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Höfner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed

Höfner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed

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Page last updated Jan 08, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $540

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Höfner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step into a piece of musical history with the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed, a modern tribute to the iconic 1964 500/1 Beatles bass. Designed with left-handed players in mind, this bass retains the vintage charm and style that made it famous, while integrating contemporary features for today's musicians. The spruce centerblock is a standout feature, enhancing sustain and providing a deep, resonant bass sound that holds its own in any genre. The short 30" scale length and lightweight 6-pound body make it incredibly comfortable to play, even during the longest gigs or recording sessions.

The Hofner Staple Nickel pickups capture the classic tones that defined an era, delivering rich and reliable sound. With its symmetrical violin-shaped body, this bass not only looks elegant but is also ergonomically designed for effortless playability. Whether you’re performing on stage or jamming in the studio, the Hofner Violin Bass is a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance.

Key Features:

Left-handed design
Re-creation of the iconic 1964 500/1 Beatles bass
Spruce centerblock for enhanced sustain
Hofner Staple Nickel bridge and neck pickups
30" scale length
Lightweight 6-pound body
Violin-style symmetrical body design

Product specs

Brand	Hofner
Model	Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed, Contemporary Series Violin Bass with Jatoba Fretboard Left-Handed
Year	2006 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	4-String Basses, Left-Handed Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Violin
Color Family	Black, Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Jatoba, Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	4-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Left Handed
Wood Top Style	Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed?: The Hofner Violin Bass is known for its warm, woody tones with a rich low-end response, making it ideal for classic rock, jazz, and pop music. Its hollow body enhances resonance and sustain, providing a distinctive vintage sound.
Is the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed suitable for beginners?: Yes, this bass is suitable for beginners, especially left-handed players looking for a lightweight instrument with a short scale length, which makes it easier to play and handle.
How does the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed compare to the original Hofner models?: The Contemporary Series offers a more affordable version of the iconic Hofner Violin Bass, with similar aesthetics and tone. It features modern construction techniques while maintaining the classic Hofner sound and style.
What type of pickups does the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed have?: This bass is equipped with passive humbucking pickups, which provide a smooth, warm tone and reduce unwanted noise, making it versatile for various musical genres.
Is the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed comfortable to play for extended periods?: Yes, its lightweight design and short scale make it comfortable to play for long sessions, reducing player fatigue and allowing for easy handling.
What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed?: The bass features a maple body and neck with a jatoba or rosewood fretboard, contributing to its robust sound and classic appearance. The glossy sunburst finish adds to its vintage appeal.

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Alex Burgess

My new Left handed Hofner contemporary series bass.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Höfner Contemporary Series Violin Bass Left-Handed.

Features and functionality

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The Contemporary series has a centerblock for a less "ploinky" and more versatile sound compared to fully hollow models, making it suitable for a wider range of music styles.
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The P-bass can achieve a Hofner-like sound with the right strings, EQ, and technique, but not vice versa.
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The bass's short scale length can be an adjustment for those used to standard scale basses.
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The neck has a narrow string spacing, which some players find comfortable, especially those with smaller hands.
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Setup and maintenance

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P-basses are favored for their ease of finding replacement parts, contrasting with the more difficult sourcing of Hofner parts.
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It's recommended to use Pyramid-Gold flatwound strings or Hofner's own HCT1133 flatwounds for authentic Hofner sound, impacting the overall tone significantly.
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Intonation can be challenging due to the bridge design, often resulting in only one string being properly intonated.
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The violin bass is sensitive to environmental changes, requiring frequent tuning adjustments.
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User experience

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Some owners note that Hofners, while fun, are often seen as limited in tonal versatility compared to a P-bass, potentially leading to the need for a secondary bass.
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Ergonomics can be challenging due to the small body of the violin bass, making seated play awkward; the Club bass offers a more traditional body shape for ergonomic comfort.
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Use cases and applications

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The Hofner is noted as being particularly suited for thumpy psychedelic styles, while the P-bass is praised for its soul/dance capabilities.
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Comparisons

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Left-handed players often struggle to find alternatives like the Mustang Bass, as they aren't commonly available in left-handed models. G&L Fallout is suggested as an alternative.
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Guild Starfire II basses are highlighted as a strong alternative to Hofner for those seeking a 60s mellow rock sound, offering a different tonal character and build.
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Some users prefer the Rogue or Epiphone knockoff versions for their affordability and comparable sound quality.
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Value and pricing

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Despite their high price, German-made models are noted for their traditional construction methods and high quality, yet they sound similar to the more affordable Ignition series.
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Build quality

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Contemporary models reportedly have a sustain block in the body, enhancing sustain compared to vintage models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users have successfully strung these basses with D’Addario XL regular light gauge nickel strings, though slight modifications may be needed to fit.
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