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Average Price: $796

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass guitar seamlessly bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern performance. This electric bass is a nod to the iconic Hofner designs cherished by musicians since the 1960s, now brought into the contemporary realm with updated features to meet today's demanding performance needs. Crafted with a semi-hollow body, the Verythin offers a resonant, warm tone that has become a trademark of Hofner basses.

Its center block construction is a standout feature, which helps in reducing feedback while maintaining the rich, full-bodied sound that players expect from a semi-hollow design. The Verythin's slim profile and lightweight build make it exceptionally comfortable for both stage performances and studio sessions, catering to bassists who need prolonged playability without sacrificing tonal richness.

Equipped with Hofner Staple humbucking pickups, it delivers a clear and dynamic sound, perfect for a variety of genres from jazz to rock. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability, accommodating fast runs and intricate finger work with ease. This bass is not just about sound; it's about style and substance, offering a classic look with modern upgrades that make it a versatile choice for any bassist looking to expand their sonic palette.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body with center block construction
  • Hofner Staple humbucking pickups
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Lightweight design for comfortable playability
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for multiple genres

Product specs

Brand Hofner
Model Contemporary Series Verythin Bass, Contemporary Series Verythin Bass with Jatoba Fretboard
Finish Black, Sunburst
Year 2012 - 2025
Made In China
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
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 Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass use?

The Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass features passive pickups with a humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a warm and full-bodied sound suitable for various music styles.

Is the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable double cutaway body shape and manageable neck profile, making it easy to play and navigate.

What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass?

The Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass is constructed with a maple body and neck, and it offers options for a jatoba or rosewood fretboard, contributing to its rich tone and durability.

How does the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass differ from other Hofner models?

The Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass features a thinner body design compared to other models, offering a unique aesthetic and a slightly different tonal response, ideal for players seeking a lightweight and comfortable instrument.

What finishes are available for the Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass?

The Hofner Contemporary Verythin bass is available in Black and Sunburst finishes, both with a glossy finish style for a classic and sleek appearance.

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Hofner Verythin CT Bass | Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Hofner Verythin CT Bass | Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Hofner Verythin CT Bass | Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Hofner Verythin Bass Sunburst by PMTVUK

Hofner Verythin Bass Sunburst

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Höfner Verythin Contemporary by Höfner Guitars

Höfner Verythin Contemporary

Höfner Guitars

Höfner Guitars

Video thumbnail for Hofner Verythin Bass 500/7 by Ricardo San

Hofner Verythin Bass 500/7

Ricardo San

Ricardo San

Video thumbnail for Hofner Verythin Contemporary Bass Demo by bassemporium

Hofner Verythin Contemporary Bass Demo

bassemporium

bassemporium

Video thumbnail for Höfner 500/7 Verythin Bass by Höfner Guitars

Höfner 500/7 Verythin Bass

Höfner Guitars

Höfner Guitars

Video thumbnail for Hofner HCT 500/7 Verythin Bass SB by 宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Hofner HCT 500/7 Verythin Bass SB

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

宮地楽器 Miyaji Guitars Kanda

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some bridge screws may pierce the wood, potentially creating a hole in the guitar's top.

    Source
  • Both Chinese-assembled and German hand-made Hofners have reported quality issues, suggesting the need for in-person inspection before purchase to assess potential defects.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the Contemporary Verythin has a beautiful sound but recommend checking quality due to Chinese manufacturing.

    Source
  • Trying basses in-store may not offer the full experience; many users recommend buying used to have the freedom to test extensively in personal environments.

    Source
  • Some owners mention that Hofner basses, including the Verythin, can be neck-heavy due to the lightweight body, leading to balance issues during play.

    Source
  • Some players feel the neck dive on Hofner models makes them uncomfortable to play, requiring constant neck support, which can be a trade-off for their lightweight design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Club bass is likened to a bass version of a Les Paul, offering a mellow tone.

    Source
  • The German-made Hofner Mersey bass is perceived as having a more expressive sound compared to the heavier Contemporary series which features a center block.

    Source
  • The Verythin is likened to a Gibson ES-335 or Fender Coronado in body shape but maintains a Hofner-like sound, offering a unique blend of aesthetics and tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works well for R&B, Blues, Surf music, Soul, and Hip-Hop; Jazz bass preferred for Funk.

    Source
  • The Mersey model excels in various playing styles, delivering a fantastic muting thump and vibrant normal play, making it versatile for diverse musical genres.

    Source
  • While primarily suited for genres requiring smooth bass tones, with careful setup, the Verythin can surprisingly handle genres like metal, though it's less suited for slap techniques.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Setting up a Hofner with flatwound strings and adjusting the tone knob can significantly influence the classic Hofner sound, crucial for achieving vintage tones.

    Source
  • The shorter scale of 30” on Hofner basses, including the Verythin, makes them distinct from the standard 34” scale, influencing playability and string tension.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Hofner Verythin bass is noted for its hollow body, which can make it prone to feedback at higher volumes, but excels in producing smooth, easy-listening bass tones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hofner Contemporary Series Verythin Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

With its stylish retro design and exceptional build quality, the Hofner Contemporary Verythin Bass is a delight for those seeking vintage tones. Its lightweight body and dual 'staple top' pickups deliver warm, thumpy sounds, ideal for old-school vibes. However, its free-floating bridge and headstock-heavy design may not suit everyone, particularly those after modern, high-volume performances. Overall, it's a charming bass with a unique voice, perfect for those looking for a distinctive, classic sound.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
kellen_menkveld

great shortscale bass

the hofner 500/1 sound without the need for weird strings, uncomfortable small size, and pointy edges.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Klaus Schulze uses Hofner (Höfner) Contemporary Verythin

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Klaus-schulze

Klaus Schulze uses a Höfner Contemporary Verythin, as detailed on the "Klaus Schulze's Instruments" page on his official site.

See how Lee Kiernan uses Hofner (Höfner) Contemporary Verythin

Lee Kiernan

Guitarist

IDLES

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee Kiernan uses a Hofner Contemporary Verythin Electric Bass Guitar on the 2024 TANGK third track "Pop Pop Pop." In the video "IDLES LIVE AT STUDIO BRUSSEL | Studio Brussel LIVE LIVE," "Pop Pop Pop" is played from 13:29 to 18:18, and Kiernan can be seen playing the Verythin from the beginning of the track to 16:37. Close shots occur at 13:45, 14:03, 14:44, 15:03, 15:27, and 15:45. This performance is documented by Studio Brussel on YouTube.

See how Thomas Warmsley uses Hofner (Höfner) Contemporary Verythin

Thomas Warmsley

Bassist, Keyboardist

Temples

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video by Temples, Thomas Warmsley can be seen using a Hofner Contemporary Verythin Electric Bass Guitar at :56s.

See how Joseph Johnson uses Hofner (Höfner) Contemporary Verythin

Joseph Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

Stoney Point

...
Unverified

Album Usage

The Hofner (Höfner) Contemporary Verythin has been featured on the following albums:

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) Contemporary Verythin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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