I must add that flatwound strings will bring this bass to life. Roundwounds don’t work at all with this. Also, fingerpicking is hard on this because of tight string spacing. This bass loves pick. I also changed the wooden bridge to original Hofner. Sounds even better. Awesome bass!
I know I’m late but I feel it really depends on the sound you’re going for. I personally use rounds instead of flats because it gives the bass more growl and the tone is still really fucking good imo. I do want to eventually upgrade to the contemporary however to see how much of a change the center block adds with rounds since I’ve only ever heard them with flats!
I’ve been watching Hofner videos for the past year. I’ve watched what feels like hundreds of channels, but wow, yours is the best (in my opinion of course). I hope RUclips finds you and advertises you. I’d like to see more.
Best. review. ever. Somebody hire this guy! As for the balancing thing, the one I tried in a store didn't have much neck dive, though I can definitely see why it would be a problem, them only weighing 4.5 lbs or so and most of that being in the neck. I hear the semi-hollow Contemporary Hofners (the HCT ones) having better balance, while only being a couple pounds heavier.
Thanks, kind of you to say! Ah, sounds like neck dive is mostly just an issue with the Ignition series. Funny how a couple of pounds can make all the difference, hey?
I’ve been thinking of getting one of these, so I’ve watched quite a few review videos lately. I thought yours was really helpful, well put together and entertaining. Thanks!
There’s more to the switches than you mentioned. With bass on it adds a capacitor to cut some treble for the neck pickup. With the treble on it has a capacitor in series to cut bass for the bridge pickup. I wish the solo/rhythm switch had a trim pot on the inside so you could set your preset volume cut.
Hello, concise and very good review. I like too much this Hofner Ignition, I have various Hofner and this is absolutely recomendable for his price/quality relation. Only two advises : First you must change these Strings for a flatwound set , the sound increases quality 100% , I recommend Labella 760FHB2. Second and this is optative, you must change your pots for a teacup pors more in a vintage style. Good review.
It's really an excellent bass. The physics of the short scale body, especially the pick ups on a Hofner will definitely create that 60s vintage almost rubber band tone. Only issue is, it's awkward to play with fingers, as opposed to a plectrum. Great video nonetheless!
I'm a guitar player who has an Ignition also due to Beatle love. It's a great bass for a guitar player because it plays more like a guitar than a bass. Slap some teacup knobs and LaBella flatwounds on that thing. You'll like them.
Jltrem Did you see the hofner ignition six string guitar? I am more of a guitar player than a bass player and that ignition satisfies that guitar playability with a early complementary Beatles sound.
@@FuzzballToday Haven't seen it yet. I recall in the 60's after the advent of The Beatles, Japanese companies were producing 6 string guitar versions of violin shaped instruments. It just never worked for me. I loved the look of the Vox Phantom and tear drop shaped guitars, until I got one. You can't play one sitting down comfortably. Makes you appreciate the ergonomic shape of the strat.
Hello I have an Ignition purchased this year I find the electronics of the switch panel very correct Do you absolutely have to replace it with the German Höfner Switchpanel HA2B-PC model to get better sound ?
i just got mine, except mine was the pearl white and has tea cup volume controls. it’s really nice, except the strings that came with it are a little eh, which apparently is a common problem. other than that, it’s gorgeous and light as a cloud. trying to figure out the right way to put the strap on it tho, now that was an issue
I have a question i cant seem to find the answer. Years ago i bought a Contemporary Hofner bass from someone. I took it to a guitar store once to have it looked at. I was asked why it doesnt have a serial number on it? Is there a reason for that? The only thing i can tell that its maybe old was that 2 tuning pegs crumbled on me when i tried to tune it. Other than that...i have nothing to go by about when they started to use serial numbers on their basses.
The comfort of the instrument must be its strongest point on stage. Because it's not as versatile as a most sold body basses.. I never heard serious Funk stuff with slapping being done with this bass.. Nevertheless it has its own character and has to be appreciated for what it offers which is mostly a very deep tone..
The earlier guitars coming from China were bad. They've learned a lot about making mass produced musical instruments. I'd have to play a few to find the best available.
to what you said in the description, paul mccartney played with a pick too, so don't feel like it's illegal to play bass with a pick even though davie504 says it is
Thanks very much, I appreciate your kind words! I watched Davie's "real personality reveal" video where he kind of explains how his digs at pick players and guitar players are something of a running gag, but I still appreciate your encouragement all the same.
The complexity of the switching system is not a problem if you're after McCartney sounds. Paul NEVER uses the bridge PU. Forget about switching, only use the neck PU, and, for the Love of God, put on flat wound strings! For mitigating the balance problems, get a nice wide strap, ideally leather that's a bit rough on the inside. Oh, and try to go easy on the dad humor, if you can.
@theweekendyogurt i heard the same thing 'til bought one , strung it with labella flats and it sounds like a very loud upright bass . very deep and warm sounding . the stock roundwound strings are crap .
![5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT PAUL McCARTNEY'S BEATLE BASSES + Hofner Tone Demo [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TqEg30rNmts/mqdefault.jpg)
![5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT PAUL McCARTNEY'S BEATLE BASSES + Hofner Tone Demo [4K]](/img/tr.png)
Lol your Paul McCartney and Chinese parent impressions are impeccable
Thank you kindly!
I usually don't comment under videos, but you have a good sense of directing and keeping the viewers attention. Good job James!
Thanks very much, kind of you to say!
I must add that flatwound strings will bring this bass to life. Roundwounds don’t work at all with this. Also, fingerpicking is hard on this because of tight string spacing. This bass loves pick. I also changed the wooden bridge to original Hofner. Sounds even better. Awesome bass!
This bass guitar really worth it?
I know I’m late but I feel it really depends on the sound you’re going for. I personally use rounds instead of flats because it gives the bass more growl and the tone is still really fucking good imo. I do want to eventually upgrade to the contemporary however to see how much of a change the center block adds with rounds since I’ve only ever heard them with flats!
Great impression of Paul talking!
The strap is higher than my grades lol
Robert Trujillos strap is higher than my grades
I’ve been watching Hofner videos for the past year. I’ve watched what feels like hundreds of channels, but wow, yours is the best (in my opinion of course). I hope RUclips finds you and advertises you. I’d like to see more.
Wow thanks, that's very kind of you say!
NIce review, thanks. Thorough and straightforward.
Nice video! It's really well put together and I feel more educated for having watched it.
Thanks very much for your words of encouragement! It was so unbelievably nerve wracking doing something like this for the first time. 😅
Great review, but your impressions of Sir Paul and the Chinese parent stole the show for me LOL I couldn’t stop laughing!
1:09 This part explains the control panel pretty well. It takes a while to get used to the control panel- in my opinion.
Best. review. ever. Somebody hire this guy!
As for the balancing thing, the one I tried in a store didn't have much neck dive, though I can definitely see why it would be a problem, them only weighing 4.5 lbs or so and most of that being in the neck.
I hear the semi-hollow Contemporary Hofners (the HCT ones) having better balance, while only being a couple pounds heavier.
Thanks, kind of you to say!
Ah, sounds like neck dive is mostly just an issue with the Ignition series. Funny how a couple of pounds can make all the difference, hey?
After I play Guitar since 30 years ,I World buy a Höfner Bass...I love it!And I love Songs from the beatles...and the Stones!😂
Beautiful bass, beautiful personality, subscribed!😂❤
Beautifuly explained. Thank you
I’ve been thinking of getting one of these, so I’ve watched quite a few review videos lately. I thought yours was really helpful, well put together and entertaining. Thanks!
There’s more to the switches than you mentioned. With bass on it adds a capacitor to cut some treble for the neck pickup. With the treble on it has a capacitor in series to cut bass for the bridge pickup. I wish the solo/rhythm switch had a trim pot on the inside so you could set your preset volume cut.
Serious enough but fun. I wish most reviewers were as entertaining!
Great demo
Hello, concise and very good review. I like too much this Hofner Ignition, I have various Hofner and this is absolutely recomendable for his price/quality relation. Only two advises : First you must change these Strings for a flatwound set , the sound increases quality 100% , I recommend Labella 760FHB2. Second and this is optative, you must change your pots for a teacup pors more in a vintage style. Good review.
Good tip, I will replace the strings and see how this will improve! I have the left-handed version for obvious reasons.
I love the boost switch. Use flats and add a sponge under the strings next to the bridge. It will dampen the sound but will add punch.
lol loved your paul impression
amazing review, straight to the point and covered everything you need! its also funny too!
It's really an excellent bass. The physics of the short scale body, especially the pick ups on a Hofner will definitely create that 60s vintage almost rubber band tone. Only issue is, it's awkward to play with fingers, as opposed to a plectrum. Great video nonetheless!
Always better with a pick.
I'm a guitar player who has an Ignition also due to Beatle love. It's a great bass for a guitar player because it plays more like a guitar than a bass. Slap some teacup knobs and LaBella flatwounds on that thing. You'll like them.
Jltrem Did you see the hofner ignition six string guitar? I am more of a guitar player than a bass player and that ignition satisfies that guitar playability with a early complementary Beatles sound.
@@FuzzballToday Haven't seen it yet. I recall in the 60's after the advent of The Beatles, Japanese companies were producing 6 string guitar versions of violin shaped instruments. It just never worked for me. I loved the look of the Vox Phantom and tear drop shaped guitars, until I got one. You can't play one sitting down comfortably. Makes you appreciate the ergonomic shape of the strat.
The first three frets are unplayable any idea how to fix? I have tried adjusting the bridge.
Hello
I have an Ignition purchased this year
I find the electronics of the switch panel very correct
Do you absolutely have to replace it with the German Höfner Switchpanel HA2B-PC model to get better sound ?
Guarantee you it's made in the same factory as the Rogue VB100.
Ho un 1968 Germany. Questo è molto lontano da quel livello.
i just got mine, except mine was the pearl white and has tea cup volume controls. it’s really nice, except the strings that came with it are a little eh, which apparently is a common problem. other than that, it’s gorgeous and light as a cloud. trying to figure out the right way to put the strap on it tho, now that was an issue
I have a question i cant seem to find the answer. Years ago i bought a Contemporary Hofner bass from someone. I took it to a guitar store once to have it looked at. I was asked why it doesnt have a serial number on it? Is there a reason for that?
The only thing i can tell that its maybe old was that 2 tuning pegs crumbled on me when i tried to tune it. Other than that...i have nothing to go by about when they started to use serial numbers on their basses.
The comfort of the instrument must be its strongest point on stage. Because it's not as versatile as a most sold body basses.. I never heard serious Funk stuff with slapping being done with this bass.. Nevertheless it has its own character and has to be appreciated for what it offers which is mostly a very deep tone..
The earlier guitars coming from China were bad. They've learned a lot about making mass produced musical instruments. I'd have to play a few to find the best available.
to what you said in the description, paul mccartney played with a pick too, so don't feel like it's illegal to play bass with a pick even though davie504 says it is
Thanks very much, I appreciate your kind words! I watched Davie's "real personality reveal" video where he kind of explains how his digs at pick players and guitar players are something of a running gag, but I still appreciate your encouragement all the same.
Beatles tone
0:42 is that Steven He?
Funny that mate👍
Far too intelligent for RUclips. -You actually mentioned the neck dive issue!
Nice one mate!
Chciałbym kupić tą gitara basowa/gdzie zamówić i ile kosztuje?
Ja mieszkam w Anglii ale w twoim przypadku to bym zobaczył na Gear4music. Ten model akurat kosztuje £270 tu w UK a w Polsce to myśle z 1400 złoty
The complexity of the switching system is not a problem if you're after McCartney sounds. Paul NEVER uses the bridge PU. Forget about switching, only use the neck PU, and, for the Love of God, put on flat wound strings! For mitigating the balance problems, get a nice wide strap, ideally leather that's a bit rough on the inside. Oh, and try to go easy on the dad humor, if you can.
I bought one of these, it was a piece of junk. I would not recommend it to anyone. When I contacted hofner about it they pretty much ignored me.
Can’t imagine why!
I heard that thing sucks
@theweekendyogurt i heard the same thing 'til bought one , strung it with labella flats and it sounds like a very loud upright bass . very deep and warm sounding . the stock roundwound strings are crap .
I was just being a dummy lol. Lots of people say they’re great ;)
OMG!!!! the Dr part... hilarious 😂
If only they made it in 34" scale.... ARSE!