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Average Price: $416

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

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Description

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and contemporary craftsmanship. This hollowbody electric guitar pays homage to its 1963 predecessor, delivering an iconic sound that's both warm and resonant. Its all-hollow construction and short 30" scale offer a lightweight feel, making it a breeze to play for extended periods. The spruce top combined with flamed maple back and sides provides a tonal depth that's rich with woody nuances, ensuring each note rings with clarity and depth.

Equipped with enhancements from Hofner's esteemed Contemporary series, the Violin Ignition boasts a refined tailpiece, pickguard, and control panel, allowing for precise tonal adjustments. Chrome-plated hardware not only enhances its durability but also adds a sleek, polished finish, ensuring that this instrument looks as good as it sounds.

Whether you're seeking the expressive subtleties of fingerstyle playing or the punchy dynamics of rapid chord changes, the ergonomic design and short scale neck make this bass an ideal companion on stage or in the studio. The Violin Ignition beautifully combines the past's elegance with today's playability, making it a must-have for musicians who appreciate both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody electric guitar with vintage violin bass design
  • All-hollow construction for warm, resonant sound
  • Spruce top with flamed maple back and sides
  • Short 30" scale for comfortable playability
  • Upgraded tailpiece, pickguard, and control panel from the Contemporary series
  • Durable chrome-plated hardware for enhanced aesthetics and longevity

Product specs

Brand Hofner
Model Ignition Series Violin Bass, Ignition Series Violin Bass with Jatoba Fretboard
Finish Black, Sunburst
Year 2011 - 2020
Made In China
Categories 4-String 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 Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass?

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass delivers a warm, resonant sound with solid lows and smooth highs, thanks to its all-hollow construction and spruce top with flamed-maple body.

Is the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass suitable for beginner bass players?

Yes, the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass is ideal for beginners due to its 30-inch short scale length, which makes playing comfortable and effortless.

What materials are used in the construction of the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass?

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass features a spruce top, flamed-maple body, maple neck, and a fretboard made of either jatoba or rosewood.

Does the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass have passive or active pickups?

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a classic, vintage tone.

What is the finish style of the Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass?

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Ignition bass comes in a gloss finish, available in black or sunburst color options.

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CrisSkyTube

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass - Variety of tones

Video thumbnail for Hofner Ignition Violin Bass - Variety of tones by CrisSkyTube

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass - Variety of tones

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Video thumbnail for Hofner Ignition Violin Bass Review by Bass Guitar Review

Hofner Ignition Violin Bass Review

Bass Guitar Review

Bass Guitar Review

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic Beatle bass sound with flatwound strings

  • Unique Hofner logo on the pickguard

  • Lightweight and comfortable due to hollow body

  • Short scale fretboard offers a more comfortable playing experience

  • Distinct Hofner sound with a rich bottom end

  • Great lofi "plunky" or "rubbery" sound

  • Easy to play with flatwounds; ideal for converted guitar players

  • Can be played unplugged thanks to hollow body design

  • Excellent fret work and setup out of the box

  • Classic styling and value for money

CONS

  • Intonation issues can occur, potentially due to pickups

  • Electronics might feel limiting for some players

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing nylon tape or flat-wound strings can reduce the twangy sound initially present, enhancing the bass's tone over time.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping in a German control panel on a CT model can closely replicate the authentic Hofner sound.

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  • Owners recommend using LaBella flats on the Hofner to enhance its classic sound, especially for those seeking a McCartney vibe.

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Use cases and applications

  • Using a Bass Pod with specific presets can effectively emulate the iconic Hofner tone, reminiscent of Paul McCartney's sound from 1963-64.

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Features and functionality

  • The choice of amp is crucial, as certain combo amps can diminish the distinctive Hofner sound, even when using a tone box.

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  • The Hofner Ignition is notably lighter and less bulky than the Epiphone Viola, with users highlighting its unique feel.

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Build quality

  • The Ignition tuners are described as near useless plastic, while the HCT features more reliable metal tuners.

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  • The HCT's neck stability is significantly better due to its construction, reducing tuning issues over time.

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  • Users report that the Rogue VB100 has severe fret end issues causing discomfort, with sharp frets potentially leading to injury.

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Comparisons

  • The HCT weighs approximately 6.5 pounds, making it lighter than many solid body basses but heavier than the Ignition by about 2 pounds.

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  • The HCT is noted for retaining the quintessential Hofner sound despite its additional weight from the sustain block.

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  • The Hofner Ignition is praised for its fully hollow construction, offering a distinct woody, warm tone compared to the semi-hollow Epiphone Viola.

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User experience

  • An owner reports the HCT exceeded expectations with impressive build quality and a surprising amount of bass output compared to cheaper copies.

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  • Some owners find the Epiphone Viola's build quality reliable over years, even for heavy-handed players, suggesting it withstands rigorous use.

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