve shown in the video you’ve commented on.
Here’s a link to the Icon video:
Hofner Icon Series B-Bass - The Iconic Beatle bass sound.....how do my other basses compare?
ruclips.net/video/NRqiWE75I2Y/видео.html
@@jonathanwong458music To answer your question about your other basses, all things considered, at least to my ear, I prefer the Hofner tone to all the others. And that's whether I play with my fingers (usually how I play) or use a pick. I've been considering adding a Club bass to my arsenal which includes the Icon Series violin bass. I have the made-for-it LaBella flats on it and they sound great even if they are a tad stiff. Not bad, though. I would think if both the violin bass and the Club bass are hollow-body, then any tonal differences would be minimal at best and unnoticeable at worst. Perhaps if GHS flats were put on the Club bass there would be a slightly noticeable difference.
I now have those Labellas on my club.
My Club has a few issues- I very much dislike the tuners as it really limits what strings I can put on it. I have a dead spot (that I’ve rectified) but it’s annoying nonetheless. But it does something my other basses don’t do. So it’s gets to stay! And I do love the Club shape.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks, Jonathan. Blessings, Jim
Peace! Best of luck in the hunt!
great video my friend 😃 Which brand of strings are you using?
On this club bass, I found a way to get thomastik Infeld flatwounds on it. I like the way they feel, easier in my fingers.
Thanks for watching!
Great video !
Why didn’t you choose the Cavern Club bass version with 2 neck pickups? Thanks
It was based on the shape. The sharp corners on all the Beatle-style basses stuck into my thigh, as I play mostly sitting down. The Club’s shape is more comfortable in the sitting position, for me. And Tina Weymouth played a Club!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
@@jonathanwong458music Thanks, my question was rather on a pick up point of view, there seems to exist a Cavern version of the Club bass (the model you own) with 2 neck pickups.
Hello from France
Oh I understand now. I’ve never seen that version in person. Had I, I probably would have purchased the 2 p/u by the neck version, as I rarely use the bridge p/u on my club! Bonjour from across the pond!
@@telephone.simplee I'm not sure if that version exists for the Contemporary models
Hi Jonathan. I picked up an Icon-B Hofner bass in 2007, when they first came out. It fulfilled a lifelong desire to own a Hofner violin bass. Are you sure the Icon bass is all hollow-body? I have been under the impression all along that it is semi-hollow. If you have any info to confirm, please do. Not a big deal, I love the bass no matter what. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for watching! According to the Hofner website, the Ignition violin bass is a hollow body design whereas the contemporary series (which is what my Club bass is) features a centre tone block. The Icons, as I understand it, were re-named Ignition. Tapping the Icon B-Bass I had in my studio, it sounded hollow. There are a few talkbass threads about this too, granted not officially from Hofner. One way you can find out is by taking off the control panel and peaking inside!
But the distinguishing feature between the Icon/Ignition and the Contemporary series is the centre block in the contemporary series.
I have a mid 80s german beatles bass 500/1 and i can see what you ask for about 5.44.
The first thing if i took out with these Hofner electrics is allways: oh, it´s broken. Or somebody made a cable change when built it ;-)
But first of all: it´s a passive electronik. So "solo" is not a boost. Solo is the regular, max. output you get from the PUs. "Rhythm" is a attenuation. And i can hear the volume drop also while the switch is on "rhythm" not while is it on "solo". So it seems to be that the vol is going to back to max if you flip the switch. Hope it´s understandable.
And i also think: the club bass contemporary does sound different than a regular 500/1 because this one is a hollowbody and the Club Contemporary is a Semihollow. Different building concepts. And of course the will sound different from priniciple. Nothing wrong with either, just different. And of course different strings in different age. Always not really comparable. So would be very interested to hear them really nearby with same strings.
Thanks for your videos.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, I agree - the semi-hollow does sound different than the fully hollow Beatle bass, which I hope comes across in the video! I decided on purchasing the Club as it is capable of different sounds, more versatile for me.
Have you ever considered testing a Guild Starfire I as a semi hollow short scale ? thanks !
Would love to! Just need to get my hands on one. Those guilds have a low beefy thump. Thanks for watching!
Wow, had no idea... love the German pickups. Very similar tone to my Kay Vintage Reissue.
Thanks for watching!
Should have borrowed from the guitar store the cavern model and test that one too or instead of the club . Also best setting on hofner is both pickup on , vol max, roll bridge totally off. That s to emulate vintage macca tone he has today . Should also demo with same song , lonely road , not lady Madonna
Thanks for watching and for your feedback! To answer your comments:
1) I purchased the Club. Wasn't able to borrow the cavern, unfortunately
2) The comparison at the end was with a borrowed Icon B-bass and footage was taken from a previous video. (as unfortunately, I wasn't able to re-borrow the B-bass in time). But.... both basses played Lady Madonna at the end!
Great video. Could I ask you why are you using gloves? Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Re glove. I have an autoimmune disease (a form of dermatomyositis) that has affected my muscles, skin and joints. As a result, I have lots of vasculitic spots and sores on my finger tips and I have chronic inflammation in my hand joints. The glove is there for pain control as it cushions the impact and friction from the strings.
If you wish to know more, I made a video on this topic! Here's as link:
ruclips.net/video/OQcV8KDUqlg/видео.html
I have the 62 Hofner Beatle bass but I also would very much like to have the
Club .
The controls not crazy about them
It takes alot to dial in the sound due to those slide switches and how they can turn volume off depending what spot their in .
But that is the controls
Volume and tone controls on regular basses alot easier to dial in the sound you want.
Yes! I’d like the option of V-V-T. Without the stock capacitors though, not sure if you’d lose some of the character….I seem to have reasonable tone/expression with the settings in the video. And the volumes are similar to my other instruments. Thx for watching!
I got the ignition club last year and had tons of issues with sustain on several frets. My tech thought it was due to the short scale . Have you noticed this on either models? Would love to get the HCT if this was corrected.
Mine seems to be ok. Wonder if it’s more from either poorly seated frets or a loose neck pocket. I quite enjoy my club! The contemporary series feels more upscale than the ignitions and icons I’ve had my hands on.
Thx for watching!
PS I have a few other videos featuring this Club on my channel if you want to hear more of it, up and down the neck.
I recently tested some Höfners in a music store: The Violin Ignition (which should sound pretty similar to your Club Ignition) and the Verythin Contemporary (a different animal, but still lots of similarities to Jonathan's Club). I found the Verythin to have considerably more bottom-end and it was a lot more even across the board, without sustain issues on certain notes. The Violin sounded pretty bad in comparison, but I think it was a lemon. Setup was pretty bad on it, it lacked body and volume in its tone, and it had sustain issues on several notes. It might be because of the fully hollow construction, and/or due to the quality of the wood. I think you should try a HCT, they seem to be a lot more consistent considering quality and tone. Another very nice option is the Epiphone Rumblekat. I recently bought one and I'm very happy with it. The HCT Club would have been the best alternative for me.
@@VeitLehmann thanks for the response and sharing of your experience!
Excellent!
Thank you!
@@jonathanwong458music I enjoyed your choice of demo track. Keep up the great work.
Appreciate the encouragement!
Would replacing the control panel with a German made one make a big difference with tone and volume?
Good question. I’m not sure. I’ve found a tonal sweet spot and rarely use the solo/bass on/treble on settings, so I’ll probably leave it alone for now. Thx for watching!
Hi , is ths a short scale bass? Thank you.
Yes! The scale length is 30”. Thanks for watching!
Good review, but the sound of your voice is much louder than the sound of the bass. So if I turn up the volume, in order to properly hear the bass, it will totally blast my ears, when you go back to talking.
Thanks for the feedback! Appreciated it. I think I have fixed the issue with more recent videos. The Club video was one of the early ones. Thanks for watching!
It almost seems that the cheaper one is better than this... Am I wrong?
Which cheaper one? The ignition/icon? It’s a different sound, but I’ve kept this Club, and it’s been a good experience so far! Thanks for watching!
@@jonathanwong458music ignition is much cheaper than contemporary, here in Europe... 300 bucks of difference
Here too in Canada, ignitions are considerably cheaper. But fit and finish on the contemporary series is better. I’m not totally sold on the centre block as it does sound less hollow. Haven’t had it long enough to conclude whether it is more structurally stable.
@@jonathanwong458music thank you, can we say that maybe 300 bucks of difference is most for not essenstial aspects?
If the Hofner/beatle vibe is what you’re after, then you’re not any closer tonally with the contemporary series. Having said that, quality control is a whole other discussion as I’ve tried a few ignitions that were not very good at all. Some are fine, some less so. So I would definitely suggest being able to try before you buy. If you’re looking for best performance:price for a beatle style bass, give the Epiphone viola a try too! They feel more robust than the hofners, which would be something to consider if you’re gigging around or taking it in and out.
BUT BEATLE PAUL DIDNT PLAY THE CLUB BASS!!!!
Very true. But nobody sounds like Paul! Thanks for watching!
Taking Head Tina did to great effect ❤
Playing with a glove ? How screwed up is that ?
Pretty screwed up, actually! I have an autoimmune disease that affects my muscles, joints and shreds the skin off my fingertips. So as uncool as it is, without a glove, I can’t really play any of my instruments. I choose to play music. Thanks for leaving a comment!
@@jonathanwong458music Just like scott Devine !
@@-adrienblanc not nearly as successful or as talented a player as Scott! And different medical reason, but I will say that Scott was instrumental in making it 'ok' in my mind to play with a glove. Thanks for commenting!
It is good that you can keep up with playing music, that the illness is not an end.
I also used to use gloves, but because of hand sweating, something excessive. I got operated by a doctor and it went away, but for a long time I used gloves (I used to wet the floor with so much sweat dripping).
Balance your Voice and Guitar Volume. I can barely hear the Guitar on 100% hear on my New Dell i5. Great Videos by the way.
I’m not sure I understand what you mean, as the mix sounds fine on my end. Do you get the same issue on my other videos as well or just this one in particular? Thx for the feedback.
Anybody else out there with this audio issue?
Are you using headphones or good speakers? Built in computer speakers won’t reproduce the lower frequencies, especially in the Hofner where there are less highs. I’m trying to troubleshoot …