I don't think Nate and I will be going anywhere. We're happy to share our knowledge with everyone. I will tell you guys that Nate is a expert on Hofner guitars. Especially, big body jazz Hofner's. But his knowledge of German made guitars is extensive and he's a great resource for information.
You were asking about the differences between the Chinese made Icon Series and the Contemporary Series compared to German made models.
These are my opinions, so take them for what you will.
Icon B-Bass, 100% made in China available in a horrible 3-tone sunburst and a nice transparent black finish. This is a instrument that's designed to appeal to the student and the first time bass buyer. Comes standard with a set of not so good Chinese made roundwound strings. It compares to the other Chinese made violin basses in the market like Rogue, Johnson, Turser, ect.
The pickups are a poor copy of the staple pickup with large surrounds like those found on Hofners made after 1965. The pickguard is made from a very bright white plastic material and the control panel plate is also made from the same material. The control panel switches are black and not really very attractive IMO.
These are nice and sound very similar to their German counterpart. The neck has dot position markers located on the side for reference by the player something the German made Hofner's don't have. The Contemporary Series basses also has these reference markers on the neck.
Contemporary Series Bass, are 90% made in China. They're available in a beautiful brownburst or solid black finish. These are fitted with German made type 511 "Staple" pickups with small surrounds. These are the pickups installed in German made basses. Everything else is Chinese made. I must say that the quality of the reproduction components used on the Contemporary Series (CT) basses are excellent. The body shape of the CT HCT500/1 is also identical in shape to that of the German made 500/1v62 and v63 basses. The neck is 3 piece and identical in shape to a 500/1v63, thin and fast. Of course, as mentioned before the CT has a center block mounted in the body. It runs the length of the body between the top and the back of the bass. The purpose is to add sustain and give it more of a modern sound like that of a solid body instrument. Needless to say, the CT doesn't sound like it's German made 500/1v63 counterpart. These also leave the factory with those same cheap Chinese made roundwound strings found on the Icon-B-Bass. I think the CT bass would appeal to anyone wanting a Hofner violin bass but don't want to or can't afford a German made 500/1, especially at the price point these are selling for. The quality of the build, components and finish are excellent and I think will impress anyone picking one up to play it.
TD
