FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOFNER BASSES AND PARTS
FAQ1: What special services does North Coast Music offer to all Hofner bass customers?
A: Unlike most other Hofner dealers that simply ship uninspected and unadjusted Hofner basses to their retail customers, North Coast Music offers the following services on all Hofner basses we sell:
FAQ2: What are the differences between the Hofner Contemporary and Hofner Icon Basses? A: Both the Icon and Contemporary Basses are made in China. Both use tuners, pick guards, control panels, input jacks, switches, and knobs sourced in either China or Korea. The Icon has Chinese pickups and pickup rings built to Hofner specifications. The bodies and necks on either bass are built in China. Both basses have a polyurethane fiish, but the finish on the Icon is slightly less yellow in the center, and modeled after the color of the finish of a 1961 Hofner bass. A primary difference is that the Contemporary Beatle Bass has a solid sound block in the middle of the body and Hofner staple pickups, while the Icon Beatle Bass does not. German made Hofner Beatle Basses do not have this sound block, as well. This sound block changes the tone of the Contemporary Beatle Bass so that it sounds a bit more like a solid body bass. The Contemporary Series basses are about twice as expensive than the Icon Series basses.
Neither the Contemporary or the Icon will have the general quality or tone you would come to expect of the German made Hofner Beatle Basses. As an example, the German basses have pickguards and control panels made of solid perloid material. The Icon and Contemporary basses have control panels made of white plastic with a thin plastic photo applique that looks like perloid. This lamination can tend to peel a little bit in the sharp corners.
While very nice produucts, one can only expect standard Chinese type quality on either. You "get what you pay for."
FAQ3: If I buy an Icon or Contemporary bass, will you install German "teacup" knobs on my bass prior to shipment? A: Yes, this service is available, please see the Icon and Contemporary Bass web pages in the North Coast Music web site for pricing.
FAQ4: If I buy an Icon or Contemporary bass, will you install Hofner "flat wound" strings on my bass prior to shipment? A: No, I am sorry, this is not possible. My 48 hour return policy will allow you to return the bass for a refund if not satisfied. If I install a $59 set of Hofner flat wound strings on a bass at your request prior to shipment, these strings cannot be removed and reused should you decide to return the bass for a refund.
FAQ5: I'd ike to dress up my Hofner Icon or Contemporary bass with German Beatle bass parts. Which parts fit?
FAQ6: The flat wound "E" string on my Hofner bass is not as bright in tone as the other strings. Is there something wrong with my "E" string?A: The low "E" string is in fact a lot less bright than the other strings in both Hofner and Pyramid brand flat wound string sets. This is normal, and in fact, you can hear difference in "low E" tone in Paul's recordings with the bass as well. Hofner was going for a "stand up" bass tone when they designed this bass and accompanying strings.
FAQ7: Will North Coast Music be receiving any of the limited edition V58 Beatle Basses? A: I have one in stock..
FAQ8: Can I get a discount quote on a Hofner guitar or bass model not shown in your web site? A: I only offer the specific Hofner models shown in my web site. I cannot offer a customer a return privilege on "special order" Hofner models so I choose not to offer such guitars or basses. As an example, North Coast Music does not offer the "Club" bass, neither the Contemporary or the German models.
FAQ9: Why does North Coast Music either double box or over box all Hofner basses prior to shipment? A: Over boxing or double boxing is the very best way to insure that your bass arrives safely and without damage.
FAQ10: What is the WARRANTY on Hofner guitars and basses, and how do I receive warranty service? A: Click here to read the entire Hofner warranty declaration for products sold by US dealers. This warranty only applies to the United States and Canada. Hofner products requiring warranty attention purchased from North Coast Music should first be brought to our attention via email so that we can ask Hofner for a RA (return authorization) number on your behalf.
Click here if none of these FAQs answer my Hofner question.
