Pricing and availability

Average Price: $951

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of classic electric basses with the Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid. This vintage-inspired instrument combines authentic design with modern efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bassists and those just beginning their musical journey. The 182 Solid showcases Hofner's iconic craftsmanship, ensuring a reliable and satisfying playing experience.

Its solid body construction delivers a robust and resonant sound, seamlessly blending with various music genres. The neck is comfortable and smooth, allowing for effortless playability, whether you're navigating fast-paced rock lines or laying down deep grooves in a jazz ensemble. Equipped with dual pickups, this bass provides a versatile tonal range, from punchy and bright to warm and mellow, offering flexibility in any musical context.

The Hofner 182 Solid is built with durability in mind, ensuring it will withstand the rigors of regular use. Its traditional design is complemented by contemporary components, providing a balance of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. Whether you're performing on stage, recording in the studio, or jamming at home, this bass is designed to meet the demands of today's musicians without compromising on style.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for enhanced resonance
  • Dual pickups for versatile tone options
  • Smooth neck for comfortable playability
  • Durable build suitable for various playing environments
  • Vintage-inspired design with modern components

Product specs

Brand Hofner
Model 182 Solid Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960 - 1961
Made In Germany
Categories 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Hofner 182 Solid Bass?

The Hofner 182 Solid Bass features a comfortable neck profile that is typical of vintage short-scale basses, offering ease of playability for both beginners and experienced players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Hofner 182 Solid Bass pickups?

The Hofner 182 Solid Bass is equipped with passive pickups that provide a warm, vintage tone, making it well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Hofner 182 Solid Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Hofner 182 Solid Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short scale, which makes it easier to play, especially for those with smaller hands.

What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner 182 Solid Bass?

The Hofner 182 Solid Bass features a maple body and neck, with a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm tone and vintage aesthetic.

How many frets does the Hofner 182 Solid Bass have?

The Hofner 182 Solid Bass has 21 frets, which is typical for short-scale basses, allowing for a wide range of notes and playability.

Bassen met Boris

Bassen met Boris

Hofner 182 bass pick groove!

Video thumbnail for Hofner 182 bass pick groove! by Bassen met Boris

Hofner 182 bass pick groove!

Bassen met Boris

Bassen met Boris

Video thumbnail for This Höfner 182 fretless bass needs a new caring owner!! by Middlee Fingerr

This Höfner 182 fretless bass needs a new caring owner!!

Middlee Fingerr

Middlee Fingerr

Video thumbnail for Doe Maar - Pa (basscover on the Hofner 182) by Bassen met Boris

Doe Maar - Pa (basscover on the Hofner 182)

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Bassen met Boris

Video thumbnail for Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (bas cover Hofner 182) by Bassen met Boris

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations (bas cover Hofner 182)

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Bassen met Boris

Video thumbnail for bluegrass on the hofner 182  bass by Bassen met Boris

bluegrass on the hofner 182 bass

Bassen met Boris

Bassen met Boris

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid.

Use cases and applications

  • Known for a deep, unique tone with a plucking sound; used by bands like Balthazar for a signature sound on their first album.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Concerns about the truss rod adjustment over decades are noted; ensuring the neck's condition is crucial for playability.

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  • Replacing the old strings and repairing broken knobs and wiring can significantly enhance the instrument's playability and resale value.

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  • Floating bridges require precise intonation setup; once dialed in, they maintain tuning well across the fretboard.

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  • Floating bridge allows for intonation adjustments by sliding the bridge or reorienting it, potentially simplifying the process compared to fixed bridges.

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Value and pricing

  • A strategic negotiation could lower the price to $150, enhancing the deal's value for potential buyers.

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  • A working 1965 Hofner 182 can fetch around $1000 on Reverb, making a $250 purchase a potential financial gain even with necessary repairs.

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  • A 1963 Hofner 182 in Europe, even with original staple pickups, may be overpriced at $540; $450 is deemed more reasonable.

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User experience

  • Owners have reported better tuning stability with these vintage models compared to some modern alternatives like Fenders.

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  • Plays lightly compared to a Squier Jazz Bass, offering a distinct playing feel and sound.

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  • Original pickups may need rewinding due to component failures, but rewinding to original specs restores quality.

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  • The narrow, deep D-shaped neck is highly praised for its playability and comfort.

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Build quality

  • Paint cracks are common in vintage models, indicating age but not necessarily affecting sound or playability.

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  • The 185’s tuners are small and finicky but reliable for holding tuning once adjusted.

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Features and functionality

  • Hofner 182 features original "staple" pickups, more desirable than "blade" pickups, sharing electronic lineage with the iconic 500/1 model.

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  • The 185 model showcases a thump sound akin to violin basses but with added sustain due to solid body design.

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  • The tone control is reversed: anti-clockwise increases treble while clockwise boosts bass.

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Comparisons

  • Blending dual pickups can mimic a Ric tone, with the bridge pickup positioned close to the bridge.

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Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mattiasstynen

Cool

This bass with old flatwound has such a specific and cool sound that reminds you of the beatles bass sound, but less boxy. I use it DI into a preamp and play it with a pick to achieve a nice and round percussive bass sound.

nder
nder

286

Unique bass with a couple shortcomings

Love how this thing feels to play, but the sound may turn some off. I like using mine a lot but the sound can be hard to tame, especially lacking a traditional tone knob. However, the instrument is beautiful, the output is loud, the neck pickup is thumpy, and the bridge pickup is satisfyingly twangy, almost as if you strung a telecaster with bass strings.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

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Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood has been observed utilizing the Hofner 182 Solid Bass during a performance at the BBC 6 Music Festival, as evidenced by a photo shared by the Radiohead community account on Instagram under the caption "@thesmiletheband - at the BBC 6 Music Festival - photos by @alexcropperdslr." This documentation confirms Greenwood's use of this specific electric bass in a live setting.

See how Wyatt Shears uses Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid

Wyatt Shears

Singer, Bassist

The Garden

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Verified via YouTube

Seen throughout the performance with Enjoy

See how Simon Casier uses Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid

Simon Casier

Bassist, Composer

Balthazar

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Verified via Photo

Simon uses Hofner 182 Bass (red vinyl version) probably since 2012. Last few years he plays this guitar during almost every live performance. On this photo Simon play Hofner 182 Bass at the Festival Fnac Live 2012.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hofner (Höfner) 182 Solid, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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