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Average Price: $1,076

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the Hofner 182 Professional Bass, a classic instrument that has been a staple for bass players since its introduction. Renowned for its distinctive sound and impeccable craftsmanship, this bass guitar is a favorite among musicians who crave a blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. The Hofner 182 is equipped with two humbucking pickups, providing a warm and dynamic range of tones, perfect for any musical style from jazz to rock.

The bass features a bolt-on neck construction, ensuring stability and ease of maintenance. Its short scale length offers a comfortable playing experience, especially for those transitioning from guitar to bass. The Hofner 182's lightweight body makes it ideal for long gigs and studio sessions, allowing for extended play without fatigue. Its simple yet effective control layout includes separate volume knobs for each pickup and a master tone control, giving you complete command over your sound.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your musical journey, the Hofner 182 Professional Bass offers the perfect balance of style, sound, and playability. Its retro design and robust build make it not just a tool, but a companion on your musical adventures.

Key Features:

  • Two humbucking pickups for a rich, versatile sound
  • Bolt-on neck construction for easy maintenance
  • Short scale length for comfortable playability
  • Lightweight body design
  • Separate volume controls for each pickup and a master tone control

Product specs

Brand Hofner
Model 182 Professional Bass
Year 1962 - 1980
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 Black, Brown, Red, White
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 type of music genres is the Hofner 182 Professional Bass suitable for?

The Hofner 182 Professional Bass, with its warm, vintage tones from passive pickups and short scale, is well-suited for genres like rock, blues, and jazz, where a smooth, rich bass sound is desirable.

Is the Hofner 182 Professional Bass comfortable for players with smaller hands?

Yes, the Hofner 182 Professional Bass features a short scale design, making it more comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact playing experience.

What is the neck profile of the Hofner 182 Professional Bass like?

The Hofner 182 Professional Bass offers a slim neck profile, which provides ease of playability and fast action, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bassists.

How does the Hofner 182 Professional Bass sound with passive pickups?

The passive pickups on the Hofner 182 Professional Bass deliver a classic, warm tone with a smooth low end, perfect for vintage and traditional bass sounds.

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

The Hofner 182 Professional Bass features a maple body and neck, with a rosewood fretboard, offering durability and a resonant, warm sound characteristic of classic bass guitars.

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 bluegrass on the hofner 182  bass by Bassen met Boris

bluegrass on the hofner 182 bass

Bassen met Boris

Bassen met Boris

Video thumbnail for Testing my 1964 Höfner 182 short scale bass by Lindsey Rose

Testing my 1964 Höfner 182 short scale bass

Lindsey Rose

Lindsey Rose

Video thumbnail for Hofner 182 bass 1960s demo by Guitar Harbor Guitars

Hofner 182 bass 1960s demo

Guitar Harbor Guitars

Guitar Harbor Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Höfner 182 Professional Bass.

Build quality

  • The tone and volume controls are reportedly "nasty," suggesting potential wear or damage that may affect performance.

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  • The 182's pickups, specifically the "Staple Pick Ups," are highly valued for their historical authenticity, mirroring those used in the iconic 500/1 models of the 1960s.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The upper pickup is non-functional, indicating a need for wiring repairs or replacement to restore full sound capability.

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  • Old tuning pegs and strings likely require replacement to improve tuning stability and playability.

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  • The floating bridge allows for easier intonation adjustments by sliding it to correct pitch discrepancies, such as an octave off by nearly a half-note.

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  • Owners recommend professional attention for electronics due to the historical value and rare nature of the staple pickups.

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Value and pricing

  • A working Hofner 182 from this era typically sells for around $1000, making a $250 purchase a potentially valuable investment, even factoring in repair costs.

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  • While prices in Europe might be higher, the rarity and vintage appeal of the 182 can justify its cost, with potential appreciation in value due to current trends.

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User experience

  • One user reported their vintage Hofner Beatle bass maintains tuning better than their Fenders, hinting at possible long-term tuning stability once repaired.

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Features and functionality

  • The 182 features original "staple" pickups, similar to Paul McCartney’s Hofner, which are more desirable than the "blade" pickups for vintage enthusiasts.

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Use cases and applications

  • Known for its deep sound with a distinctive plucking tone, the Hofner 182 was used extensively by the Belgian band Balthazar for their signature sound.

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  • Despite its rarity, the 182 is favored as a "player's bass," suitable for regular gig use, unlike more collectible models.

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Comparisons

  • Owners note the 182 plays more lightly compared to a Squier Jazz Bass, offering a unique feel and sound profile.

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  • The 182 can closely mimic the sound of a late 1967 500/1, making it a versatile option for both studio and live performances.

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