francis
C.O.G. 
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My main instrument is: Whatever I'm building...
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Post by francis on Apr 13, 2017 9:39:21 GMT
Been thinking for a while about BUYING!!! a bass guitar and fancy one of them lik PMcC might have played yonks ago...  Looking at the Epiphone Viola and Hofner Ignition basses. Read reviews listened to demos but not sure - anyone of the wise people here  have any opinions on either/both... Anyone here want to sell one?  Cheers Francis |
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Apr 15, 2017 16:22:16 GMT
Thought this might get a bit more attention in the electric section, Francis  |
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Post by grayn on Apr 16, 2017 5:48:21 GMT
Here's my review of the Epi Viola: acousticsoundboard.co.uk/thread/7270/nbsd-little-large-ancient-modernThe Violin/Viola style bass has it's ups and downs. They are light, and easy to play, having a short scale (30 inch) and slim neck. Obviously they look cool and retro. Some models can have a little neck dive but a wide strap usually sorts that out. The Hofner models range from a couple of hundred to a couple of grand, in price. Depending on where they are made and the spec. They also tend to have a 60s, thick, thunky tone. The Epiphone has a bit more range in it's tone but is also limited by the design of a floating, wooden bridge. If you want to play contemporary music or rock etc, I wouldn't recommend this style of bass. If you want to play 60s stuff or folk, then it's a good choice, IMO. Hope that helps. |
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Post by vikingblues on Apr 16, 2017 9:11:19 GMT
A link to a thread I did elsewhere about 6 years ago when I got a Hofner Ignition Bass. Hofner Ignition Bass - 12bar threadI no longer have it, but that's due to even a shorter bass scale becoming too much for my fretting hand finger joints. I'll second what Graham said above. Yes - there was a neck dive without an appropriate type of strap, and no - it doesn't suit contemporary styles. But a really good sound for what it does suit. Mark |
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Post by keithambridge on Apr 17, 2017 12:46:43 GMT
I had this 1964 model that I renovated a couple of years ago. I'm no bass player but I loved it and wish I still had it! There are people on the "Hofner Hounds" forum that love the Ignition bass (that's the cheaper one). The Contemporary or CT series are better and then there are the re issue! I would stick to Hofner and just decide what you want to spend! [img src=" ![]() i855.photobucket.com/albums/ab116/keithambridge/Hofner%20Restoration/IMG_8270_zpscc849d56.jpg" src="http:// " alt=" "] |
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francis
C.O.G.
Posts: 2,475
My main instrument is: Whatever I'm building...
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Post by francis on Apr 18, 2017 6:58:38 GMT
Thanks Guys  - great feedback I really need to go out and try both the Hof and Epi and take it from there Cheers |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Apr 21, 2017 15:30:13 GMT
Thanks Guys - great feedback I really need to go out and try both the Hof and Epi and take it from there Cheers You've got to build your own! Cheers Gary |
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Post by keithambridge on Apr 22, 2017 8:42:56 GMT
Thanks Guys - great feedback I really need to go out and try both the Hof and Epi and take it from there Cheers You've got to build your own! Cheers Gary You could get a kit! |
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have any opinions on either/both...
- great feedback I really need to go out and try both the Hof and Epi and take it from there
Jo whoever he is.
