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Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: drbassman on November 18, 2009, 07:11:45 PM

Title: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 18, 2009, 07:11:45 PM
Look what I got!  Should arrive in a few days.  A complete Hofner President body and neck!  Very cool.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/BeEiOQmkKGrHqMOKjkErzFR1ECBK-kWDHNw.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/Be0tneBmkKGrHqUOKisErzizjoH5BK-zB7L.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: chromium on November 18, 2009, 08:50:30 PM
I saw those auctions - glad it ended up in good hands!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: OldManC on November 18, 2009, 09:22:26 PM
Are those from the kits they used to sell? Those parts will finally get to sing now that the good Doctor has gotten a hold of them.  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: PeterB on November 19, 2009, 03:57:38 AM
Very nice score! What are your plans with it?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 19, 2009, 05:41:08 AM
Thanks guys, I feel kinda lucky coming across this.  I don't know if it was from a kit or left overs from a factory.  Either way, the body and neck are complete (I'll glue everything up).  I already have a line on 2 genuine Hofner pups and all the hardware.  They are the staple models, but they'll be fine for this project.  Not that hard to find after all.  The only thing I'll have to make from scratch is the pickguard.

I'll probably hand stain the body a golden amber, may do a sunburst edge, maybe not.  We'll see how it goes.  This one is in line to start along side the Billy Bo and my baritone project.  I'll have 3 going at once.

Here are a couple President examples from the 60's...............

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/bas57a.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/wpresidentbass-blond-toaster-body.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on November 19, 2009, 09:52:59 AM
Musicground in the UK used to advertise that they had lots of "Hofner spares." Some may have been full kits, others were just individual components and parts.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 19, 2009, 10:47:05 AM
Interesting.  Hofner Heaven and North Coast have lots of parts, mostly hardware, no kits.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on November 19, 2009, 03:17:27 PM
Three projects... and I'm struggling to find time for one...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on November 19, 2009, 04:31:35 PM
Three projects... and I'm struggling to find time for one...

You and me both.  I have the EB-0 sitting there waiting for dowels in the neck and another pickup, and my old Lyle hollow-body waiting (three years) for me to mount the pickup and add electronics.

Wait a minute.

I have a chrome soap-bar Gretsch Jr. Jet pickup that I've been planning to install in the Lyle.  But it might match the style of the typical EB-bridge pickup.  I think I'll have a look at that pickup and see whether it might be a fit on that EB-0.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Rhythm N. Bliss on November 19, 2009, 06:09:02 PM
Great score, doc!

How 'bout skipping a pickguard & just put some good heavy clear coat on it?

Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 19, 2009, 06:22:41 PM
Great score, doc!

How 'bout skipping a pickguard & just put some good heavy clear coat on it?



well, I might have 3 going at once, but that keeps me occupied between processes.

I don't know about the pickguard.  I kinda like it on these vintage basses.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on November 19, 2009, 07:48:09 PM
The PG on the pix you showed is a fantastic accent on that bass.  Gotta have it!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on November 19, 2009, 11:14:46 PM
I agree, this one needs a pickguard.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on November 20, 2009, 04:54:27 AM
wOw! That is in very gud hands! Nice(again)Doc.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 20, 2009, 09:33:42 AM
Yeah, I think a pickguard looks cool on these.

I'll post pics when it arrives.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 22, 2009, 11:59:48 AM
Here she is. 

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2740.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2741.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2742.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2743.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2744.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2746.jpg)

Gonna have to build a tongue for the heel plate and a few other things, but she'll be fine.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on November 22, 2009, 01:57:44 PM
Looks in remarkably good shape for older unfinished parts. A couple of rough edges, nothing you can't easily take care of.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: SKATE RAT on November 22, 2009, 05:35:59 PM
what's great is that since it has no holes, you can use any hardware you want. nice score.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 22, 2009, 05:51:54 PM
what's great is that since it has no holes, you can use any hardware you want. nice score.

For sure. I got two Hofner staple pups and I'm keeping the wiring simple with two vols and one tone.  I found a place in the UK with nice repro pickguards too.  This is gonna be fun!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on November 23, 2009, 04:44:57 AM
That is ridiculously cool! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Basvarken on November 23, 2009, 06:02:31 AM
WOW!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 23, 2009, 06:33:27 AM
Thanks guys!  This is the look I'm going for in terms of the hardware.............

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/bas57a.jpg)

This is the color I'll probably shoot for...................

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/wpresidentbass-blond-toaster-body.jpg)

I love the tort pickguard!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Daniel_J on November 23, 2009, 07:56:58 AM
Wow! Great score, Doc!

Gonna have to build a tongue for the heel plate and a few other things, but she'll be fine.

What do you mean by that?

I meant tenon, but tongue came out.  Do you think I should mount the neck without a tenon?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on November 23, 2009, 08:57:20 AM
I am just glad the good doc got ahold of this one.  Putting it together would be far beyond my skills, and those of many home hackers.  But in bill's hands, I'm looking forward to a wonderful result.

There y'go.  There's no heavier burden than great expectations...... :-X
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 23, 2009, 09:42:10 AM
Geez, let's not inflate my ego so much!  I'm still learning as I go here.  This is just another step in the journey!   :)

I am just glad the good doc got ahold of this one.  Putting it together would be far beyond my skills, and those of many home hackers.  But in bill's hands, I'm looking forward to a wonderful result.

There y'go.  There's no heavier burden than great expectations...... :-X
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on November 23, 2009, 10:42:00 AM
Hey man, it's just like when you were a kid and your parents said "You have such great POTENTIAL."

A heavy burden to bear!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on November 23, 2009, 10:54:10 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 23, 2009, 01:33:57 PM
:popcorn:

So much pressure..........I don't know if I can handle it.......... I don't feel so well.........  :puke:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on November 23, 2009, 02:42:56 PM
Probably all that Gatorade...

You should ask your brother for some help... Just met him over at the 2nd string...  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 23, 2009, 03:26:30 PM
Probably all that Gatorade...

You should ask your brother for some help... Just met him over at the 2nd string...  ;)

I'm glad you finally found us!  That's my other brother, Bill.  I'm pretty sure I mentioned the Reranch forum in the past.  Lots of good trade secrets to be learned there............for free!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Daniel_J on November 23, 2009, 08:45:56 PM
Actually, Doc, the heel is the tenon. That's the way Hofner (and violin builders) set their necks to the body.
You just have to rout and carve the neck block so it will be the negative of the heel. You'll definitely need to build a template, but there's always some hand work involve in joints like that.

Hofner is very proud to advertise the fact that their instruments have "hand fitted necks", and they should be because it really involves some experience crafsmanship to get it just right. The chinese made series they offer nowadays have a simple, template driven, dovetail joint.
A quick image search and I found this: http://sbmac.typepad.com/scotts_guitar_blog/images/hofnermontage.jpg

You can clearly see the neck joint. Just rout the neck block the shape of the heel. It's really not all that hard, you just have to think through the process very careful and do some testing on scrap.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 24, 2009, 05:53:43 AM
I see.  Well, having never carved a tenon by hand, this will definitely be a first for me.  Your right about practicing on scraps, I do it all the time now having learned from experience that experience is a great teacher!!!

What about my idea of building the tenon from a separate piece of maple and gluing it into place?  That would give me plenty of opportunity to get it right without screwing up the neck!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 24, 2009, 06:53:30 AM
OK Daniel,
I looked at the neck again and your are right on target.  There is addition wood in the heel to accommodate the carving of the tenon.  So, adding a piece would not really work as the heel would end up too deep and out of proportion.

So, I am considering my first carving, after some practice on scrap.  I probably will do a straight tenon rather than dovetail just to keep my nerves in check.  I am not a woodcarver at all, so this is going to be a significant challenge as it is!  I have a friend who builds hollow body archtops with straight tenons and I think I can handle that as a first experience. 

Now to decide how deep the tenon should be.  The neck block isn't too deep, so I assume I shouldn't go into it more than 60% or so.  Make sense?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on November 24, 2009, 09:42:28 AM
You should do a pictorial on this.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 24, 2009, 12:15:23 PM
You should do a pictorial on this.

I'll do that, starting with the carving and gluing.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Daniel_J on November 24, 2009, 08:32:13 PM
Checking the picture of the Hofner you posted I can see the neck to body joint is between the 16th and 17th fret.
You can do the same to determine how deep the tenon should be.

You should be fine with a straight tenon, but I think it would be less work to do like Hofner and keep the neck as it is and carve the neck block acording to the shape of the heel.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 25, 2009, 05:20:42 AM
Checking the picture of the Hofner you posted I can see the neck to body joint is between the 16th and 17th fret.
You can do the same to determine how deep the tenon should be.

You should be fine with a straight tenon, but I think it would be less work to do like Hofner and keep the neck as it is and carve the neck block acording to the shape of the heel.

Yeah, you're probably right.  Now I have to give myself carving lessons!  Any suggestions how I should start?  I may not even have the proper tools, I'm entering into the twiloght zone here............. :o
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Daniel_J on November 25, 2009, 08:07:12 AM
You can start by building a template and use the router on some scrap and see how it goes. The tricky part would be to attach the template to the body correctly so the neck be aligned to the center line and get the right amount of space to align the fretboard to the bridge height.

When I do set-necks with Gibson style tenon and mortise joints I always set my template so I can rout a very tight joint. Then I use a sharp chisel to do some fine tunning, usually in the tenon.

You can ask your friend to show you how he does the neck joints in his archtops so you can have an idea about the process and see how you can approach it.

I wish I had pictures to show you how I've done it in some of my projects, but I don't have the habit to take pictures while working. I was planing to take pictures of one of my project so I could post a kind of a step-by-step pictorial here, but I lost my camera, so that's gonna have to wait.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 25, 2009, 09:16:14 AM
I sure wish I could have routed the tenon in before the tongue and fret board was glued on!  Oh well, we'll see.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Basshappi on November 25, 2009, 03:25:28 PM
Thanks guys!  This is the look I'm going for in terms of the hardware.............

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/bas57a.jpg)

This is the color I'll probably shoot for...................

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/wpresidentbass-blond-toaster-body.jpg)

I love the tort pickguard!

I don't know Doc, that two-color burst is perty dern awesome (especially with that pearloid pg)! :D
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on November 25, 2009, 06:39:41 PM
I like the pearloid better, but then I'm fond of bright, shiny objects.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 27, 2009, 06:12:58 PM
I like the pearloid better, but then I'm fond of bright, shiny objects.

Me too, but I'm very found of tort for it's old vintage look.  We'll see when the time comes..........
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on November 30, 2009, 07:40:01 AM
OK, now we start.  The first order of business is to fix a piece of the tiger maple veneer that chipped off over the years.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2747.jpg)

First, I cleaned it out with a scraper and will level it with a file.  I have some veneer that is a close match and being under the neck heel, it will hardly be noticeable.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2748.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2749.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on February 28, 2010, 11:11:19 AM
Finally had some time to get into the shop!  I gluded the top on a couple weeks ago using my spool clamps.  They worked great!  Here's what I did............

Decided to do a Taylor style bolt on neck, so I drill the block and neck together and installed screws with epoxy.  Fits really nice.  I might countersink the neck heel just a mm or so into the side, but right now it looks good sitting on the top of the side.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2917.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2918.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2919.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2922.jpg)


I also routed the top for my binding.  Used the cheapo SM router tool for archtops.  Technique is important, but it does work for a mere $40.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2923.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2924.jpg)

More in the next post!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on February 28, 2010, 11:32:43 AM
I have a small problem with the top of my Hofner.  It had some paper tape over the middle seam that has been on there for probably 40 years.  And, you guessed it, when I removed the tape, the wood had aged more on the edges and not at all under the tape.....

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2925.jpg)

I had to soak it with water for quite a while and it was a bear to remove.  Ended up sanding off the last little bit.  So, I got my bleaching kit out and bleached the top, hoping for some lightening of the untaped areas.  We'll see how it goes.

Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on February 28, 2010, 11:35:28 AM
Here's the rest of what I did today..................

Traced and cut the maple back on my bandsaw.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2926.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2927.jpg)

Then contoured the neck heel..............

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2928.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2931.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: OldManC on February 28, 2010, 01:57:40 PM
Lookin' good! If the more aged area stays darker at least it's a stripe down the middle. It almost looks like it was supposed to be that way. I didn't know Taylor did their necks that way. Seems like it would be easier to line it up again if it ever needed it (rather than a reset involving a glued in neck).

I can't wait to see what's next!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on February 28, 2010, 05:57:46 PM
About time you got to work again!

The fit of the neck joint came out very nice.

Not sure about the seam, looks like unintentional discoloration to me.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on February 28, 2010, 06:13:25 PM
Someone's been a busy boy...

Still too damp here for a start on mine...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 05:32:17 AM
Lookin' good! If the more aged area stays darker at least it's a stripe down the middle. It almost looks like it was supposed to be that way. I didn't know Taylor did their necks that way. Seems like it would be easier to line it up again if it ever needed it (rather than a reset involving a glued in neck).

I can't wait to see what's next!

Yeah, that stripe is better now that the bleach has had some time to work on it.  It still shows but not as much.  I'll post a pic when I have time.

I actually saw some pictures of the Taylor neck set up, really cool.  The only problem I now have with this is I just realized last night that the original Hofner pups I have are top mounted, so if I ever had to remove the neck, I don't have a hole in the top for access to the nuts!!!  So, I'm thinking this over before I commit finally to the bolt on idea.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 05:33:32 AM
About time you got to work again!

The fit of the neck joint came out very nice.

Not sure about the seam, looks like unintentional discoloration to me.

Yeah, all the recent family stuff has kept me out of the shop!

Yep, the discoloration was unintended, now I get to deal with it!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 05:34:38 AM
Someone's been a busy boy...

Still too damp here for a start on mine...

I hear ya Kenny.  It's too cold here to paint, dampness is rarely a problem in our part of the country.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: godofthunder on March 01, 2010, 05:36:21 AM
I was wondering about access to those bolts ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on March 01, 2010, 09:45:28 AM
Yeah, me too.  Even if you use nylock nuts the wood is still going to expand and contract and they might need a tweak.

Excellent work BTW! 

Have you thought of a bit of amber shellac in the center, lighter, area?  I little air brush down the middle and then a quick coat on the entire top might even it out a bit.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on March 01, 2010, 10:04:31 AM
I was wondering about access to those bolts ;)

As was I.  Dang!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 10:38:05 AM
I was wondering about access to those bolts ;)

This is what happens when you build something new and don't see all of the elements in advance.  I've been collecting parts from all over the place and I just didn't realize that the pups are surface mounted.  Even if I routed out a small area under the neck pup, I don't hink it would be large enough to get a wrench in there.

So, I've got some nice hard maple in the shop and I'll just make a tenon and glue it on later this week.  No big deal!  It's always something!

At least I found some nice wiring diagrams at the Hofner forum.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 10:40:42 AM

Have you thought of a bit of amber shellac in the center, lighter, area?  I little air brush down the middle and then a quick coat on the entire top might even it out a bit.

Actually, I was thinking of mixing up some "golden honey"  (my concept of what I want on this bass) stain and just applying it a couple times on the center section to darken it up first and go lighter on each side of it.  Don't have any shellac.  This bass will probably get a Danish oil finish so it looks its age when finished.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 01, 2010, 10:41:21 AM
As was I.  Dang!

You mean "damn!"   ;D
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on March 01, 2010, 02:53:06 PM
Actually, I was thinking of mixing up some "golden honey"  (my concept of what I want on this bass) stain and just applying it a couple times on the center section to darken it up first and go lighter on each side of it.  Don't have any shellac.  This bass will probably get a Danish oil finish so it looks its age when finished.

Shellac is easy to mix and use and it's very forgiving.  Not to mention it's universal to all other finishes.  Personally, I think this one begs for a nitro finish.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on March 01, 2010, 03:01:33 PM
Damn!  We're in a tight spot!

(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/tightspot.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 02, 2010, 05:30:41 AM
Shellac is easy to mix and use and it's very forgiving.  Not to mention it's universal to all other finishes.  Personally, I think this one begs for a nitro finish.

OK, you've got me thinking about it.  I'll have to read up on it.  Never used it before...........
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on March 02, 2010, 09:59:16 AM
Zinsser SealCoat. 100% dewaxed shellac in a premixed 2 lb. cut.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 02, 2010, 01:33:33 PM
Zinsser SealCoat. 100% dewaxed shellac in a premixed 2 lb. cut.

OK, it's worth a look.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on March 02, 2010, 08:27:47 PM
I've used Zinser before but is it a blonde shellac, garnet?  I was thinking that an amber shade might look nice.  Doc, read up, there's all kinds of shellac (colors) to be had - most of it you can buy dry and mix it up fresh.  I like it because it's great sealer and it easy to work with - just not durable on it's own.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on March 02, 2010, 10:54:23 PM
I've used Zinser before but is it a blonde shellac, garnet?  I was thinking that an amber shade might look nice.  Doc, read up, there's all kinds of shellac (colors) to be had - most of it you can buy dry and mix it up fresh.  I like it because it's great sealer and it easy to work with - just not durable on it's own.

Sealcoat is definitely not like the other Zinsser shellacs, which aren't dewaxed. It's clear. It works as advertised, and you don't have to fool around with mixing up your own. It's guaranteed fresh and guaranteed to dry to a hard film for 3 years after the manufacture date. It can be tinted. And it can be used under any finish.

OTOH it's a seal coat, as the name says. if you want to french polish or to have an amber or garnet shellac as a final finish, then you can often get better results mixing your own. The premixed regular (non-dewaxed) Zinsser shellacs have a much shorter shelf life.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 03, 2010, 05:29:55 AM
OK, all of this shellac stuff sounds interesting, but why can't I just stain the wood like I usually do?  Spruce doesn't need a fill coat.  What would be the advantage of the shellac?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on March 03, 2010, 11:30:44 AM
I think he brought shellac up as an undercoat for nitro. It's not meant as a filler. It's not a substitute for stain unless you're deliberately using an amber or garnet shellac as a colorant.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on March 03, 2010, 05:27:04 PM
For a colorant mainly - it will impart a nice hue and it makes a great base coat for anything else.  My thought was that it would be good way to correct your tape stripe and give it nice color to boot. 
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 03, 2010, 05:44:58 PM
For a colorant mainly - it will impart a nice hue and it makes a great base coat for anything else.  My thought was that it would be good way to correct your tape stripe and give it nice color to boot. 

I see!  I usually use S&S under nitro and stain directly on the wood.  I'll have to read up on this some more before I can figure out which way to go.  I have some scraps from the top to practice on.........
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 06, 2010, 10:32:02 AM
Top's on today................

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2932.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on March 06, 2010, 11:01:59 AM
May I assume you are gluing the neck on? :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 06, 2010, 01:10:49 PM
May I assume you are gluing the neck on? :mrgreen:

Yep, I installed a tenon on the neck and it will be ready tomorrow with the top.  Might even get the heel pocket routed if I'm lucky!  
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on March 07, 2010, 05:45:42 AM
That's a whole lotta wing-nuts...  :o (that project worked then... ;))
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 07, 2010, 09:55:30 AM
That's a whole lotta wing-nuts...  :o (that project worked then... ;))

Yep!  Got a bag of 100, still have 50 left over!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Daniel_J on March 07, 2010, 11:40:26 AM
That's a great shot! Really nice spool clamps you've got there, Doc!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 07, 2010, 05:47:57 PM
That's a great shot! Really nice spool clamps you've got there, Doc!

Thanks Daniel.  I've used them a couple times already.  They sure are helpful!!!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Denis on March 08, 2010, 05:46:03 AM
Wow, you're doing nice work: that's going to be a beauty when it's done. Those clamps are brilliant!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 08, 2010, 08:35:31 AM
Wow, you're doing nice work: that's going to be a beauty when it's done. Those clamps are brilliant!

Thanks Denis.  I sure hope it turns out well!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on March 21, 2010, 07:05:37 PM
I had to rig up a template on top of the body to rout for the neck tenon.  So far, so good.............

The side was curved, so I had to use a wedge to level things up.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2965.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2966.jpg)

Checked it half way for fit, and so far, so good.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2968.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 14, 2010, 07:40:58 PM
Got the heel joint routed and I'm working on trimming the tenon to size.......  also all routed for the WBW binding.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2990.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2991.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2992.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on April 15, 2010, 03:26:46 AM
Coming along nicely...  8)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 15, 2010, 06:03:55 AM
Coming along nicely...  8)

I'll be gluing the neck on soon after I do the binding!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: ramone57 on April 15, 2010, 07:25:07 AM
I like the triple dot inlays.   did you add the outside ones?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 15, 2010, 10:19:19 AM
I like the triple dot inlays.   did you add the outside ones?

Nope, it came that way from the factory.  I like them too.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 15, 2010, 10:28:48 AM
Picked up a repro guard and genuine Hofner control panel.  Got the top binding on too.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2995.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2996.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_2999.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on April 15, 2010, 11:09:39 AM
that is gonna be beautiful.nice job on the binding. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on April 15, 2010, 01:03:33 PM
A*
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 15, 2010, 01:21:09 PM
Thanks guys!  I hate binding, I still have to work on my technique.  I always have one or two spots where a 1/4" section isn't glued down all the way.  Really pisses me off!!!!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on April 15, 2010, 02:50:34 PM
Don't envy you that one little bit, Bill...  :P ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on April 15, 2010, 05:43:23 PM
I do ! :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 15, 2010, 06:15:10 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: birdie on April 15, 2010, 10:17:28 PM
Binding can truly be a bitch.. Everything you are doing looks great. Congrats!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on April 18, 2010, 03:07:34 PM
Thanks, I can't wait to do the back binding.   :P
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 05, 2010, 05:20:59 AM
Binding is installed.  Now on to the neck install...........

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3053.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Basshappi on May 05, 2010, 12:36:22 PM
Lovin' it!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 05, 2010, 02:39:21 PM
Very nice... :popcorn:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 05, 2010, 03:34:23 PM
Lovin' it!

Yep, I was able to match the f-hole binding really well.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 15, 2010, 06:07:25 AM
Glued the neck on this morning...............

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3057.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 15, 2010, 08:17:37 AM
Looking good, Bill... any decision on the fin yet...?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: eb2 on May 15, 2010, 08:27:52 AM
This is wonderful. I haven't even looked here before this morning.  Per usual, nice work.  It may be unusual, but this might look nice in a Framus-style Black to cherry red burst.  Or natural.  Or regular tobacco burst.  It just looks nice already.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 15, 2010, 09:39:08 AM
I'm still thinking about the fin too.  I can't decide.  I'm seriously considering a medium amber tint to make it look like an aged natural finish.  How's that sound?

The black-cherry burst is a cool finish.  It might look good on this.  I saw one just yesterday on the Hofner forum and it wasn't bad.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 15, 2010, 10:40:21 AM
I know you have that "Very-Cherry" issue...  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Dave W on May 15, 2010, 10:43:28 AM
Good to see you're moving along again.

I vote for medium amber.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 15, 2010, 11:38:31 AM
Very nice!

How has the stripe in the top done?  Has it aged in any?

I vote for amber with a very muted burst, or darkening, to the sides.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 15, 2010, 03:29:58 PM
Very nice!

How has the stripe in the top done?  Has it aged in any?

I vote for amber with a very muted burst, or darkening, to the sides.

I like the muted amber burst idea.  Here's the red burst I was talking about.............

(http://zorki.se/hofnar_bass/IMG_2823.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 15, 2010, 03:53:23 PM
I like the red as well, kind of unusual for a Hofner.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2010, 05:49:19 AM
Yeah, I'd love to duplicate that amber burst look of an old Hofner.  We'll see!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 16, 2010, 09:11:52 AM
Go with the gut, Bill... go with the gut...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2010, 10:11:47 AM
Very nice!

How has the stripe in the top done?  Has it aged in any?

The stripe is still visible, but not too bad.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 16, 2010, 02:14:52 PM
Have you tried giving her a bit of sun?  No joke - some old fashioned UV exposure might even it out some.  Maybe make shield out of cardboard to mask the areas outside of the tape line. 

I set cherry projects out in the sun to advance natural darkening - cherry reacts strongly to UV but other woods react as well.  Just a thought ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 16, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
So I should expose just the lighter stripe to darken it up?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 16, 2010, 08:06:57 PM
In theory, yes.  If I remember correctly the top is spruce?  I'm not sure how spruce reacts with UV but maple is another wood that ambers or darkens with age.  You for sure don't want it to get hot, the old glue would liley give up the ship :o, but it may be worth a shot.  It would be easy enough to mask off the area out side of the strip give it some sun.

Stupid question, but I'll ask anyway, have you sanded the top any at all?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: PeterB on May 17, 2010, 02:58:12 AM
Beautiful piece of work, Doc! Love the binding, and my vote is for Amber  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 17, 2010, 03:49:05 AM
In theory, yes.  If I remember correctly the top is spruce?  I'm not sure how spruce reacts with UV but maple is another wood that ambers or darkens with age.  You for sure don't want it to get hot, the old glue would liley give up the ship :o, but it may be worth a shot.  It would be easy enough to mask off the area out side of the strip give it some sun.

Stupid question, but I'll ask anyway, have you sanded the top any at all?

Sounds good, I can try that.  I don't have anything to lose at this point.  I did sand, but I can't do any more of that.  The spruce is so old and dry, it's starting to flake off!  I've never seen this before, but evidently spruce can dry out pretty good over time and literally start to come apart, layer by layer.  So the next thing I've gotta do is get some S&S on it to hold things together.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 17, 2010, 06:58:37 AM
Might you need to feed that wood first, then..? (lube-job)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 17, 2010, 07:22:15 AM
Might you need to feed that wood first, then..? (lube-job)

I suppose I could oil it a bit.  Tung oil maybe?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 17, 2010, 08:12:42 PM
I suppose I could oil it a bit.  Tung oil maybe?

I think that a coat or two of fresh shellac would serve the purpose well - very thin, forgiving, dries uber fast (sorry too lazy to find the foriegn punctuation) and is compatable with any other finish.  Amber or buttonlac will give you a natural amber color as well.  Plus it's a traditional finish.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 18, 2010, 09:47:42 AM
I think that a coat or two of fresh shellac would serve the purpose well - very thin, forgiving, dries uber fast (sorry too lazy to find the foriegn punctuation) and is compatable with any other finish.  Amber or buttonlac will give you a natural amber color as well.  Plus it's a traditional finish.

I might try that!  I also am going to expose the white stripe down the middle to some sun for aging purposes.  I left a piece of flame maple out in the barn a week or so ago and the sun has aged/darkened it amazingly!  It really does work!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 26, 2010, 05:14:23 AM
Here she is taking a sun bath.  I'm exposing her to some UV rays for a week or two to try and darken the light stripe in the middle.  It might work, we'll see.  All the binding is finished and the neck is glued on.  Next, we'll drill and pre-mount the hardware before finishing!

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3058.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 26, 2010, 11:44:40 AM
Bill... cover that exposed shoulder to maintain the effect, or you might end up with other problems...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 26, 2010, 11:50:46 AM
Opps, I didn't notice her strap was slipping......... :P
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 26, 2010, 12:03:54 PM
(csojdgswnis srewrtdvin kehuanny)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 26, 2010, 12:04:57 PM
hold that thought, what I was trying to say was that I spurted coffee all over the keyboard and it was typing oddly...  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on May 26, 2010, 04:57:21 PM
I learned the hard way that that even the blue tape can bugger up delicate surfaces >:(  For delicate stuff I've found that the green tape is even better.  That and it's worth it to spend the extra buck and to get the Scotch brand tape :P

Hope my suggestion works out and that it's not a Pig in a poke!  ( Kenny, let me know if you need translation - although your better half should be able to translate ;) )
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2010, 08:14:47 AM
(csojdgswnis srewrtdvin kehuanny)

Opps, sorry Kenny!  Every now and then my brain unleashes something humorous!  Surprises me too!   ;D
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on May 27, 2010, 10:11:48 AM
(csojdgswnis srewrtdvin kehuanny)

May I quote you?  ;D

It's the most profound thought shared that day.... :P
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on May 27, 2010, 10:53:48 AM
quote me anytime you like, Al... probably the most sense I've made in years...  ;D

I think I had the Polish key on...

Buzz... Pig in a poke...? something to do with the name of Sting's old band...?  :P
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2010, 01:18:00 PM

Buzz... Pig in a poke...? something to do with the name of Sting's old band...?  :P

Buying something without seeing it first!  Don't ask me where it came from!!!!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: OldManC on May 27, 2010, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Wikipedia
Pig-in-a-poke is an idiom that refers to a confidence trick originating in the Late Middle Ages, when meat was scarce but cats were not.

The scheme entailed the sale of a suckling pig in a poke (bag). The wriggling bag would actually contain a cat (not particularly prized as a source of meat) that was sold to the victim in an unopened bag. The French term acheter (un) chat en poche (to buy a cat in a bag) refers to an actual sale of this nature, as do many European equivalents, while the English expression refers to the appearance of the trick.

Also see: "Don't let the cat out of the bag!"

Slight word nerd here. :)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on May 27, 2010, 01:50:27 PM
Makes sense George!  Guess I should have checked Wiki!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on June 06, 2010, 08:30:17 AM
I'm curious, how's the suntan coming along or is it not?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 07, 2010, 02:24:00 PM
I'm curious, how's the suntan coming along or is it not?

Just OK.  It darkened up some of the surrounding area where the sun leaked under the newspaper and didn't change the light stripe as much as I'd like.  I'm thinking about making adjustments when I stain or paint and not worry about it too much.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on June 08, 2010, 07:46:33 PM
Bummer, sorry it didn't get it to where it needed to be :sad:  But, now you can justify the purchase of an airbrush to blend the area properly!

Nothing that a new tool purchase can't fix ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 09, 2010, 04:17:14 AM
Bummer, sorry it didn't get it to where it needed to be :sad:  But, now you can justify the purchase of an airbrush to blend the area properly!

Nothing that a new tool purchase can't fix ;)

I like the way you think.  There's always room for a new tool.  I might put it out again and do the entire top.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on June 09, 2010, 09:56:02 AM
Hmm... more tools for the shed... err... best not wander that path at the moment... I'm in enough deep brown stuff as it is... ;D
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 09, 2010, 10:06:46 AM
Hmm... more tools for the shed... err... best not wander that path at the moment... I'm in enough deep brown stuff as it is... ;D

My wife says yes to most of my tool purchases because she knows they'll keep me out of trouble when I retire!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on June 09, 2010, 10:22:47 AM
You know the old statement that one is to many, and a packet is just not enough...

A work buddy loaned me the first of the Battlestar Gallactica DVDs last week as I'd seen none of them - now I'm looking at getting the rest...

When I first heard Jessica I decided I wanted to get some stuff by that band, but I could not remember exactly what the the name of the song was, nor the exact name of the band... so off I toodle to the second hand shops a couple of days later and came home with all six (Stampede had just been released that week) of the Doobie Brother Band LP's, played them all, and was left scratching my head wondering why it wasn't on any of them... did play Clear As The Driven Snow  and I Cheat The Hangman to death, not to mention several others - Tiran Porter another wonderful EB player...

I enjoy food shopping... I usually cause the bill to increase by at least 50%

Now do you get the picture as to why my wife consders it unsafe to let me near shops... ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 09, 2010, 12:07:04 PM
I hear ya!  You need some shopping therapy!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on June 10, 2010, 12:04:20 PM
Still haven't got Jessica on CD...  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on June 10, 2010, 04:04:28 PM
I like the way you think.  There's always room for a new tool.  I might put it out again and do the entire top.

Doc, most every major tool I have in my shop I got because I had to have it to complete a project!  Table was kitchen cabinets back in '94, the bandsaw was my daughter's bedroom furniture in '96, got a tasty mortiser for the hall settle in in '99 - you get the picture, right? ;)  Just last month I got a sweet little Ryobi thickness planer to complete the library!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on June 11, 2010, 09:09:31 AM
We still don't have a jealousy emoticon... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on June 11, 2010, 04:23:40 PM
Don't be jealous - once I get the tool I have to produce the promised item or it's next to impossible to get the next one :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 11, 2010, 06:35:15 PM
Don't be jealous - once I get the tool I have to produce the promised item or it's next to impossible to get the next one :rolleyes:

Works the same way at my house!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on June 12, 2010, 08:38:08 AM
No different here, just there is nothing I can think of that would equate to essentials... (married to a book-keeper... :o)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Lightyear on June 12, 2010, 11:40:54 AM
... (married to a book-keeper... :o)

Married to Librarian ;D  She just nit picks different things  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 12, 2010, 12:34:51 PM
I'm married to a speech therapist!  Their most memorable line is "That was good, now let's do it again!"  Repetition is the mark of their profession.  So, I just keep complying!  So far, she's happy!   8)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: OldManC on June 12, 2010, 01:09:36 PM
So, I just keep complying!  So far, she's happy!   8)

You dog!  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on June 12, 2010, 05:33:56 PM
You dog!  ;)

Wuff, wuff!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 11, 2010, 07:18:11 AM
Remember this guy?  Well, I finally got around to cutting the control hole.  Genuine Hofner tuners are winging their way over from Germany and when they arrive, I'll drill those holes and the pup holes and start S&S.  Finally!!!!!!!!!  :P

Funny thing about this bass.  After gluing it all up, I noticed the bottom of the fret board looked a little warped.  When I looked at it seriously, I discovered there is a slight imperfection (hump) in the curve of the top, near the heel of the neck.  Oh well, it's nothing too drastic and I can't do anything about a laminate top anyway, so we'll make up for it when I mount the neck pup and adjust accordingly.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3412.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3413.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3414.jpg)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on September 11, 2010, 10:25:25 AM
Bill who...?

I can't remember now without a trawl back... was there a definitive decision (from SWMBO ;D) about the final choice of fin...?

Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 11, 2010, 11:46:09 AM
I'm thinking natural aged amber look...............maybe with a very light cherry edge?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on September 11, 2010, 01:54:00 PM
The cherry lurking in your soul creeping out from the covers...  ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 11, 2010, 06:33:09 PM
The cherry lurking in your soul creeping out from the covers...  ;)

I just can't help myself!  What is it about red guitars? 
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on September 12, 2010, 07:55:12 AM
The Lady In Red...? or is it Scarlet O'Hara... ;)

(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfdMJhKR8zsVs2JHin-OKuMTpJL5Hjw0nGFbdQWIF3d_sbX-Q&t=1&usg=__NNnoK7rOpjOWZprlUJ-hzYzWvkc=)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 12, 2010, 10:00:26 AM
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh.....Scarlet!

To be honest (this is not lie), my first 8 or 9 basses were all red.  As they began to pile up around the house, I realized my wife couldn't tell one from another!  So, whenever I wanted a new bass, I just bought a red one!   ;)  Finally, after a couple years she looked at one I was playing and said, "I don't remember seeing that one before."  Man I was busted.  Then she told me she knew what was up at around bass number 5 or so.  I guess I didn't expect her to count them for cryin' out loud!   In the end, she's been wonderful about my obsession with basses. A real gem for sure. 
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: exiledarchangel on September 12, 2010, 11:39:51 AM
I can feel you. My wife is ok with my strange habit, but ofcourse I'm ok with hers (scrapbooking stuff).
I don't ask much questions, neither does she.  We're both happy. ;)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 12, 2010, 02:50:13 PM
I discovered the more I let her know about what I'm doing, the more supportive she is.  Who knew that could happen!!?!?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on September 12, 2010, 04:23:07 PM
I just posted in the Outpost Cafe about too many basses - I'm starting to get resistance from my wife.  Once my new band starts gigging for pay, I think using the income to pay for equipment will be no problem...but it does bother me a bit to have more basses than I can really play.
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 13, 2010, 02:46:03 AM
My wife has been very accepting for two reasons.  Many of my basses are collectibles and will increase with value.  She understands investments and appreciates that fact.  As for the building, she knows I can make that pay for itself and make a few bucks for fun too.  So, it's all working out to my advantage!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: shadowcastaz on September 23, 2010, 12:43:04 PM
I did the same thing with fly rods  'til one day she said "boy u sure do have a lot of fishing rods...." now it onward & upward with bass's(sp)! I figured my next obsession will be  clamps.
I wondered what happened to the Hofner project. It reminds me of a semi hollow Guild  body that lurks in the bowels of my celler.Not the starfire or the  sb 302 either)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: jumbodbassman on September 23, 2010, 02:26:37 PM
married to a professional shopper.  So I am ok most of the time although the basement is totally filled with MY stuff so she gives me grief about that...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Highlander on September 23, 2010, 02:50:13 PM
Can I plead the 5th from the UK...? I am married to an American...
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: exiledarchangel on September 23, 2010, 11:56:10 PM
I wondered what happened to the Hofner project.

Wait, are you saying there was a Hofner project in this topic? :P
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 24, 2010, 04:33:43 AM
I did the same thing with fly rods  'til one day she said "boy u sure do have a lot of fishing rods...." now it onward & upward with bass's(sp)! I figured my next obsession will be  clamps.
I wondered what happened to the Hofner project. It reminds me of a semi hollow Guild  body that lurks in the bowels of my celler.Not the starfire or the  sb 302 either)

Hey, I gotta Guild body in my basement too that I haven't touched!  Nothing wrong with a "clamp obsession!"  At least they're functional!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 24, 2010, 04:35:40 AM
Can I plead the 5th from the UK...? I am married to an American...

Oh yeah, you lucky dog............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB7-oS0SDxY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB7-oS0SDxY)
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on September 24, 2010, 04:36:21 AM
Wait, are you saying there was a Hofner project in this topic? :P

Yep, if you dig deep enough!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on October 04, 2010, 04:59:35 AM
Actually had a few minutes to tinker this weekend and solve a problem I had with the Hofner.  Because it's actually a Hofner bass neck, but the body is from a Committee guitar, I had some issues with clearance on the top.  The arch on the top is very high and really was meant for a non-electric guitar.  So, I had to counter sink the pups.  Got the router out, made a template, cut my holes and installed some brackets inside.  Turned out great!  Next, I'll drill the tuner holes and put it on the S&S pile.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3478.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/Hofner%20President/100_3479.jpg)

Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: Pilgrim on October 04, 2010, 09:20:52 AM
Those pickups are pretty darn close together!

You surely had a reason for using two r/than one.....?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: birdie on October 04, 2010, 10:52:28 AM
That is looking soo good. Can't wait to hear it. What strings?
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on October 04, 2010, 12:30:42 PM
Those pickups are pretty darn close together!

You surely had a reason for using two r/than one.....?

Yep, I was thinking Allen Woody but moved down form the neck a bit.  I've got plenty of thumpy basses already.  Also, the control panel has capacity for 2, so I decided what the hell!
Title: Re: Hofner score
Post by: drbassman on October 04, 2010, 12:33:04 PM
That is looking soo good. Can't wait to hear it. What strings?

I'll use my favorites, TI flat wounds.