Hofner Guitars 500

The Hofner Guitars 500 Bass Violin guitar was made in Germany and as you probably known, was made famous by Sir Paul McCartney. Hofner Guitars originally made a low end models of guitars, but have since made some great instruments and this bass guitar is one of them. It has two pick ups as well as volume knobs for each of them. It also has switches to choose between rhythm and solo and also a switch for bass on and a switch for treble on.

UTILIZATION

I'm not sure what type of wood the neck of the Hofner 500 is made out of, but it has a great feel to it and is really easy to play. You can see why McCartney liked it, because it is easy to play all around the neck and to play actively moving bass lines on this. The body is shaped like a violin, which makes it distinguishable from any other guitar and makes it an extremely light guitar. The inherent sound is full and unique and is easy to get a nice sound from it.

SOUNDS

The Hofner Guitars 500 Bass Violin is great for all types of music, but especially for playing pop and rock songs and all Beatles songs and for songs of that type. When I record with this, I usually record direct, but overall it is probably best suited for use on the stage because of the light size and the awesome look to it. Plus, I can definitely think of some better sounding bass guitars for recording, like a Fender P-Bass or Jazz Bass. The sound is more than usable and the controls do provide for some deal of control over your tone as well.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Hofner Guitars 500 Bass Violin bass guitar for about three years and have found it to be both unique in look and in tone, which makes it a great bass guitar to have around. It will always have the connection to Paul McCartney and the Beatles, which is part of the allure of this bass and will be what drives people to this guitar. This being said, it is a great bass guitar at a reasonable price and is definitely worth a look whether you are a Beatles fan or not.

The Hofner 500 / 1 is a low-single! Lutherie perfect (body spray identical a violin), slight, surprising size compared to other basses in its class, its handle is perfect! One has the impression that it is around the size of hand (as they say: a small spoon): this allows a game fast, accurate and accessible to the highest notes.

UTILIZATION

I use it as often as I can: this is the ideal low especially for blues and rock.
Vigier possessing a "Passion", a "real" Fender Jazz Bass and a white 1968 Ibanez SR 900 Soundgear, I think my preference goes to the 500 / 1.

SOUNDS

I use it for classical, jazz, French chanson, musette ... it is really versatile.
Of course, not about slap her, no frequency settings, all notes are clear and precises.Pour all the reasons explained above, is an outstanding tool: the techs want the sound nature. To hell with the POD, effects pedals, amps of all kinds: it consumes such! The settings are simple and effective: solo bass, low fat good, treble (with or without) ... It's simple, McCartney was not wrong!
For sounds, refer to recordings of the Beatles: it is inimitable!
Caution: Always use the original string (Roundwound Hofner) is essential. Away from a spring ropes and other ropes frettless!

OVERALL OPINION

I think the price is reasonable given the quality of the instrument. It is evident, it is found at all prices, sometimes exaggerating.
We must choose and do not hesitate to seek. It is obvious that the side of Germany that we must look!
I am a bass player since 1963, and with the experience, we have very rarely been better!
To buy without hesitation!

All models are made in Germany:
http://www.hofner.com

Floating ebony bridge, adjustable in height.

Microphones to choose from:
2 "Staple" humbucking pickups (pickups '62) Humbuckers bunk.
or "Rolls-Roice"
2 "BarMagnet Buckers-" pickups (pickups '67) Humbuckers superimposed on high-output (NO !!!). hum

2 Volume knobs (one for mic)
3 switch 2 positions:
A selector on / off micro serious
A selector on / off micro acute
A selector on / off "boost" (rhythm / solo)

Channel:
Beech and maple (Mapple-Beech)
Rosewood Key
22 frets

Pitch (distance nut -> bridge: length of rope):
SHORT Scale Scale 30 "= 76cm

Body light as a feather:
Solid pine table, painted antique sunburst.
Maple back and sides.

Mechanical (your mother!)
The most basic mechanical on this planet. Model unchanged since 1956.
Finally, it works perfectly, and it does not move! (What you ask for!).

UTILIZATION

The lower most comfortable ever made.
It is light as a feather.
She falls like a charm on the elbow.
The neck is super easy to play, access to treble is exceptional (because of the shape of the body).
The sound is RE-MAR-QUA-BLE deep (amazing for such a small instrument), all the Jazz and Precision Bass creation can get dressed on that side.

SOUNDS

This bass is perfect for Rock, Rock'n'Roll, Blues, and Jazz (Ah yes Môôsieur! With a sound as deep, it's no wonder!).

on the other hand, for slapper is not the right choice. But it was not designed for this purpose.

The sound is yours to pick paste shivers down my spine.

However, prefer micro-BarMagnet Buckers, the difference in quality and sound definition is so obvious that one should not even hesitate.

This bass amp requires well-designed, ultra-simple (forget parametric EQ and all the holy mess that goes with the heads of the Trace-Elliot style, taking unnecessary and ineffective head !!!), and preferably light (c 'is so beautiful when the Humbuckers are beginning to "crunch" on the lights!).

OVERALL OPINION

SUPER LOW.
Unfortunately become a bit much expensive (this is the general tendency of the instruments of "brand").
I bought the first in 1967, I stole it, and I immediately bought another in 1972 with the super-BarMagnet Buckers. I was not disappointed with the "journey".