Hofner

collapse expand iconDescription

The short-scale Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass is based on Hofner's iconic 1906 Violin bass. This updated version provides the unmistakable tone and style that helped define the British Invasion. The hollowbody construction and tonewoods produce a warm, resonant sound with solid lows and smooth highs. Despite its compact size, the 30" scale length and teacup knobs make this bass extremely playable. The short-scale Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass lets you experience a classic instrument with upgraded features for today's musician.

Hollowbody Construction Delivers a Resonant Sound

Unlike most solidbody basses, the Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass has a fully hollowbody construction, which enhances resonance and projection, allowing each note to ring out with a piano-like quality. Despite its hollow design, the bass has little feedback at high volumes thanks to the smaller f-holes. For its size, the hollowbody produces a surprisingly full and layered sound.

Short 30" Scale Length Provides Comfortable Playability

With a scale length of only 30", the Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass has a shorter neck that requires less hand stretching. The compact scale length makes this bass ideal for musicians with smaller hands or those used to shorter-scale instruments. Although short, the neck still has 22 frets, allowing access to higher notes. Combined with the lightweight, contoured body, the Violin bass is an extremely playable and ergonomic bass.

Teacup Knobs and Other Vintage-Inspired Features

From its iconic violin-shaped body to the vintage-styled teacup knobs, the Hofner Ignition Series Violin Bass is filled with touches that evoke a retro feel. The bass features a set neck, dot inlays and a tune-o-matic bridge. Esthetically and tonally, this bass captures the spirit of Hofner's original Violin bass. For any musician seeking a true throwback instrument, the Hofner Ignition Series Violin bass delivers.

Hofner Ignition Series Short-Scale Violin Bass Guitar Green Burst
Hofner Ignition Series Short-Scale Violin Bass Guitar Green Burst
Hofner Ignition Series Short-Scale Violin Bass Guitar Green Burst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Hollowbody
  • Teacup knobs
  • Short 30" scale
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.42

33 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Great bass at a great price!!

I was super impressed by this bass straight out of the box! The top looks like a nice piece of spruce and the back and sides are figured maple. The fingerboard is roasted jatoba, I believe, but looks like rosewood. The fingerboard isn't the cleanest finished but is to be expected at this price. Fretwork is decent, again on par with other instruments at this price point. The sunburst looks way better in person compared to the online pictures. The Chinese are getting really good at finishes. The neck was set up with low action but there is notable buzzing at the first few frets of the low E string only. Other than that, it plays really well. Another weird thing is acoustically it seems as though there's no sustain on the E string, but plugged in it sounds fine. It's not a perfect instrument but it's made well, plays easily and sounds great.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

Horrible set up

Out of the box I was very disappointed. The finish showed some fingerprints under the clear coat (no big deal). The strings were badly installed and trimmed way too short - had to replace them as the instrument would not tune (bass strings are not cheap). The bridge and truss rod needed adjustment to eliminate some major buzz on a couple strings. I contacted customer service and the were not helpful. Will think twice about buying from them again After spending $30 on strings and doing basically a full set up, I like the bass. Sounds good and is fun to play but it should never have passed QA and Customer Service was pitiful

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing25
  2. Jamming21
  3. Recording15
  4. Small Venues15
  5. Rock Concerts6
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz7
  2. Craftsmanship3
  3. Flat Sound2
  4. Poor Pick Up1
  5. Small quality issues1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced15
  2. Novice8
  3. Professional Musician7
  4. Child1
Pros
  1. Good Tone28
  2. Good Feel27
  3. Fun To Play26
  4. Solid Electronics20
  5. Good Pick Up19
  • I would recommend this item.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byMaria

    fromChicago il

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This is my son's first bass. He is just learning how to use it. He loves it.

  • Plays really well

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byYuro

    fromSeattle

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Been wanting this instrument for quite a while now. There was only 1 left in the Guitar Center in my area and I'm glad I swung by, tested it, and in mere minutes I was out of the store and playing this sweet bass at home. It was not as expensive as I remember. For a good quality bass, I think I scored a pretty sweet deal.

  • Xmas gift for my son

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byFrank

    fromHouston Tx

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Really nice bass my son loves it he's been wanting one that's similar to the Beatles and this one was it for him. #sweepstakes

  • Great

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byWill

    fromRockford, Ill

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great

  • Best thing to buy

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byGary

    fromFond Du Lac, WI

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    sounds great!!! the agent was very polite

  • Had to have a Beatle Bass

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byMike

    fromLithia, FL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've been playing guitar for about 6 years and decided to get a bass guitar to experiment with. It was a full scale and I found the longer neck a little uncomfortable. The short scale Hofner is nice, comfortable and sounds great. The finish is great as well.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byNovi

    fromundisclosed

    How does this sound compared to the HCT 550/1?

    How does this sound compared to the HCT 550/1?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's pretty close considering the price.
  • asked byMichael

    fromPhx Az

    what gauge string does this bass come with ?

    what gauge string does this bass come with ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Hofner is quirky - 39-56-77-96.
  • asked byjim

    fromCuero, Tx.

    If I purchase the Hofner bass, does it come with a case?

    If I purchase the Hofner bass, does it come with a case?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no. Please give us a call to help you find something – 855-770-3373
  • asked byKelly

    fromHillsboro, OR

    What I material or materials is it made with that has the prop 65 warning?

    What I material or materials is it made with that has the prop 65 warning?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/"
  • asked bySteve

    fromForked River, NJ

    What size necks can you get on the violin bass?  Can you have the company make a slight modification on the guitar body?

    What size necks can you get on the violin bass? Can you have the company make a slight modification on the guitar body?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, but no.
  • asked byRon

    fromFrisco City Al

    What is the blemish on this Hoffner bass? What is the blemish?

    What is the blemish on this Hoffner bass? What is the blemish?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, we don’t know what the blemish is. The blemishes will be perhaps minor scratches, average handling wear. There will be no effect on playability or sound
  • asked byJorge

    fromundisclosed

    Is it possible to get the black or green Hoffner bass for left handed ?

    Is it possible to get the black or green Hoffner bass for left handed ?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    A Special Order may be possible. Please call us 855-770-3373.
  • asked byJames

    fromZachary, LA 70791

    I need to buy a case for this guitar. I'll have to go into the Guitar Center in Baton Rouge to make sure it fits. Can you provide me a model number for the case only for this guitar? Thanks
(Hofner Ignition Series Violin Bass Sunburst
Item #:1500000342050 Point of Sale #: 116867599)

    I need to buy a case for this guitar. I'll have to go into the Guitar Center in Baton Rouge to make sure it fits. Can you provide me a model number for the case only for this guitar? Thanks (Hofner Ignition Series Violin Bass Sunburst Item #:1500000342050 Point of Sale #: 116867599)

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "Musician's Gear Electric Bass Case Violin Shaped Black"
  • asked byGwenR

    fromdallas texas

    why is there a p65 warning?

    why is there a p65 warning?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/ "
  • asked byRon

    fromIrmo sc

    Return polict

    Return polict

    Open Reply - Thomas
    45 Day Satisfaction Guarantee - Limitations and Exceptions Apply* Our goal is your total satisfaction. If you’re not satisfied, neither are we. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply return it in its original condition within the return period and we’ll give you a full refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping and handling charges. It’s that simple. You must have a return authorization code, which you can obtain by calling 1-866-498-7882 or emailing service@guitarcenter.com. Click Here (opens PDF file) to see detailed return handling charges. Your refund will be promptly processed when we have confirmed that your returned item meets these requirements.
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