Love your channel I with there was a episode every week...keep em coming they are presented in a very enjoyable relaxing and educational manner...I love everything Hofner..a wonderful tradition in every German made instrument...thanks for keeping them alive.....
Thanks for a great video, very interesting. I had a bass same as this in UK that got in England in 1963 new, unfortunately I was just a teen and sold it a couple of years later. I wish I hadn't. Maybe I will buy another.I am 73 years old now and still play for enjoyment at home.I still have a photo of this bass, if you ever want to see it let me know.
Wow, just bought a new Hofner Ignition thanks to your upgrade video. Thank you for all the information and side by side comparison to your German model. I ordered the electronics and Ebony bridge. I’m really looking forward to having an instrument that you gave such good comments on. Since you’re so pleased with it, I’m sure I’ll be thrilled. I previously owned a Peavey, but sold it for the Hofner. I’m a new bass player with small hands. This seems to fit much better. Thanks again for this particular video.
Love your videos and I love the hofner 501 … had a German one back in 1980 that a friends dad gave me …. Traded for a fender and regret it ever since … have a HCT 501 and love it but wonder if you can tell me the difference … not in. Sound but in playability between a HTC and a hofner 501 from today ? Keep doing what you do … I’m hooked
Thanks! The hct and the german made hofner are almost identical specs etc. the biggest difference is the block in the hct which has more sustain and less likely to feed back.
Thoroughly enjoy your talents, have watched most of your videos, even asked a couple of questions. Thanks for your answers! I have just one more question, The 1966 Hofner 500/1 I'm working on has the neck removed, the Dovetail area has been cleaned. The neck is straight, with it inserted into the Dovetail and checking the fit prior to glue, the top of the fretboard is a little above the neck pickup, the measurement at the 22nd fret is 24/32. After watching another one of your fantastic videos, on a different model hofner you mentioned 26/32 to 28/32. Would this be the same for my 1966? My 66 does seem to have a little more rise in the body, and does not to be a cause from humidity. In another video you also mentioned shims. Sorry for being a bug, and Thanks Again!
Hi, as long as your neck is straight the best thing to do is lay a metal straight edge on the neck frets and check to see that the fit puts the straight edge right close to the bridge heigth. This is assuming your bridge isnt worn down or has been sanded down. Hopefully you have a new bridge that is factory height. Hopefully ebony. The pickups can be raised and lowered afterwords on a 66 very easily. Every hofner is different. I always take that measurement at that fret you mentioned before removing the neck reset so I know what it shouldnt be when refitting. No sense regluing the neck where it was since I’m assuming it was needing a reset. Hope this helps. Use the right glue too. Thx! EJ
can you tell me please what is the difference between contemporary strings and original strings as one is £21 and originals are £50,could it be why the neck lets go due to, to much tension on the strings because they are not low tension plus the contemporary bass is much heavier and thicker body.thank you so interesting ever thought about living in England
Terry Kirby hi, by contemporary I am assuming u mean hofner short scale contemporary strings. Hofners should never have full scale heavey gauge strings due to the string tension PLUS...the tuners have small holes and standard bass strings wont fit. Usually a hofner that has had the tuners changed to larger standard tuners is a sign of over tension pullng and warping or looseneck joints. U are correct regarding this. The best bass string for these basses regarding sound vs cost is the labella short scale flat wound string. I read that mccartney uses these too. The hofner flat wound strings sound great too but cost much more. It is the core string material that makes them lower tension.
Thanks EJ, another top video full of excellent description and detail! You have given me the confidence to buy a Hofner Contemporary lefty in black today. I wasn't aware of the benefit of changing only one string at a time on the Hofner having come from Fenderland. I haven't seen that capo before. Is it the Shubb "fine tune" bluegrass? PS Thanks for your replies to my queries on other videos. These videos are building into a library of 'goto' information!
Hello, to start with my compliments for the super clear videos and the accompanying explanation! I have a Hofner 4560 "President thinline 60s" with a loose neck, do you know if it can be steamed in the same way, or does it have dowels for example? greetings from Holland Nicolas
EJ, thanks for your response. I detached the neck from the body and indeed no dowels were used. I'm now putting it all back together. later glue with Titebond 501/2 Original Hide Glue. Greeting, Nicolas
Hello , very informative videos on Hofner. So on my 500/1 63 reissue has a set neck. I see a warp on the nut end of the neck. Any suggestions on how to address this. intonation has never been real good on it , I have had it since 2007 and don't remember that I ever had any set up done on it . thoughts>? If i did need a set up i dont want to go to a Guitar Center, this is too specialized for them. I am in Pennsylvania near Philly. Any suggestions of where to take it? Thanks !
If you mean the neck is leaning forward down by the first few frets and nut…then you need the neck adjusted. The neck needs to be tightened at the truss rod. Just a little. Maybe a quarter of a turn. Wait a day and check it again. Its not the usual to have a warp in that part of the neck. The neck should never be straight. Always a slight bow forward. Hopefully I understood your isssue. I dont really know anyone down that way. So sorry. (Best to do the work yourself is what I found]
That's amazing! Hope I have a Germany bass series too Anyway, just wondering that the neck of ignition series can be modified to have some space (for the hofner strap) like germany series? Cheers, Massa
Hi, it really cant because the neck is flat to the body and connects there. Plus the neck would be to high if there was space there. Thats one modification that cant happen. Hope this helps. EJ
This is an informative video, as are all of yours. After 18:30 and at 28:50 a crack in the neck heel is visible. (I’ve seen this on basses for sale, as well.) What causes this? It appeared to me, while viewing the Höfner factory assembly video, that the neck and heel were a solid piece of wood. Not so? Also, why do you use Titebond white glue instead of hide glue, which is intended for disassembly?
Michael Eisenman hi, there is a joint there where they joined two pieces together. All hofners with a lacquer finish eventually show this seam. Nothing to worry about. Hyde glue is a good option but does evenually let go with age and heat. Original titebond when steamed will let go but no so under regular heat situations. The water proof titebond should not be used. Thx.
Hi there. I am interested in restoring my Hofner 500/1 v63 reissue. It has a few scatches and i am wanting the bridge pickup moved to touching the bridge is there any advice you could give me. I have been watching your videos and it has given me a n interest for a hobby
Hi, yes i’ve done the same on one of my 63’s. Once the bass is intonated and the bridge is where it needs to be, remove the four set screws holding the pickup in and pull the pickup up and out (leave it wired) and you will see two screws holding the plastic pickup mount to the body. Remove the screws and slide the mount back anywhere from a 1/4” to a 1/2” and redrill the holes and put the two mount screws back in and put the pickup back in and mildly tighten the four set screws. NOTE: make sure when pushing the pickup mount back that you dont expose the old mount holes. They should be under the pickup and not seen. ALSO: do not tighten the pickup mount screws to the body very tight or the plastic mount will crack. Finally: be sure to predrill the mount holes in the body so the wood and lacquor does not split or crack. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice i have found it useful and i will try that when i can get the time on my days off work. Thanks again and i will carry on watching your videos as well for more advice and useful tips. You do a great job on your Hofner basses.
Gary Hess Hi! Yes in bands since the late sixties but not as much these days. Mostly I enjoy finger pick style acoustic guitar these days. On the channel I made a conscious decision to focus on repairs and not my playing. Altho, some of the background music is mine. Thx!
Love your channel I with there was a episode every week...keep em coming they are presented in a very enjoyable relaxing and educational manner...I love everything Hofner..a wonderful tradition in every German made instrument...thanks for keeping them alive.....
Thanks for a great video, very interesting. I had a bass same as this in UK that got in England in 1963 new, unfortunately I was just a teen and sold it a couple of years later. I wish I hadn't. Maybe I will buy another.I am 73 years old now and still play for enjoyment at home.I still have a photo of this bass, if you ever want to see it let me know.
Good job 👍
Thanks!
You do masterful work.
Greatest channel of all. God Bless You. Horner should pay you for your great work. Love you man.
Wow, just bought a new Hofner Ignition thanks to your upgrade video. Thank you for all the information and side by side comparison to your German model. I ordered the electronics and Ebony bridge. I’m really looking forward to having an instrument that you gave such good comments on. Since you’re so pleased with it, I’m sure I’ll be thrilled. I previously owned a Peavey, but sold it for the Hofner. I’m a new bass player with small hands. This seems to fit much better. Thanks again for this particular video.
Love your attention to detail... great channel
Awesome video 👍 love your channel! I have Hofner ignition bass that I love! My first Hofner. Hope to have a German made one someday. Cheers 😊
Fascinating.
Fascinating!
Great video, thank you for sharing.
Love your videos and I love the hofner 501 … had a German one back in 1980 that a friends dad gave me …. Traded for a fender and regret it ever since … have a HCT 501 and love it but wonder if you can tell me the difference … not in. Sound but in playability between a HTC and a hofner 501 from today ? Keep doing what you do … I’m hooked
Thanks! The hct and the german made hofner are almost identical specs etc. the biggest difference is the block in the hct which has more sustain and less likely to feed back.
Thoroughly enjoy your talents, have watched most of your videos, even asked a couple of questions. Thanks for your answers! I have just one more question, The 1966 Hofner 500/1 I'm working on has the neck removed, the Dovetail area has been cleaned. The neck is straight, with it inserted into the Dovetail and checking the fit prior to glue, the top of the fretboard is a little above the neck pickup, the measurement at the 22nd fret is 24/32. After watching another one of your fantastic videos, on a different model hofner you mentioned 26/32 to 28/32. Would this be the same for my 1966? My 66 does seem to have a little more rise in the body, and does not to be a cause from humidity. In another video you also mentioned shims. Sorry for being a bug, and Thanks Again!
Hi, as long as your neck is straight the best thing to do is lay a metal straight edge on the neck frets and check to see that the fit puts the straight edge right close to the bridge heigth. This is assuming your bridge isnt worn down or has been sanded down. Hopefully you have a new bridge that is factory height. Hopefully ebony. The pickups can be raised and lowered afterwords on a 66 very easily. Every hofner is different. I always take that measurement at that fret you mentioned before removing the neck reset so I know what it shouldnt be when refitting. No sense regluing the neck where it was since I’m assuming it was needing a reset. Hope this helps. Use the right glue too. Thx! EJ
Amazing job!!❤️
Xlnt video EJ.
Lou
can you tell me please what is the difference between contemporary strings and original strings as one is £21 and originals are £50,could it be why the neck lets go due to, to much tension on the strings because they are not low tension plus the contemporary bass is much heavier and thicker body.thank you so interesting ever thought about living in England
Terry Kirby hi, by contemporary I am assuming u mean hofner short scale contemporary strings. Hofners should never have full scale heavey gauge strings due to the string tension PLUS...the tuners have small holes and standard bass strings wont fit. Usually a hofner that has had the tuners changed to larger standard tuners is a sign of over tension pullng and warping or looseneck joints. U are correct regarding this. The best bass string for these basses regarding sound vs cost is the labella short scale flat wound string. I read that mccartney uses these too. The hofner flat wound strings sound great too but cost much more. It is the core string material that makes them lower tension.
@@BackbeatVintage thank you for getting back to me
Thanks EJ, another top video full of excellent description and detail! You have given me the confidence to buy a Hofner Contemporary lefty in black today. I wasn't aware of the benefit of changing only one string at a time on the Hofner having come from Fenderland. I haven't seen that capo before. Is it the Shubb "fine tune" bluegrass? PS Thanks for your replies to my queries on other videos. These videos are building into a library of 'goto' information!
Thanks, yes I believe it is. Best of luck with the hofner. Put labella flats on it.
Hello, to start with my compliments for the super clear videos and the accompanying explanation! I have a Hofner 4560 "President thinline 60s" with a loose neck, do you know if it can be steamed in the same way, or does it have dowels for example? greetings from Holland
Nicolas
Hi Nicolas, I’m not familiar with that guitar but my guess is its the same basic principle. I never ran into dowels in any neck resets. Stay well.
EJ
EJ,
thanks for your response. I detached the neck from the body and indeed no dowels were used. I'm now putting it all back together. later glue with Titebond 501/2 Original Hide Glue.
Greeting, Nicolas
Hello , very informative videos on Hofner. So on my 500/1 63 reissue has a set neck. I see a warp on the nut end of the neck. Any suggestions on how to address this. intonation has never been real good on it , I have had it since 2007 and don't remember that I ever had any set up done on it . thoughts>? If i did need a set up i dont want to go to a Guitar Center, this is too specialized for them. I am in Pennsylvania near Philly. Any suggestions of where to take it?
Thanks !
If you mean the neck is leaning forward down by the first few frets and nut…then you need the neck adjusted. The neck needs to be tightened at the truss rod. Just a little. Maybe a quarter of a turn. Wait a day and check it again. Its not the usual to have a warp in that part of the neck. The neck should never be straight. Always a slight bow forward. Hopefully I understood your isssue. I dont really know anyone down that way. So sorry. (Best to do the work yourself is what I found]
That's amazing!
Hope I have a Germany bass series too
Anyway, just wondering that the neck of ignition series can be modified to have some space (for the hofner strap) like germany series?
Cheers,
Massa
Hi, it really cant because the neck is flat to the body and connects there. Plus the neck would be to high if there was space there. Thats one modification that cant happen. Hope this helps. EJ
This is an informative video, as are all of yours.
After 18:30 and at 28:50 a crack in the neck heel is visible. (I’ve seen this on basses for sale, as well.) What causes this? It appeared to me, while viewing the Höfner factory assembly video, that the neck and heel were a solid piece of wood. Not so?
Also, why do you use Titebond white glue instead of hide glue, which is intended for disassembly?
Michael Eisenman hi, there is a joint there where they joined two pieces together. All hofners with a lacquer finish eventually show this seam. Nothing to worry about. Hyde glue is a good option but does evenually let go with age and heat. Original titebond when steamed will let go but no so under regular heat situations. The water proof titebond should not be used. Thx.
Good information. Thanks.
Can you do a video to see if 62 reissue tuners will fit on a 63 bass?
Just curious why you don't put tape under the tailpiece to keep it from banging/scraping the body. TY
I usually do but I had some low tack tape pull off some of the clear on the body so i started putting the tape on the back side of the tailpiece
@@BackbeatVintage Ouch, that stinks. I just put a t shirt under it - takin' NO chances, lol. Thanks.
Hi there. I am interested in restoring my Hofner 500/1 v63 reissue. It has a few scatches and i am wanting the bridge pickup moved to touching the bridge is there any advice you could give me. I have been watching your videos and it has given me a n interest for a hobby
Hi, yes i’ve done the same on one of my 63’s. Once the bass is intonated and the bridge is where it needs to be, remove the four set screws holding the pickup in and pull the pickup up and out (leave it wired) and you will see two screws holding the plastic pickup mount to the body. Remove the screws and slide the mount back anywhere from a 1/4” to a 1/2” and redrill the holes and put the two mount screws back in and put the pickup back in and mildly tighten the four set screws. NOTE: make sure when pushing the pickup mount back that you dont expose the old mount holes. They should be under the pickup and not seen. ALSO: do not tighten the pickup mount screws to the body very tight or the plastic mount will crack. Finally: be sure to predrill the mount holes in the body so the wood and lacquor does not split or crack. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice i have found it useful and i will try that when i can get the time on my days off work. Thanks again and i will carry on watching your videos as well for more advice and useful tips. You do a great job on your Hofner basses.
Do you play the bass guitar?
Gary Hess Hi! Yes in bands since the late sixties but not as much these days. Mostly I enjoy finger pick style acoustic guitar these days. On the channel I made a conscious decision to focus on repairs and not my playing. Altho, some of the background music is mine.
Thx!
Backbeat Vintage Thank you, I just started to learn to play the bass about two years ago, I do enjoy your channel.👍