Höfner 500/15 "Federal" Bass... drop dead gorgeous

[ilan]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152039654176145.1073741899.194324361144&type=3

10 right-handed were made and one left-landed.

[Dave W]

What a beauty!

[Nocturnal]

What a beauty!

Agreed!!!

[Granny Gremlin]

Oh my! 

[drbassman]

So, is this a future model?  What gives?

[Pilgrim]

That sure looks like a Hofner version of the Gretsch 5123....down to the depth of he body and the single cutaway.  The Hofner just lacks a pickup selection switch.

[dadagoboi]

That sure looks like a Hofner version of the Gretsch 5123....down to the depth of he body and the single cutaway.  The Hofner just lacks a pickup selection switch.

To me the main similarity is they're both deep single cutaways.  Pickup shape/location, bridge, knobs, tailpiece, headstock, knob placement, and fretboard inlays all look very different, let alone the "fiddle" neck attachment.  Even the cutaway shapes are different.  There's only so much you can change on an instrument.

[Pilgrim]

Dangit, there you go being all technically correct again.....   

[dadagoboi]

Dangit, there you go being all technically correct again.....   

[Pilgrim]

Howsomever, to be less technical, about the only thing that would make a difference in the sound of the basses is the pickups and their placement.  The rest is essentially cosmetics.

[copacetic]

Knowing Hofner's woods and those pickups, I suspect it might sound a little different than that Gretch.

[Granny Gremlin]

It may be the pic angles or even the colour, but I think I like the cutawayof the Hofner better - seems like it's easier to get in there (and I would).  ... On balance however, due mostly to a better bridge and the neck pickup being closer to the neck, I think I'd prefer the Gretsch (assuming the body size is the same).

[Pilgrim]

Knowing Hofner's woods and those pickups, I suspect it might sound a little different than that Gretch.

I don't doubt it! 

Of course, they're two different basses - but I'll bet "Joe audience member" would seldom be able to tell them apart from visuals. They also both benefit from having a good company's name on them - both Hofner and Gretsch have their own cachet and history.

[Dave W]

So, is this a future model?  What gives?

Based on their reply on Facebook, I'd guess it's just a special run.

[Chris P.]

The lefty was made for Budge McGraw who asked for these specs. I believe only a couple were made and I hope they will make more.