Hofner Ignition Violin Bass Review

BGR checks out the Hofner Ignition Violin Bass. How will this modern Chinese adaptation compare to its iconic predecessor? Check out the video to hear what we thought.
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[@cathyharrison5924]

All the new Ignition models come with flat wound strings. The packing foam under the bridge should be removed too. Nicely done review.

[@SR11266]

Indeed, such a weird mistake to leave that on

[@Kosthoms]

Isn't the foam there to get a vintage sound? (I don't own a Hofner, just supposing)

[@Arcade1959]

My 2024 Ignition come with round wounds

[@rex-rant4322]

I'm glad you said that. I'd put round ones on for better sound.

[@johnstephen7610]

@@Kosthoms No, it's just packing material, to keep the bridge from moving around and scratching the bass during shipment.

[@RCatRecords]

What a superb review... brilliantly researched and the pick up adjustment and flatwound string recommendations round the review off perfectly.

[@minimalist...6203]

This review was really good, and your channel seem to be extremely underrated, thanks!

[@ryanmadden8778]

Thanks for your respectable review. I appreciated all the details with the specs and your playing. Your insights were as classy as the Hofner Ignition Violin Bass.

[@b1j]

My Beatle Bass, from early 2012, was one of the early ones made in Indonesia. When I shopped for mine it was still called the Icon in the US, but as the Indonesia factory came up to production Höfner transitioned to the name Ignition, so I think 2013 basses carried the Ignition name still in use today (2022). The truss rod cover of mine says B-Bass HI-Series; a year earlier, I believe, they had said Icon. In mid-2012 there was an acute supply disruption as the production shifted to Indonesia. You couldn't find one anywhere. Some people began to gouge pricing. But I managed to get one that had been in stock at Norman's Rare Guitars before the disruption. I just lowered the bridge screws this evening for the first time (!), and the action is better, but a collateral benefit is that the tension is lower on the strings. Unexpected, but very understandable now that I think of it.

[@theargus2340]

I love my ignition. The volume and tone knobs had been replaced with the classic tea cup knobs by the previous owner, which in my opinion, looks so much better. I keep my switch on rhythm at all times, because all I want is that fat tone.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

The Ignition 500/1 SE model has original style knobs.

[@barrysmith8193]

I have one also (left handed as I am left handed). it is fully serial numbered and says “made in Germany” on the back of the headstock. It came with flat wound strings and I love the feel and the sound. Many thumbs up on your review and channel.

[@damianlove8026]

Just like Paul McCartney

[@fredpearson5204]

I have both the Ignition (a few years old, made in Indonesia) and 500/1 Mersey basses. I removed the pickguard from the Ignition, put teacup knobs on it, and replaced the strings with LaBella flatwounds (and yes, raised the front pickup). Both basses are nice and light, but to be honest, to me the Ignition feels better and sounds better as well.

[@nandemo2074]

Hello I want to buy höfner ignition SE because of it's appearence and i like music like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6G0oY2op7mAeK8 Will i be able to get similar sound with höfner bass?

[@doglix7061]

The body looks like a combo guitar & violin, and the name says Violin Bass but is not a Violin??? This is a Guitar and not a Violin???

[@ritchiesims1369]

@@doglix7061 it's only a name

[@wherzmaslipperz3111]

What about the ugly screw holes after removing the pickguard?...not a pretty sight

[@fredpearson5204]

@@wherzmaslipperz3111, filled them and then painted. You’d never know they were there.

[@erickt1974]

Strings vibrate more strongly when further away from the bridge. That's why neck pickups tend to be further away from the strings. This is also why bridge pickups tend to be a little stronger

[@arthurfrayn7619]

Not only is this a fine review (thorough but not overly long) but I wanted to see what the black one looks like when worn. Thanks!

[@lglg64]

Same!

[@EddieG1888]

1. The ragged plastic on the pickguard is most likely the thin plastic protecting it. Peel it off. 2. A zero fret only makes a difference to the tone of the open strings.

[@o00nemesis00o]

Afraid not, the pickguard genuinely is that shoddy. A weird corner to cut but there you are.

[@jazzman1954]

A zero fret also can help intonation and help with a low action actually.

[@JohannesLabusch]

2. Well duh, so you think that makes it less of a problem? You never play open strings?

[@EddieG1888]

@@JohannesLabusch Who filled your head with that nonsense?!😂

[@JohannesLabusch]

@@EddieG1888 Dude, you made two carefully numbered points, BOTH of which were total nonsense. You don't wanna sit this one out? I'm still laughing about the "sharp plastic protector".

[@mogmanprince]

Just found your channel and now subbed. Such a great quality and informative review and really dig your playing dude. 👍

[@joe_fizz]

This is the best review I have ever seen of anything so I've just bought the sunburst version

[@mattferguson9851]

Well, that's as good a review as I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@nicholasdonvito1703]

I just bought this off Amazon for exactly $499.00 American dollars with I believe the EU price is $355Pounds. It has a few rough edges but I really enjoy it and am amazed at all the sounds I can get out of it. Nick Donvito. Camillus, New York

[@matiasmancilla02]

Such a good review, thanks!

[@JuanJaim]

Last week I received a second hand Hofner Ignition bass I found online. It was a bit out of shape as the previous owner claimed he had it collecting dust throughout the entire pandemic, but after using some elbow grease I managed to bring it back to life. It even came with the stock roundwound strings, which I agree aren't the best (too rough for my taste, I have a P-Bass with Ernie Ball Slinky rounds and those almost seem flatwound compared to the ones on this Hofner). Saving up some bucks to get some La Bella flatwounds, which sadly are pricey and a bit hard to find here in Mexico, but looking forward to adding that upgrade. Only criticism I have for this bass are the stock electronics (mainly the pots) but those can be swapped easily. Overall, it's a beautiful instrument and just a lot of fun to play with!

[@JuanJaim]

UPDATE: I finally put a set of LaBella flatwound strings on the bass, now it's a whole different instrument and I'm digging it even more!

[@ritchiesims1369]

Why would you replace the pots?

[@JuanJaim]

@@ritchiesims1369 the taper, mainly. You can go from 10 to 0 at the slightest turn with the ones that came in my Hofner.

[@ritchiesims1369]

@@JuanJaim that's pretty interesting, my newish Chinese plots are entirely satisfactory

[@JuanJaim]

@@ritchiesims1369 nothing against Chinese pots, most of my guitars and basses have them! The best ones came in an Indio tele copy, very responsive. I guess I just got a not so lucky batch in the Hofner :( but it's an easy upgrade! Thinking the tea pot knobs would look cool as well.

[@musemintsvloghaulreactions1460]

I'm not a fan of the sunburst look, but I love the tone and design for the Hofner violin basses. I usually prefer smaller short scale basses. I saw one in a music store that I think it was an Epiphone(?) and wondered what the difference was.

[@MrArtist1971]

GREAT review! Thanks.

[@angelis93]

Great review.... now, i got one ignition Black.... it's a amazing bass

[@makifrank1809]

Very good explanation!

[@makifrank1809]

Sir, you could be a fantastic preacher! Seriously!

[@robmartinez7517]

I have Ignition basses and they are great!

[@wherzmaslipperz3111]

That's encouraging, as I've been thinking about getting one of these for a while. Do you play professionally?

[@realytimeful]

That was a great review full of useful insight. I’m looking to try one soon.. hoping for a unique edition to my little bedroom studio. I don’t want to cheap out but I also can’t afford the original….

[@bassclef1962]

I recently picked up the Ignition Club bass. Basically the same hardware and electronics, just in a different body style. While this bass is a one trick pony, it does that trick extremely well! Beautiful warm woody tone. BUT...........note, the stock strings that come on these Chinese bass are absolutely horrible!! The E string on mine was almost completely dead, a common issue from what I read. So, if you get one of these basses.......first thing to do is throw out the stock strings and replace them with LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats. The set made specifically for Hofner basses. It was like night and day when I put on the LaBella strings. The bass sounded a 100 times better and no more dead E string. Also be sure to remove the foam under the bridge, the bass will not sound like it should with it installed since the bridge is not making direct contact with the body. Also in regards to the rough edges on the pickguard, that is just the plastic cover on it. Once you peel it off it is fine.

[@sampound9236]

can you send a link to the ones that will fit on the violin bass?

[@RockerProf]

La Bella Hofner "Beatle" Bass 760FHB2 Deep Talkin' Bass 39-96. These are the lights. There is a set of heavier ones, not recommended from what I have read. Paul used Hofner H1133 B nickel flats 45-95. Careful, because not any old short scale flatwounds will do. The problem would be that while they may cover the scale of the bass, they will not get all the way to the bridge. Hoffner flatwounds are specifically designed for the geometry of the Hoffner, with extra added length to fit its geometry. BTW, there is a very nice video on KZbin comparing the original strings to the La Bellas. After watching that video, it was a no-brainer. I got mine at Strings and Beyond, free shipping.

[@doglix7061]

This is a guitar and not a Violin, correct ?

[@bassclef1962]

@@doglix7061 Bass guitar.

[@doglix7061]

@@bassclef1962 THANK YOU, BUT WHY DO THEY CALL IT A VIOLIN BASS.

[@davidhatred8938]

i have those trews! primark? i got three pairs because they were reduced a crazy amount. i've also just ordered the bass, cant wait for it to arrive!

[@Arcade1959]

I see a lot of bassists changing the switch panel on the Ignition. They recommend Höfner Switchpanel HA2B-PC. Will this really change anything ?

[@jellyboy123]

fun fact paul had one of the fiest ever left handed hofners plus he liked the bass because it was so light in weight as he was gigging in Germany for 10 hours a day

[@TheNoisylover]

It's a nice wallhanger for Beatle collectors.

[@baritony8763]

Great, deep dive plus flatwound strings, pickup raising suggestion. Informative video. t's lightweight, comparatively speaking,isn't it?

[@digitalbrand2930]

Just bought one, black, has a hard case. Flatwounds, can play acoustically.

[@hoyeshoynohayduda9718]

Where did you purchase?

[@digitalbrand2930]

@@hoyeshoynohayduda9718 I like Musician’s Friend

[@lavallee1963]

Good review and good work.

[@heartsix749]

Good review. I support you from Japan.

[@nickwass9700]

The company was not founded by Walter Höfner but by his father Karl in 1887. And the control panel has, like almost everyone, confused you. The Treble switch controls the neck pup while the bass switch controls the bridge pup. So, for example, when you push the treble switch to Treble On, you turn off the neck pup. But it is indeed true, if you put both those switches to ON you turn off both pickups. Yes, confusing isn't it.

[@se7ente3n]

i always just remember it’s the opposite of what it should be. now the rhythm and solo switch still confuses me, but i just got the bass last night so i’ll figure it out by just playing it

[@highlanderdetroit5370]

Great Production!!!

[@ogretattoo]

Do you have a recommended flatwound brand that comes in the short scale this bass needs?

[@ianberg493]

La Bellas 40-95

[@mikesalt8248]

When I was a Kid in UK in the 60's this bass was the cheapest electric guitar in the Hofner catalogue 43 quid as I rememember Mc Cartneys dad would not let him go on HP for an instrument, so the rest is history 🙂

[@doglix7061]

Why do they call this a Violin Bass when it look like a Guitar?

[@emilloffler1216]

Will this model give more feedback at high volume levels? Compared to the Hofner Contempary model?

[@lglg64]

As someone who ones one and played it live, not at all! Since it has no f holes, it should work just fine for you

[@ericajohnson7535]

It's fantastic, except.... the jack is a poc, the pickguard was attached with "extra" screw holes because they misfiered multiple times. Now, just change the strings to flat-wound La Bellas, change the jack and enjoy. I don't see the need to spend 3 grand on a German bass of pretty much identical quality.

[@jazzman1954]

Neck dive?? So important.

[@robd1329]

Well explained video on the Hoffner bass. I have a question...my Hoffner bass has No serial number at all on the back. I bought it 2nd hand and dont know why. The only thing that gave away that it might be old was the white tuner pegs...2 broke when i tried to tune it. They broke as if the plastic was old. Any info if all Hoffner basses have serial numbers on them or not.

[@DoctorIntrepid]

Hofner didn't start using serial numbers until the mid 70s.

[@robd1329]

@@DoctorIntrepid wow...i could than have and old..i knew it! The tuning knobs on the top crumbled on me and had to buy replacement and the rectangle plastic around the volume knobs has a slight curl as if time has warped it. More than one person has asked me about the missing serial number on the back and said...i dont know. Thanks!

[@patrii9100]

Share a video on your KZbin channel and I can help you out!

[@russellmorash3816]

The way to date the older ones from the sixty open the control cover there are two pots one for each p/u and the three switches there are only two flat head screws that have to be removed flip the control panel over on the back of the pots there are numbers the top ones should say 250 that's the pots that hofner used then there may be anywhere from two to three numbers on my real1967 it says 117 doesn't make much sense but the first two 11 is the eleventh month the 7 is 1967 so my bass was made sometime around the eleventh month of 1967 a guy named EJ his u tube channel is called back beat and he is very impressive he repairs the hofners has a collections from 61 down the line into the nintys he also plays in a cover band definitely check him out if you love hofners

[@leokimvideo]

Very German ideals, turn off to actually turn on

[@allanroff202]

Good job on the review

[@mikepbj3865]

How does it slap

[@ianberg493]

It is not easy, and the effect is not very good

[@soycrisruales]

Can u let me know what is the exactly weight of the bass please?

[@robd1329]

Its like 2 lbs..its veryyy light.

[@alexestrada1788]

I think they average 5 lbs. Mine is about 5 lbs.

[@jorhay1]

Nice touch having a cannibal give the review.

[@eltedioso]

Gah I want this instrument, very much.

[@missaliceoliphant]

I’m literally shaking someone please buy her brown contacts

[@bozotheclown935]

I had the McCartney one from the 60's [Gift when I was a kid just learning]. It was awful. Saved up for a Jazz Bass in the early 70's and never looked back. The Hofner bass I had was a completely toneless instrument. Hopefully, Hofner made improvements in successive models because boy, they needed it.

[@patrii9100]

It probably needed a good set up, because all of them sound great even unplugged. I do recognize they don't have much sustain. Cheers!

[@bozotheclown935]

@@patrii9100 Thanks for your reply. I think my dissatisfaction was mainly when I became a Jazz Bassist and the thing was unusable in that role. When I changed to a Jazz Bass I could not believe the difference. I will say, the Hofner was better when I had the loan of a Fender Bassman amp, but it never had the kick of the Jazz Bass [At the bottom end].

[@patrii9100]

@@bozotheclown935 Oh man, I love a good jazz bass. I use mine with flatwound strings and I'm thinking on putting some black nylon strings on it.

[@JohannesLabusch]

Maybe you got a dud, but I find that unlikely, since these were made by self respecting German craftsmen, trained in a booming environment where classical instruments were made. If you compare the Höfner to a Fender, no wonder you don't see any resemblance. Expecting what a Jazz Bass offers from a Höfner is like asking a Les Paul to sound like a harpsichord.

[@ericajohnson7535]

Zero fret was always the cost-cutting option, as you would always find these on cheap Japanese guitars from the 60s. Zero fret is easier to install because you don't need to cut/file the nut, as there is no nut, just string guides. It has absolutely no effect on the tone of the instrument except 4 open strings are more resonant. Zero frets are a useless thing of the past that creates more problems than it solves.

[@JohannesLabusch]

"It has absolutely no effect on the tone of the instrument except 4 open strings are more resonant." A clearer way of making your statement would have been to say "It doesn't change the sound at all, except it changes the sound totally."

[@kaybhee6]

no vox ac,,, huh

[@johnpraite5568]

I’ll stick with my German made Hofner

[@kaybhee6]

no slap huh

[@OlavSchneider]

This would be such a beautiful instrument if it were not for that ugly square controlboard. They should make it in the shape of a violin S.

[@selby16]

JUST BOUGHT ONE OF THESE ON A PRIVATE SALE DID NOT CHECK IT TILL I GOT HOIME ,FOOL ME. ITS BUZZING ON ALL 4 STRINGS UP TO THE 5TH FRET , IF I TAKE UP THE BRIDGE ,THE STRINGS ARE FAR TOO HIGH. IN ALL A PILE OF CRAP

[@ritchiesims1369]

Take it to a tech who can set it up properly

[@doglix7061]

IS THIS A GUITAR OR VIOLIN ??? WHY IS IT CALLED BASS VIOLIN IF IT IS A GUITAR ?

[@ritchiesims1369]

Maybe the shape might give you a clue?

[@russellmorash3816]

.

[@allanbenazzi7156]

I have this bass it is crap

[@ritchiesims1369]

Give me $25 and I'll dispose of it for you.

[@ritchiesims1369]

I'll do it for $10

[@allanbenazzi7156]

It is stil crap sry 😀dont buy it

[@laurencethornblade8357]

Nice craftsmanship, terrible bass, no one uses them. If it wasn't for McCartney no one would even no this bass existed. Bad tone bad electronics strings are too close together. They should make a solid body model.

[@skillracoonful]

McCartney stated on why he hated his is because it wouldn't stay in tune!

[@Kosthoms]

Tame Impala? Air?

[@SAETIA11]

I’ve played these basses. They sound like absolute garbage.

[@ritchiesims1369]

You may have been not playing it well