Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $379
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Ignition Cavern". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of iconic sound with the Hofner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass guitar. Renowned for its distinctive violin shape and historical significance, this bass is a nod to the legendary instruments used by musicians who defined an era. Perfectly blending vintage aesthetics with modern playability, the Hofner Ignition Cavern is a statement piece for any bassist seeking that classic vibe.
Crafted with a spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, this bass not only looks stunning but delivers a warm, resonant tone that is unmistakably Hofner. The short scale length of 30 inches offers a comfortable playing experience, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The maple one-piece neck and jatoba fretboard provide a smooth feel and easy navigation across the 22 frets.
Equipped with dual Höfner Ignition Staple pickups, the 500/1 Ignition Cavern captures the quintessential bass sound that has graced countless records. Whether you're laying down a groovy bassline or exploring melodic passages, the control panel with original Tea Cup potentiometer knobs allows you to tailor your sound with precision.
The Hofner 500/1 Ignition Cavern is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that invites you to explore new sonic landscapes while paying homage to the past.
Key Features:
- Spruce top with flamed maple back and sides
- Maple one-piece neck
- Jatoba fretboard
- Scale: 760 mm (30")
- Nut width: 42mm
- 22 frets
- Pickups: 2x Höfner Ignition Staple
- Original Tea Cup potentiometer knobs on the control panel
- Individual machine heads with pearloid plastic buttons
Product specs
| Available since | April 2020 |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Top | Maple |
| Back and Sides | Maple |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Jatoba |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | Shortscale |
| Pickup System | HH |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
| Soundboard | Maple |
| Body | Maple |
| Pickups | HH |
| Neck Width | 42,0 mm |
| Elektronic | Passive |
| Mechanics | Standard |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass use?
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The Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass is equipped with HH pickups, which offer a classic, warm tone suitable for various music styles, especially those seeking a vintage sound.
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Is the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass a short-scale instrument?
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Yes, the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass features a short-scale design, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands and offering a distinct, punchy tonal character.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass?
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The Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass is constructed with a maple top, back, sides, and neck, and features a jatoba fretboard, contributing to its rich, resonant sound.
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Does the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass come with a case or gigbag?
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No, the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection during transport.
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What is the neck width of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass?
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The neck width of the Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass is 42.0 mm, providing a comfortable playing experience for bassists who prefer a narrower neck.
Reviews
PROS
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Extremely light, making it ideal for long performances
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Comfortable fretboard and easy to play, especially with short scale
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Delivers a warm, deep, and organic sound
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Attractive design, often receiving compliments for appearance
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Cuts nicely through the mix without being overpowering
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Offers the classic Höfner sound at an affordable price
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Versatile sound, capable of resembling a double-bass with the right setup
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Great historical piece and conversation starter
CONS
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Initial string and machine head quality may feel flimsy
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Requires setup adjustments to reduce buzzing, especially on the E string
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Shape and balance might take some getting used to
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A string may need replacement soon after purchase
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Ignition Cavern.
Features and functionality
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The Cavern model's bridge pickup is closer to the neck, enhancing midrange presence useful in live settings with challenging acoustics.
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The HI-BB model's bridge pickup allows for more articulate and modern tones when combined with the neck pickup, offering greater versatility.
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Many users prefer to run these basses with both pickups fully engaged, as soloing pickups tends to result in a thinner sound.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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The Contemporary version is considered a higher quality step up from the Ignition, offering a more serious semi-hollow bass experience without reaching the high price bracket.
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Value and pricing
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Even the more affordable Ignition model is noted to deliver a quality instrument, making it a recommended choice over imitations like the Epiphone Viola.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
258
Artist usage
Add artist
" And I play a Höfner on one song, “Drama Queen,” which has really fat bass." Mike Dirnt word about Hoffner Viola Bass
Reverb lists this Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Ignition Cavern as a bass owned by Brian Setzer, and includes the quote:
“I bet you didn’t know I used to be in a Beatles tribute band (just-kidding!).” - BS
Bob Daisley is shown with his Höfner 500/1 Ignition Cavern bass on page 2 of the slideshow in the "Bob's Guitars" section of his official website. This model is a variation of the standard violin bass.
Album Usage
The Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Ignition Cavern 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) 500/1 Ignition Cavern, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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