Höfner 500/1 Ignition

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$379.00 to $499.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (81)

14 Reviews

Find out who is using Höfner 500/1 Ignition

17 community setups

59 wishlisted

272 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (4)

$499.99

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5.0 (52)

$379.23 2 available New

$369.00 4 available Used

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4.5 (168)

$388.00 $379.00 $9.00

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£349.00

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Average Price: $407

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Höfner 500/1 Ignition is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Höfner 500/1 Ignition". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass guitar is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide. Known for its distinctive violin-shaped body, this electric bass is a nod to the legendary instrument that helped shape the sound of a generation. Crafted with a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, it offers a rich, resonant tone that’s both warm and versatile. The maple one-piece neck and jatoba fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, perfect for both budding bassists and seasoned pros.

With a scale length of 30 inches, this short-scale bass is comfortable to play, while the 22 frets offer ample range for melodic exploration. The Höfner Ignition Staple humbuckers deliver a classic vintage sound, perfect for rock, blues, and beyond. The individual machine heads with pearloid plastic buttons ensure precise tuning stability, and the Original Tea Cup potentiometer knobs add a touch of nostalgic flair to the control panel.

Whether you're channeling the spirit of the '60s or crafting your own iconic sound, the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass is an instrument that blends history with modern craftsmanship. It's more than just a bass guitar; it's a piece of musical heritage.

Key Features:

Spruce top
Flamed maple back and sides
Maple one-piece neck
Jatoba fretboard
White binding on top and back
Scale length: 30 inches
Nut width: 42 mm
22 frets
2 Höfner Ignition Staple humbuckers
Individual machine heads with pearloid plastic buttons
Original Tea Cup potentiometer knobs on the control panel

Product specs

Available since	January 2020
Colour	Sunburst
Top	Spruce
Back and Sides	Maple
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Jatoba
Frets	22
Scale	Mediumscale
Pickup System	HH
Incl. Case	No
Incl. Gigbag	No
Soundboard	Maple
Body	Maple
Pickups	HH
Neck Width	42,0 mm
Elektronic	Passive
Mechanics	Höfner

FAQs

What type of music is the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass best suited for?: The Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass is ideal for genres that benefit from its warm, resonant tones, such as rock, pop, and jazz. Its iconic sound is reminiscent of classic British Invasion music.
Is the Höfner 500/1 Ignition suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Höfner 500/1 Ignition is suitable for beginners due to its short 30-inch scale length, which makes it comfortable and easy to play, especially for those with smaller hands.
What are the tonal characteristics of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass?: The Höfner 500/1 Ignition offers a rich, warm tonal character with solid lows and smooth highs, thanks to its spruce top and maple body construction.
Does the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass come with a case or gigbag?: No, the Höfner 500/1 Ignition does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately to protect your instrument.
What is the neck width of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass?: The neck width of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition bass is 42.0 mm, providing a comfortable grip for most players.

Videos

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PMTVUK

Hofner Ignition Series Violin Bass - The Beatles Sound!

PMTVUK

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass (Sunburst) Demo at GAK

GAK

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass - Variety of tones

CrisSkyTube

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass Review

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Hofner's Ignition Violin Bass

James Wang

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass, Sunburst

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Achieves the iconic Beatle bass sound with flatwound strings
Lightweight and comfortable due to its hollow body design
Short scale neck enhances playability, especially for smaller hands
Retro styling and vintage details appeal to enthusiasts
Cost-effective alternative to the German-made original
Unique "plunky" or "rubbery" sound with flatwounds
High-quality tuners for the price point
Versatile for both live performances and recordings
Fun and enjoyable to play, with a nostalgic vibe
Hollow body allows for unplugged practice

CONS

Requires a professional setup for optimal playability
Default strings are subpar, necessitating an upgrade
Intonation and neck adjustments often needed out of the box
Electronics may feel limited to some users
Thick neck may not be comfortable for all players
Lacks sustain compared to other basses
Tuning stability can be inconsistent

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Höfner 500/1 Ignition.

Build quality

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The Contemporary's German pickups provide superior sound compared to Ignition's Chinese pickups, with noticeably better binding quality.
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Ignition models may have issues with strings staying in rivets on the bridge.
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User experience

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The Ignition model is significantly lighter than the Contemporary, which can be important for long playing sessions.
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One user mentions Harley Benton VB as a cost-effective alternative, offering a similar novelty appeal without the high price of the Hofner.
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Comparisons

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Aria 1540 is suggested as an alternative for achieving similar sound and feel to the Ignition, with a better aesthetic.
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Some users find German-made Hofner basses offer superior sound and feel, recommending them over the Ignition for those willing to invest more.
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Some users find the Guild Starfire, Gretsch G5540B, and Harmony H22 provide similar sound to the Hofner with a more comfortable body size.
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The Hofner Club Bass is suggested as more ergonomic than the violin bass, retaining similar sound qualities with improved playability.
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Use cases and applications

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Contemporary model can achieve versatility with EQ adjustments, unlike the more acoustically specific Ignition.
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The Hofner Ignition's small body size is noted to be challenging for practicing while sitting, better suited for standing play.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest installing nylon tape strings or flat-wounds to improve sound quality and reduce initial twang in Hofner Ignition models.
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Adding specific aftermarket parts, like tuning pegs and electronics, can enhance the performance of the Hofner Icon series.
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Setup and maintenance

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Proper setup, including adjustments and string changes, can transform cheaper Hofner knockoffs into highly playable instruments.
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Upgrading with German control panels on CT models can closely replicate the sound of more expensive German Hofners.
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