Hofner Icon Series Left-Handed Vintage Violin Bass  

Well being a lefty musicians its rare to find a bass enough! But finding a great bass is harder too. Because of how expensive it can be. This was cheap plus hofner company is left-hand bias (= When I bought this hofner I was so excited! It's feel it's shape and everything are pretty good. It broke on me as soon as I got it, the part where you plug it in just snapped. (GET IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE PLAYING) I got mine immediately fixed, I also bought flatwound strings for it, the best kind for a hollowbody bass such as this. From then on the rest has been history and this bass has not disappointed me since.

First off this is my second icon. The first one was a gift from an ex in the transparent black finish. I wanted the Sunburst finish so I sold it. I have heard some negatives about the Icons finish. This one is perfect and blemish free and the neck action and intonation was right on the money. Great Bass!!!

For many years I've wanted a Hofner Violin Beatle Bass but could never justify the $2000 cost of the German produced version.  The Icon is made in China hence the lower price and quality but hey, it IS a Hofner.  I compared it to a friend's 'genuine' 60's Hofner and the dimensions are exactly the same and the weight was very close.  The black volume control knobs are disappointing as was the flamed maple finish. The Icon's finish is very bright and the contrast of the black edges too sharp.  I bought my son a Rogue Violin Bass last year and I much prefer the finish on it. The Rogue is gorgeous!  The waist of the Rogue is a little wider then the Hofner's and fits on my knee much more comfortably.  The edge on the Rogue is also more rounded and doesn?t cut into my gut as much when I sit.  The craftsmanship on the Rogue is excellent. After unpacking my Icon I immediately noticed there was a crazy noise coming from the hollow body whenever I turned it over. I considered shipping it back for an exchange but since it was already out of stock again - didn't.  My local guitar shop tech removed the control panel and out fell a couple inch square pieces of polyurethane finish.  This wasn't caused by the UPS man; this was caused by sloppy assembly. The solo/rhythm treble & bass switches are still a bit of a mystery to work but having said all of that - I love my Icon.  I?ve put La Bella Beatle Bass (short scale) flat wound strings on it and it sounds simply wonderful.  It is fun to play and weighs only about 5 pounds. If you are looking for a Beatle bass and are on a budget then the Rogue is the best value.  But, if you also just got to have that Hofner logo, then select the Icon. It won't make a McCartney out of you but it is a great feeling to be that much closer to being him.