Hofner Ignition Club Bass BLACK...it's awesome!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

**UPDATE** 1. Yes, these basses have a FLOATING bridge - "A floating bridge has an arched wooden or metal base held in position on the instrument top only by the downward pressure of the strings" -- I didn't mention this in the video. 2. Yes, I haven't removed the white felt from under the floating bridge, as well as a few other pieces of protective plastic that were on the bass right out of the box. I kinda just hit record for this video and didn't think about all of this until after. 3. Thanks for all of the comments and tips

[@L.Scott_Music]

I put a little double sided tape under my floating bridges on my guitars. Helps it stay put. You might also try Semi-flat wound strings for something between flats and regular. Also call ground-wound. I'm about to put a set of D'Addario's on one of my bass'. You probably know all this. I want the this bass too. But I just got a G&L Tribute Fallout bass (short scale and it's great!)

[@changoperry9217]

Wait...so we can remove the felt from under the floating bridge? It doesn't affect anything?

[@philminas584]

I love this bass. It's plays smooth as glass. I have two. One for gigs and one in the studio. I have a bunch of electric basses +3 uprights, but this is my favorite electric bass so far. It's light, it's versatile, the tone cuts through and sits nicely in the mix. Also which is awesome. More like a Les Paul. I'll upgrade the tuners to a higher ratio at some point.

[@HofnerGuitars1887]

Thank you for this excellent and honest review.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Wow, thank you so much for the kind words and for re-sharing my video on the Hofner KZbin page! Sincerely appreciate it, and thank you for continuing to make great instruments. Cheers!

[@Mr3DBob]

The Club model has the advantage over the Beatle bass is that it is a more usable shape. This is what Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads used, to great effect.

[@philipgolden8121]

Honestly Jonny your enthusiasm for this Bass is awesome I’ve watched your video three times. I’ve got the ignition HBB I added flatwound strings to mine and it sounds amazing. Good point you made about McCartney owning the classic Hofner look I must admit this looks really cool Keep on rocking mate Phil🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Really appreciate the kind words Philip!

[@cliffords2315]

thats good energy

[@rl1049]

Such a great review - answers a lot of questions I had in a short space of time with some nice playing too!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad the video could help.

[@WiezAnims]

Been looking for the perfect bass for so long and I came across this bass. This was the perfect demo to get me to go ahead and pick one up. Fantastic video and great playing

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks for the kind words and really glad the video could help! I'm actually more of a drummer, so I appreciate the comments about my bass playing :) Enjoy the Hofner! Cheers

[@ibberman]

I can tell this is a winner from your enthusiasm, no doubt that is the one for me as well. Nice playing.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Well, everyone has there preferences, and I'm by no means a bass gear head, but it genuinely feels good for what I want to use it for. If you get it, hope you enjoy! Thanks for watching

[@INbassman78]

I was really thinking about getting the Violin bass but now that I’ve found this I love this even more than the violin. Great demo 👍🏻

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

The violin bass also looks great and is so iconic! But this one kind of still gives you that sound, with a bit more of a "standard" look. I also recently saw a club bass in white on eBay...looks beautiful! Thanks for the kind words

[@terrus4599]

Hi.. nice sound and your baseline really sound superb,pretty good bassplayer

[@mikebonora2238]

Johnny, thanks for posting this awesome vid, I have the Hofner violin bass ignition series in sunburst much like Paul's bass. It has great sound with Labella flatwounds that I put on it, am considering getting the club bass in black like yours. This will be bass number 11 that I have. Love the sound and the light weight on the shoulder when playing. I play in a 50's and 60's band that does many Beatles songs. I'm glad that Hofner made a bass affordable for the players like me that can't afford an original Hofner. Thanks again, low end lover!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hey Mike, thanks so much for the kind words and for watching the vid! Sounds like you've got quite the collection of bass guitars....I'm jealous! People keep telling me about the Labella flatwounds-- I need to try them out for sure. I agree with you, I'm happy that hofner has the affordable Ignition line of guitars. I also play in a 50s / 60s band called The Dreamboats (you can search us on KZbin if it interests you), we do a lot of Beatles, Everly Bros, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, and original songs too... but I play drums in that band. Must be fun playing your violin bass in your band! Cheers Mike and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@mikebonora2238]

@@JohnnyFiacconi Wow Johnny, listened to your band on You Tube, You guys are f@#$ing awesome. Been with my band for about a year and a half, we are still trying to get our music on our Facebook page. It's kinda hard with the video and audio that we have, but we keep going forward. By the way the name of our band is the Belltones, We are out of Morris, Ill. Great to hear from you, let's keep in touch. Long live rock and roll!!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

@@mikebonora2238 thanks for checking out my band, really glad you dig what we do! I shamelessly love 50s/60s music...the best era in my opinion. Yes, definitely keep in touch, and in terms of getting your band's videos on Facebook, etc. you'd be amazed at the quality of sound and video that a standard iPhone produces. If you get a decent mix in a rehearsal room with a PA system for vocals, I'm confident that the audio would sound good enough! Feel free to send me links to any music, I'd love to check it out. Cheers Mike!

[@keytronek]

I'm getting ready to buy this exact bass, so your video was extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for watching! Enjoy the bass!

[@charlesgrey8651]

Love the looks of the Club in Black 👌👍🎶🎸🤗

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

It’s a beauty 🙌 thanks!

[@gustavochiozza6465]

Love to see you so happy with your new bas. Congrats ❤

[@TempersFlare]

Hofner should be paying you for this advertising, just had ago on my mates, they play really nice, I'm gonna buy one.

[@gilpi552]

First video I see with the black Club. Got one of these black ones a couple of years ago. Don't use it as often as the other basses I own but whenever I do, I love it, from the sound to the feel of it and weight. I've read many having tuning issues and dead E strings with the flats included with them, change the strings, Hofner flats are the worst. I use LaBella but I'd love to try some decent rounds on this one just for the heck of it. The floating bridge is just fine as long as you have a little patience intonating and doing the string height, I don't find it a problem. Johnny, thank you for posting this video, look forward another one with the same bass.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! I agree, the floating bridge would be the only potential "issue" I could see beginners and intermediate people having with this bass, especially when changing the strings. But if you can lock it in to a good spot, I've had no real issues, and no dead strings. One could argue that my action is a little high as i pushed the floating bridge back slightly, but it's still so easy to play for me! Cheers!

[@johnvetere2367]

you did an excellent review! The sound was great and you broke it down very well and showing the different sounds and the different switches and your settings great job excellent

[@Briansmusic-]

I just bought one of these and love it. I think Paul should be the only one sporting the violin shaped model lol. I had to do some fret work on mine as only up to the 12th fret had smooth ends plus the nut slots were a bit off and it needed intonating but other than that its a decent bass for the price. I also took off the pick guard and it really pops with that gone. I still have to do work on the bridge as it does not contour the body as well as it should. I love the weight of it and I have to hold it for hours in the near future for 5 1 hour shows in 1 day soon so my neck and back should not be hurting by the end of it.

[@barrysmith8193]

I’ll be honest … I was concerned that it was not a left handed bass played by a left hander however I take that back. I learned a number of things such as playing like a guitar with no amp and the control panel action. I’ll keep watching for sure. Mine is a violin style not a club style and I love the sound of both. And to top it off I’m deaf so I play by vibration through my Bluetooth hearing aids. Thanks so much.

[@grimes558]

That's my dream guitar! I'm currently saving up, the black and white looks so cool and I think this design is way cooler than the violin look.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I feel the same way! I looks great

[@onefatstratcat]

Has that nice vintage tubby sound..I dig it!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Yeah! I love the sound...it's so great

[@gpiano88]

I bought the Epiphone Rumble Kat short-scale bass that is modeled after the Hofner Club bass, absent the pickguard. I love it! I had the Hofner violin bass way back but got tired of it. The RumbleKat has a great sustain as it has no F-holes as well. A rose by any other name eh?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

The Rumblekat looks pretty great too! What colour do you have it in? I'd love to try one out one day!

[@gpiano88]

@@JohnnyFiacconi Mine is burgundy with gold hardware and signed by the late Allen Woody of Allman Bros. fame and Government Mule. I love playing it. The sustain is awesome! It reminds me of my Hofner violin bass. I recommend this bass highly to anyone who prefers a short-scale guitar.

[@DoctorIntrepid]

I started with an Ignition. A violin version. Now I have 5 Hofners and 2 are German ones. I have rounds on 4 of them.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

That's great! I'd love to get a German made Hofner as soon as I can afford it. Congrats on the collection!

[@DevinLatulippe]

4:10 wow! I thought I was gonna get a Hofner solely for the McCartney sound but I absolutely love that sound too. Definitely will buy now!

[@changoperry9217]

I was so skeptical on this one. I have the ignition series Violin bass in black and now you just sold me on this one. Which I will get in black as well.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!

[@changoperry9217]

@@JohnnyFiacconi Yes it arrived and all I can say is wow! The finish I thought was black but it looks even better with the coloration it has. This has been bumped to my top 3 favorite basses. Thank you for your review

[@juanperegrina6236]

bro this was awesome, super informative thank you so much!! I think I'm gonna buy one!!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks man, appreciate the kind words 🙏 Hope you like it if you end up buying one! 🤘🤘

[@knutz7]

Thanks Johnny, was tossing up between violin or club, this video sold me on many points including how it sounds unplugged. Surely must be more resonance with the bigger body. Ordered mine today ! (Plus a set of flat wounds). I only wish that I could play it half as good as you. Cheers all.

[@tgsiii2179]

I have this exact bass. When I ordered it a little over a year ago, I wanted the "sunburst, violin" finish, but no one had one in stock. I think my choices were black, red, green and blue. I went with black. First thing I did was take off the pickguard and re-string with LaBella flatwound strings for Hofner (30") scale. I played with it a while, and decided I didn't like the unique tone switching set-up with two volume controls. I made a new control plate, installed two on/off toggles for the pickups, and changed to one master volume and one master tone controls. This way, I control my tone much like any conventional guitar or bass. I also have a foam "mute" between bridge and bridge pickup, for a real "thumpy" sound. I rarely use my Fender P-Bass anymore.....the Hofner Club is just so much more fun! Thanks for review. BTW.....a friend in high school (late '60's) had a German Hofner Club Bass, in violin finish. He wishes he still had that bass.....it was amazing.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hey there, thanks so much for leaving this comment! LaBella flatwounds seem to be what everyone is telling me to get for this bass so I think I'll have to do it. Really awesome that you made those modifications to the bass -- yeah, I can see how simplifying the two volume controls would be beneficial. Great mods! A late 60s Club Bass would be a dream come true! I would imagine a lot of kids in the 60s in England and Germany would have bought Hofner basses due to the popularity of the Beatles in those regions (especially in the early days) -- I wonder where all of those basses are now! Cheers and thanks for the message!

[@robd1329]

Its awesome! I was looking for a black one since i own a regular wooden color one...but my attention is the double cutaway violin shapee one. Its light and reallyyyy love it! I still dont know the difference of using flat wound strings as most suggest!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Wow, I just searched it! the double cutaway looks great! Thanks for the heads up. And the flat wound strings give a totally different tone, and they feel significantly different too. I actually DO like flatwounds a lot. Such a warmer tone. I recommend trying on a Hofner!

[@chupacabra4897]

Thanks for the awesome review that bass looks and sounds great . I'm getting one now 😁👍

[@garyj6006]

Some other reviews I've seen talk about fret buzz, and you can hear it. I hear less of it on your demo than theirs. That's what is keeping from getting this one.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hi Gary, I can imagine that the quality control on all of these entry-level ignition club basses may vary. I haven't noticed any major fret buzz, however, I'm mostly a drummer, so my attention to details like this may be highly different from someone who plays lots of basses and knows what should and shouldn't be. Sorry it didn't answer your question fully, but things seem to be sounding pretty decent to my ear!

[@davidmadole3198]

Gary, I'm the new own of a black Hofner Club as well, about 3 months in. It's a great bass, but I did experience fret buzz early on. There's lots of KZbin vids to address this, but the best one I found was: 3 REASONS WHY YOUR FRETS ARE BUZZING - Bass Guitar Maintenance Which boils down to: 1: Action too Low 2: Not fingering correctly, firm enough to create clean tone 3: Truss Rod needs adjustment I bought my Club on Reverb and it came in a UPS box, obviously without top-flight final adjustment. For proper tuning, you really do have play quite a bit with the floating saddle to get proper intonation ... and to avoid fret buzz. One fo the first tricks I found was how easy it was to adjust the action. My action is set really high now. The bass is still easy to play. And the fret buzz I experienced went right away. Again, these are great basses--a great value! But when they come in a UPS box, you are skipping that tail-end retail shop adjustment that makes them sweet instruments (and the expense of that). Again, you kind of have to constantly be mindful of the floating saddle, which moves around quite easily and impacts tuning/intonation/fret buzz. You can actually push it around with your finger even after the bass if strung up and tuned. Once I understood that I should check the tuning & intonation & saddle at the start of every session, all problems just evaporated and the bass plays constantly sweetly now. Best, D

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

@@davidmadole3198 Excellent reply, thanks for taking the time to write that David! So helpful

[@PhillipAlcock]

I picked up a used SE Ignition Club bass last year. Needed a bit of work but now (with flat wounds in my case) I also have difficulty putting it down, and yes, it sounds good unplugged I agree. I play in a band that plays a lot of swing style music and, played with my fingers, has a great sound that the band really likes, and that suits the music.

[@tracyblair3064]

Looks and sounds great. Bet it would sound even better with the protective film removed from under the bridge's base.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I know! I haven't touched the strings yet to get under the floating bridge to remove the felt, just been playing it out of the box. I also still have a few pieces of plastic left on it from the packaging too...woops, I'm a drummer haha -- Thanks for watching!

[@KeenQuest]

damn thx for the honest review man. this was helpful. my bass was broken so looking for bass to buy. there are so many great ones to choose from. this is def great bass

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Glad it could help! I truly love the bass. Just note that some people below have had some different experiences than mine...but in my humble opinion, this is an entry level bass, and your threshold of what you deem "quality" in a bass will affect how much you love it or not! If you want a bass that has a unique sound, a beautiful look, and is just a blast to play, then this one is up there. Cheers, and thanks for the comment!

[@KeenQuest]

@@JohnnyFiacconi cheers! Thank you for all the information and time You put up the video and share your opinion. You earned a subscriber here 😊

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

@@KeenQuest Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm subscribing to your channel now as well! Cheers

[@KeenQuest]

@@JohnnyFiacconi thank you! I appreciate your support:)

[@miltonchavez1262]

I love playing with a pick. Love that fat woody thump sound. I have the Hofer Viola Ignition Beatle Bass.

[@charlie2namon]

Thanks for the nice demo. I don't play with a pick....yet! Really sounds good, but would like to hear it fingerstyle for a more upright sound.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Playing with fingers sounds great on this too! I only had a few sections of the video with my fingers...If I do an update, I'll show a bit more examples with fingers. Thanks for watching!

[@tonytaylor5087]

Appreciate this video my man!

[@KimbleMcCann75]

Sold, nice jams amigo.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Appreciate it! Cheers!

[@Griefhand]

Yeah that's it im gonna buy it. I don't entirely know if it would be suitable for the music I listen to / want to play but I like the sound and it look so freaking good.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Yeah, it definitely has it's own character! But a nice addition to a collection, and like I said, great for playing unplugged when you're on the couch watching TV too haha

[@twistdmojo]

Just FYI, I bought one. I think it's crap. Seriously wish I'd gotten an Epiphone EB-0 or Gretch Jet II. It does look good and it is very light, but I hate the tone. It got a bit better when I raised the front pickup to be level with the fretboard, which I saw a luthier suggest here on KZbin.

[@possibly8180]

@Kyle Newman you should've gone for the junior jet, both the epi and the hofner cater to very specific genres and lend themselves to very specific sounds at face-level.

[@Tom_D_iscool]

Looks like Paul’s bass and John’s Rickenbacker had a baby

[@Rob-z7k]

That was funny

[@TheBassfresh]

tip; if you run the strap through the tailpiece and then hook it to the end strap post it will balance perfectly, and a foam mute between the bridge and Tailpiece will take care of wolf/dead tones if you notice any. In this vid I have it in front of the bridge to mute. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZiWnJasfq51l8U

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Johnny Fiacconi, that’s is a beautiful bass, great sound and nice playing.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Means a lot

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@JohnnyFiacconi , you're welcome. I'm looking forward to more demos of your bass.

[@KYLECULT]

Cheers, man. This is a great run through of the Hofner Ignition Club bass. It looks great and seems really easy to play. It's 30" scale, too, isn't it? With the hollow body, do you feel any neck dive?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hey there, really appreciate the kind words! Yeah, it's super slick to play. 30" indeed-- Really easy to navigate up and down the neck. I haven't experienced any issues with neck dive, and I just played a virtual gig on Saturday, jumping and moving around. Although it does feel different from your standard bass weight, I just really love how lightweight it is. Cheers dude!

[@KYLECULT]

Thank you for the reply, Johnny. I really like the lightness and playability that you demonstrated. I have read some reviews and bass player forums that suggest that the truss rod and bridge may need some tweaking out of the box. And that the hollow body can be susceptible to temperature change which might affect it's staying in tune. I hope that the music stores reopen soon so I can maybe get to play this beauty and compare it to a Stirling by Music Man Sub4 bass, also in the same price category. Decisions, decisions! Thanks again for demoing the Hofner. Keep rocking the virtual gigs!

[@svenrustempasic8332]

@@KYLECULT He did not respond to your questions at all, about the neck dive!

[@flutophilus]

Looks and sounds great! Thanks for the review. How well does it balance if you play it sat down?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

To be honest, I haven't noticed any major balance issues standing OR sitting. Keep in mind, I'm a pretty easy going person, and my tolerance for these things might be different than a seasoned veteran, or someone with a large collection to compare too...but yeah, I haven't felt any issues with balance.

[@eggsmann594]

Yes, it's awesome ! I wanted the black but all the colors are available now and the sunburst looks so killer purdy, I gotta make a decision soon before they're all gone.

[@mr.tuckers2848]

I got the violin version of this and in comparison with my Ibanez Mikro, the neck is longer for some reason. That's why my fingers are always misplaced since I'm used to playing my Mikro. I compared the length of the necks and since the body of the viola is taller and slender, it seems that this has misplace the usually fret locations that I'm used two about 2 frets higher or so. I'm having mixed feelings whether or not that was the best buy and I wanted to get that classic beattles sound, but I'm thinking of selling it now and getting a Fender Jazz or Mustang Bass instead. Then again, I might as well just keep it as I need to practice on my pick-playing and this is the perfect guitar to use a pick on.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks for sharing your input! The Mikro and Jazz/Mustang basses are all great, but they are in a different "family" in my opinion. You're right, the Hofner hollow body basses all sit differently than some of the standard basses and might need a bit of adapting by the player, but it's just like breaking in a new pair of hockey skates -- give em' a few tries, and they'll fit perfectly. If you do continue to stick with the Hofner Violin, good luck with the pick-playing. It's great for that in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@mr.tuckers2848]

Thanks for replying back! I’ll give it another shot. It’s quite unique in its own way I suppose.

[@geraldfriend256]

I think the ibanez is 28 1/2 scale too..

[@lkj234]

Great demo! I plan on picking one up while travelling (wayyy cheaper). Would you mind measuring it's length, from the strap button to the headstock? So I know if I can just bring a guitar gigbag with me, or will need to buy something there.

[@amusicnerd1771]

Well Seymour i made it, despite your directions ;) Cool vid bro!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks man!!

[@JohnnyRock]

1. get flatwounds 2. the cloth under the bridge is meant to be removed 3. get a luthier to set it up

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

1. Yes, will definitely get some soon! 2. Yeahhh I know, floating bridge, cloth removal...I forgot to remove it, as well as some of the plastic protective coverings. It was just sounding so great out of the box! I should have mentioned the floating bridge in the video though 3. Oh man, if a luthier set this up, I bet it would sound and feel unbelievable 4. Thanks for the advice man!

[@JohnnyRock]

@@JohnnyFiacconi No problem! I like the video. I have the exact same one for a month, and replaced the bridge with a german ebony, put upgraded tuners, installed a zero fret, and am custom wiring it with vintage bumblebee caps and cts pots, after I fret level and crown it. It is a GREAT bass and a great platform for upgrades. Cheers and enjoy! BTW I enjoyed your playing!

[@JohnnyRock]

also if you do get flats for it, get Pyramid, La Bella or Thomastik. ;)

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

@@JohnnyRock Those sound like great upgrades, I'm going to seriously keep those in mind. Yeah, it would make sense that this bass lends itself to some great upgrades. Will def try out one of those flat wound string suggestions you mentioned too. Thanks for all of the tips!

[@JohnnyRock]

@@JohnnyFiacconi No problem, if you have any questions let me know, there is limited info on the web for doing these mods and I had to learn along the way. Cheers!

[@itzel.9834]

Amazing video, I really want to play the electric bass but i have never bought an instument before, do you believe that this bass guitar is suited for beginners?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

It can definitely be a beginners’ bass guitar! But it also depends. This bass is not like a typical “long neck” electric bass guitar. It has a different sound and it plays differently from a standard Fender P Bass style guitar. It’s a great bass to play with a pick and it’s very light. Because it’s a short scale bass (less frets) it also makes it a little less “work” to play. Cheers!

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

I have the same bass but in Blue Burst. It needed a lot of set-up but plays well with tapewounds.

[@TomFynnVideos]

Thank you for the video 😊

[@nsnoesuarez]

I wish some one would compare the both viollin bass and the club bass.

[@deanaf]

I just bought another Yamaha. I think I should grab one of these.

[@kabardinka1]

I have the exact same bass and I love it.

[@lisanelson7847]

Thank you Johnny for your review. I own a Hofner Club Bass in black also but mine has the “tea cup” retro knobs. I love it and just as excited about it as you were. I’m a guitarist; started with an Takamine acoustic, Ibanez 12 string acoustic, Dean Palomino, Daisy Rock “Bangles” signature semi hollow, Squire Contemporary Stratocaster with Tremolo and learning the bass on my Hofner!

[@br.markanthony574]

Hey that's an awesome bass, I've a question maybe you might help with, I've a single cut Les Paul and case, I want to get this bass but was wondering would it fit into a Harley Benton single cut hard case? Would you know the inside measurments of your case it looks almost identical to mine? Appreciate the help.

[@NicholasANappiNick]

I have the same bass so much cooler than the violin shape needed new strings immediately 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@hevytrain12]

I have the green one...Love it!

[@Phillip-y6d]

hey ma cool Beatle riffin ❤ I went with the black one too....I just have too many sunburst guitars. Best fretted bass I've ever had It's worth so much more than the cheap price they offer. Totally into double bass now because of it. It's got all Bill Black Bob Moore goin on to it. check it out all the old Elvis stuff RCA Studio B Nashville baby 🤟😎

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I agree! It's a great bass guitar if you like this sound and style. Cheers and congrats on getting the black one

[@patbrennan6572]

What's the difference between flat wound and round round?

[@nickchambers3935]

Flats sound kind of deep, mellow and smooth, while rounds are bright and zingy with more of the higher frequencies. Basically, each string consists of a core with an outer wire wrapped around it, and that outer wire will either have a round cross section or be flat like a ribbon.

[@benbedwell343]

Flatwounds are duller, more mellow, less "punch" than rounds. More of an upright bass kind of sound, especially on a fretless bass

[@l.g.5899]

I had the violin model and sold It becuse the shape made my right arm hurt, Is this comfortable, expecially for the right arm?

[@eggsmann594]

Is it hollow with center beam ? or all the way hollow ? It's asking for an F hole rout or at least a sticker of one

[@dunctyler]

Hi - have you ever played this with a bit of drive - if so, does it work well?

[@alandoran5428]

Nice looking Bass…..

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Thanks!

[@MG-cu6ny]

Looks sick!

[@demolitionsmash74]

Dude how much did it cost u to set up this bass guitar ??

[@eggsmann594]

oh, by the pickup mounts, it must be semi-hollow...either would be fine with me.

[@gustavochiozza6465]

Being so light, it has a neck dive?

[@saboteur1001]

So what the "treble on" switch does? I still can't understand it. And how do you manage to play with a neck going down?

[@bertreb1]

On the Hofners "treble on" is an off/on switch for the Treble ( aka bridge/ pickup. "Bass" is the neck pickup is the neck pickup. There is no tone control. Treble&Bass( bridge &neck) on and off switches .and each pickup gets a volume knob.the rythm and solo switch is just a slight tone switch, adding a capacitor to take off a bit of the highs...

[@saboteur1001]

@@bertreb1 Thanks for explanations.

[@madeleineanderson6923]

I'm in Montreal and am thinking about buying one of these, where did you order from and how much did you pay for shipping to Canada? Thanks!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hi Madeleine, this was my first ever purchase from a seller on eBay. He was selling from the UK so everything was in British Pounds (GDP). Shipping was 94 gdp + 42 gdp import charges. Total of about $240 Canadian dollars in shipping. I over paid for this, but I really wanted this exact colour, so the shipping was worth it for me. Some music stores might be able to order one for you in Montreal if they deal with Hofner! Cosmo Music in Ontario sells them and maybe can ship you one if you order on their website. Also, if you are trying to get a black one, note that there are TWO black models. One is called "Trans Black" -- Trans black is transparent and you can see the wood of the guitar... the pictures don't display this too well, so just beware that Trans Black is a different finish than mine. Mine is the standard black one. I prefer the look of mine as opposed to seeing the wood. Let me know if any more questions!

[@madeleineanderson6923]

@@JohnnyFiacconi Thanks so much! I saw a transparent black listed on reverb I think but it didn't have the white pickguard so I thought that's what that meant, so your response was really helpful!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Glad it helped you out, I wish I had mentioned that in the video! All the best with your purchase 🤘🤘

[@everready19373]

Four hundred bucks doesn't seem to bad for this bass. How are the necks on these? I have a Mikro. I love the short scale but the neck it almost too thin for me. I'd like a bass with a chunkier neck.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

This definitely has a chunkier neck (in my opinion)!

[@paintface165]

What amp are you using?

[@Theumpsken]

Is the floating bridge annoying when changing strings?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I've only had to change my strings once, and I changed them one at a time (if that makes sense). So I would remove one old string, and replace it with a new one, then i'd remove another old string, and replace it with a new one, etc. That way everything just seemed to stay in place. Not sure if that's the right way to do it, but that's how I did it and I've had no issues at all

[@samuelmajer2191]

Hey guys. So I have a hofner ignition violin bass in the black see through finish, and I always have a hard time playing it with my band because it's so small but I love the tone and wish it was easier to play. Then I learned that this thing existed. My bass has some wear and I've had to replace some screws but other than that it works perfectly fine, does it seem likely I'd be able to trade my violin bass for a club bass on reverb or something? After this video and how comfortable he seems with his I'm totally contemplating attempting a trade.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Hey Samuel -- I'm not the most well versed in what used bass guitars might go for (or trade for) on reverb.com Hopefully someone can chime in here and help. I'd like to imagine they are in a similar price range, so perhaps you could do a trade, or at the very least sell yours and then only need to invest a little bit of cash in an Ignition Club. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@carlosmaldonado8611]

Que maravilla de bajo...😮

[@tonyjames2144]

where is it made ? thank u

[@AlanAHAPartridge]

This or the Hofner Violin?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Both are awesome-- the violin is timeless for sure! However, I like the club bass currently. Maybe one day I'll get a true Hofner violin bass

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I'm having a difficult time adjusting to the long scale chunky neck on my TMB-100 Ibanez bass, so getting one of those Hofner ignition club basses seems like a good move, this video has pushed me over the edge! Your band is kicking, fun to watch you guys play (and that Gibson bass sounds great through what appears to be a vintage Fender Bassman amp (?) and 4 x 10" cab (GK?). kzbin.info Subscribed and liked both of your channels!! EDIT: I noticed the bass you're playing in the "Come on, Let's Go" Richie Valens video appears to be a Gibson Les Paul Junior Tribute DC (long name!), and it sounded so good I had to check them out. The pickup placement yields a great tone, at least with you playing it. Now I want one of those too (~$1,000USD)!

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Is it a short scale bass?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Yes! It’s a 30” neck I believe

[@gerdsteins5991]

Thanx!

[@BassClubKing]

sure this is a great Bass Guitar

[@oldasrocks9121]

Rotosound 55 pressure wounds or Victor W's fav the DR Pure Blues nickel core nickel wounds. It depends if you want the sizzle of stainless roundwounds or mellow that's about 1/2 way+ to flats but keeps the roundwound fret clack and growl. Personally it's not a goal of mine to sound exactly like Paul... You'll hear all kinds of advice about the bridge I won't add to it except to say instead of double sided tape I get myself into habit of checking intonation pretty much every time I tune. Hope you still love this as much as you were loving it on the day you shot this!

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Is it solid or see thru finish?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

It’s a solid finish (as in, you CAN’T see the wood)

[@351Paramedic]

So after watching your video I bought one from Guitar center. Mine came with flats (not sure what kind). Either way my issue is that my E string sounds dead!? Does anyone have any ideas?

[@davidmadole3198]

I'm the new owner of a Hofner Club as well, and I also experienced "Flat E Sting" syndrome. What caused if for me was the placement of the floating bridge. These floating bridged moves around quite easily. Depending on how far back (away from the neck) the saddle is, and location of the E "Saddle Fret", which is usually positioned as far back away from the neck as possible, if your action is too low, the E string can actually just brush the front edge of the wooden floating bridge, whereas it should only be resting on the metal saddle fret. Adjusting the floating bridge, and/or positioning the E saddle fret on one of the grooves closer to the neck, took care of my "dead E string" issue. Best, D

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

So sorry to hear this! David's reply below seems very helpful. We don't have Guitar Centers here in Canada...but our national music store, Long & McQuade, always does a setup of any guitar that is purchased from the store to make sure it's in top shape. I would bring it back to them and ask for help. I'd like to imagine they'd be happy to inspect it for you. The floating bridge as stated by David could also be something that might fix the flat E string with a bit of minor adjustments forward or backward.

[@davidmadole3198]

@@JohnnyFiacconi Johnny, you posted a great video, IMO, great enthusiasm, and some nice playing, that has worked as a seed for KZbin posts about the Hofner Ignition Club, really helpful for newbie's like me, who gotta "learn from above." I didn't have a shop to set my bass up correctly, so I had to kind of learn for myself. These Hofner's are weird (in a way I love!). They're kind of archaic , with their circa 14th-century violin saddle, compared to say a Fender P pass with their screws this way and that to adjust each string individually for intonation and action. Getting that floating saddle right is a bit more of an art. The other thing I'm getting into is their deep, almost upright woody, booming sound, and how frigging light they are! Thx again for this KZbin post Sir.

[@gilpi552]

@@davidmadole3198 Guys, get rid of those strings! Get LaBella Beatle bass strings .039-.096. Some Hofners now are coming with Hofner flats, I made the mistake of spending money on two sets of the Hofner flats, all had dead E strings and hard to tune as well. Should have gotten the LaBella's from the get go.

[@randybriggs8572]

why are there no side fret markers!

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

I'm guessing it's an aesthetic preference, but not sure why! Still easy to see and feel where you are on the neck though, in my opinion! Thanks for watching

[@randybriggs8572]

@@JohnnyFiacconi no its not easy. No other guitar I know of is missing side markers. I owned a Club Bass back in the mid 60's and it was a huge issue when gigging in dark bars and clubs. Such a stupid oversite by Hofner. Finally they corrected this hideous ommision and blunder.

[@randybriggs8572]

and definetly put Flatwounds on it!

[@randybriggs8572]

and PLEASE take the tape off underneath the bridge!!!!!!!

[@gaetanobevilacqua2700]

@@JohnnyFiacconi the current model Hofner ignition SE Basses do have side markers.Also inclusion on the new 2021 releases of Black and Sunburst Club Hofners.

[@Khakable]

wwooow very classy nice looking and love sound

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

Cool

[@jfjd7396]

Gracias....

[@jlkenzo7551]

nice

[@yourrimpa1605]

Prince??

[@Apathesis0]

I had a German made Club 50 reissue that had disappointing build quality. Poorly cut nut and tuners that were tough to turn and inaccurate. Pickup height wheels that stopped working after stripping out the plastic threads on the pickups A disappointing $2400 purchase I regret trading in just because of how beautiful it was.

[@lowercentenary]

Its called hoofner!

[@dancassidy7471]

Saweet man thank you I have 3 basses my Fender is 11 lbs Hofner is so nice but tunes suck

[@joedecker3900]

Very thin sounding, but that’s the amp.

[@svenrustempasic8332]

You keep holding the neck - let the neck go, is it going to fall? Neck is heavier than the body, I think... or it seems the way you never let the neck go our of your left hand...

[@kiwiontoast9638]

What song is being played at 5:46 ?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

It’s a song by The Beatles called “The Word” ...great tune, and super fun bass line!

[@sharonlee4773]

Good review,thanks but I feel a bit seasick watching you constantly wavering towards the camera and back! Im off for a lie down..............

[@m4r14_cl4r4]

can you slap on tis bass?

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

You could *technically* slap this bass, BUT it's a short scale bass so the strings are less slap friendly. And a lot of people use flat wound strings on this bass which would also take away from the classic bright "slap" sound that you might be typically familiar with!

[@m4r14_cl4r4]

@@JohnnyFiacconi oh ok thanks

[@nesjo7777]

Why is he moving back and front all the time…..😮

[@twistdmojo]

I bought one. I think it's crap. Worst bass I've ever owned. It got a bit better tone when I raised the front pickup to the same height as the fretboard.

[@JohnnyFiacconi]

Ah bummer!! Thanks for sharing your experiences with it. I guess all entry level instruments can be hit or miss. And everyone's threshold for quality and playability differs from person to person. Good to hear both sides of people's thoughts though, so thanks for the comment. Cheers!