2008 Hofner HCT-500 "Beatle Bass" Electric Bass Guitar

While this isn't an original German-made Hofner, it sure sounds and handles like one. When the owner popped the case I thought that it might be one of the '80s Hofners because it just looks so authentic at a glance. It has the cantilevered fretboard, the right weight, the correct finish style, a neck that looks right, and that classic headstock shape. To make matters more confusing, the owner also replaced the knobs with vintage-style "teacup" ones and did the same with the strap buttons, too.

It's got a comfortable, fast-playing neck, a lightweight build, the boomy, rubber-band-style Hofner tone (especially at the neck -- the bridge pickup on this guy has a bit more clarity and bite than the originals which is welcome), and the looks to go along with all that. I'd say it's a winner.

So many of the modern "Hofners" that I see are the low-rent versions that depart from the mold in so many ways as to be totally unrelated to the original-spec models. This one gets pretty dang close and I'm impressed by it, to be honest. I mean -- the finish is poly but the burst (especially on the neck) is convincing.

Repairs included: mild setup and adjustments.

Body wood: ply maple

Bridge: rosewood, adjustable

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: maple

Pickups: 2x Hofner-style

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: 95w-39w LaBella flatwounds (I believe)

Neck shape: slim C

Board radius: ~12"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-bigger

Scale length: 30 1/2"

Nut width: 1 11/16"

Body width: 10 3/4"

Body depth: 2" + arching

Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz

Condition notes: it's stupid-clean and looks essentially unplayed. The owner removed the script from the truss rod cover and added replacement, vintaged, teacup knobs and strap buttons.

It comes with: an original hard case.