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Description

The Hofner Ignition is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that blends classic design with modern playability, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a distinctive sound and feel. Known for its unique violin-shaped body, this guitar draws inspiration from the iconic instruments of the 1960s, offering players both visual appeal and versatile tonal capabilities. The semi-hollow construction provides a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres, from rock and blues to jazz and pop.

Equipped with two Hofner Ignition Staple humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers a powerful yet clear sound, allowing for dynamic expression and nuanced playing. The maple body and spruce top contribute to a balanced tone with a hint of brightness, while the set neck construction ensures excellent sustain and playability. The rosewood fretboard offers a smooth playing surface, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Hofner Ignition stands out with its unique aesthetics and reliable performance, making it a beloved choice among guitarists who appreciate both vintage charm and modern functionality.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for warm, resonant tones
  • Violin-shaped body inspired by classic 1960s models
  • Maple body and spruce top for balanced sound
  • Two Hofner Ignition Staple humbucking pickups
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Set neck construction for enhanced sustain

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Users report the input jack on the Ignition series is prone to failure, necessitating replacement due to the cheaper hardware used.

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User experience

  • Owners mention significant neck dive as a common issue, causing discomfort and strain during play.

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  • The body design can dig into ribs, especially for those accustomed to double cutaway bodies, affecting comfort when playing.

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  • Some owners note a higher likelihood of receiving a "lemon" with the Ignition compared to the Contemporary, though individual experiences may vary.

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  • Several players prefer standing over sitting while playing the Hofner due to the small body size, which can be uncomfortable for seated practice.

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  • It's highlighted that the Hofner Ignition is more of a novelty item and not a "Swiss Army Knife" like a Jazz Bass, implying limited versatility.

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Use cases and applications

  • Flatwound strings like LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass are recommended, enhancing the tonal quality and playability of the Ignition series.

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  • The Hofner Club Bass is noted for better ergonomics and similar sound, making it a more versatile choice for those seeking the iconic tone of the Ignition.

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Comparisons

  • The Ignition series is noted to feel less durable and more toy-like compared to more expensive models, despite its appealing sound.

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  • The Hofner Contemporary features a center block, enhancing stability and potentially affecting tone differently from the Ignition model.

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  • The Guild Starfire, Gretsch G5540B, and Harmony H22 are recommended as more comfortable alternatives with similar sound to the Hofner Ignition.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The action on the Ignition is often nearly 9 mm, which may be too high for some players; adjusting could be limited due to bridge construction.

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Features and functionality

  • The Contemporary model can produce a diverse range of tones, countering the perception of Hofner violin basses as "one trick ponies."

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Value and pricing

  • Some owners suggest buying the cheapest version of the Hofner Ignition to satisfy the desire for a Beatles bass, allowing savings for a more versatile instrument later.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
jasbradbur

Just Fab.

A guitar version of the Paul McCartney bass. A beautiful guitar handmade. Great Price. It is a soft sound and great as an acoustic and plugged in. A concert guitar!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Negative XP uses Hofner (Höfner) Ignition

Negative XP

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo he posted on his Twitter page, you can see his Höfner Ignition Guitar in white.

See how Zach Rogue uses Hofner (Höfner) Ignition

Zach Rogue

Singer, Guitarist

Rogue Wave

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Verified via Photo

He posted this on the bands Instagram.

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

Orange PPC212V Vertical 2X12 Cab
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1

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