DM's Beatles forums
Other music forums => Musician's Corner => Topic started by: nimrod on June 17, 2013, 11:44:16 PM
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here ya go mate ;D
(he has a new Hofner Bass, lucky man)
Paul McCartney teaches bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obFcsEtFIKA#)
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I wonder if he gives private lessons. ;D
It will get here on Wednesday, Kev. I'm looking forward to its arrival!
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This song sounds familiar. ;)
Hello Goodbye -The Beatles Bass Cover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hk5mTKTHGY#)
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Paul on the upright bass...
Heartbreak Hotel
Paul McCartney on the Upright Bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uzC5KC_260#)
(http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/img/elvis/50s/56/elvis_new_frontier_hotel_las_vegas_1956.jpg)
(http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/img/elvis/50s/56/elvis_new_frontier_hotel_april_1956a.jpg)
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It arrived today!
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2wd5xk0.jpg)
Hofner 500/1 Vintage '62
;D
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It's a wonderful guitar, Kev!
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It's a wonderful guitar, Kev!
Looks lovely mate, good on you for a great choice ;D
It has the zero fret I see
is it fitted with wirewound strings or flats ?
Paul always used flats, if you have flats they never need changing
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Thanks, Kev. It's got flats. I'm waiting on the amp.
Meanwhile, I'm learning this...
Got To Get You Into My Life -The Beatles (Bass Cover) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AsgKa882q0#)
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The flash made my guitar look kind of red sunburst. It's really antique brown sunburst like the Hofner in these videos (and yours).
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dont forget Barry that you can use the mogg files, just remove Pauls bass and do your own ;)
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I don't think the world is ready for me yet, Kev. ;D
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Come Together is a good one to learn Baz
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It arrived today!
([url]http://i40.tinypic.com/2wd5xk0.jpg[/url])
Hofner 500/1 Vintage '62
;D
Wow!!!
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Wow!!!
Right, Kelley. I love this guitar!
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Come Together is a good one to learn Baz
Kev, it looks like I'm gonna have to go chronologically with Beatles songs. In a way a lot like Paul did as he transitioned from 6-string guitar to bass.
I've been working on this...
Love Me Do - The Beatles - Bass Cover (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD3TXys8JdE#)
I already knew some of the bass string arpeggios for this song which I added playing my Country Gent. The spacing of the strings, their action, and fretting are so comfortable on the Hofner. I should have done this years ago!
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The Beatles - Love Me Do (HD) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds3mAmUPxYA#ws)
;)
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The Hofner is more suited to a guitarist Baz because it has a short scale, whereas the Rick & Fender basses have a long scale ie the frets are wider apart because the neck is longer
Bill Wyman always played short scale basses because he had small hands and short fingers
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I noticed the difference when I tried out both the Hofner and the Ric, Kev. The Hofner neck and fret spacing was a bit more comfortable for me. The difference in neck lengths is pretty substantial; 30 inches for the Hofner and 33 1/4 inches for the Ric. I preferred the tone of the Hofner also. I'm happy with my choice.
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I guessed you'd choose the Hofner the tone is lovely, very 'woody'..........Ive always wondered if you removed the frets whether it would sound very much like a double bass
Its also very light, the only drawbacks I can think of is the tuners are a bit weak and it does go out of tune more than a Fender or Rick (the humidity and temperature affect it more as its not as solid), also its not balanced so unless you tie a strap to the machine head (like Paul used to do) you get some 'neck dive' as you stand on stage, so you have to keep your left hand supporting the neck.
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(http://i43.tinypic.com/kdlsub.jpg)
They held true to the original, Kev.
I sit when I play guitar and never bother with straps. But I can see why it would be necessary to tie the strap to the head with the Hofner if you were to play it while standing.
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I guessed you'd choose the Hofner the tone is lovely, very 'woody'..........Ive always wondered if you removed the frets whether it would sound very much like a double bass
Its also very light, the only drawbacks I can think of is the tuners are a bit weak and it does go out of tune more than a Fender or Rick (the humidity and temperature affect it more as its not as solid), also its not balanced so unless you tie a strap to the machine head (like Paul used to do) you get some 'neck dive' as you stand on stage, so you have to keep your left hand supporting the neck.
Hi guys.
When did Paul used to tie his strap to the machine heads? I couldn't find a pic of this when I did a Google search.
I saw a reference to the fact that he had strap buttons fitted to his Hofner, and before that he had a dog-clip strap which he clipped to the tailpiece end of the guitar, with the other end tied under the neck.
To be honest, I had never really considered how the strap fitted on the Hofner before reading the post above (never having played one!) so I'm sure you will be able to fill me in.
And what is the "zero fret"?
Sorry for my ignorance ;D
Pete
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The strap button on a hofner is where the neck joins the body, Paul used to use a longer strap and tie it round the machine head, thereby eliminating the 'neck dive' you can see it in this pic.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODAwWDU5Mg==/z/XZ8AAMXQDrJR0x60/$(KGrHqZ,!n4FGvVnorBRBR0)60N9Tg~~60_12.JPG)
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Right. He did that very early on...
(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.08.19%20aintree%20institute/2.jpg)
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And what is the "zero fret"?
google was invented for things like this Peter ;D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_fret (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_fret)
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(http://i40.tinypic.com/35i4qxl.jpg)
Peter, here's the zero fret on my Hofner. It holds the strings the proper distance above the other frets on the neck. The nut (white with a black stripe) provides the correct spacing of the strings.
On many guitars there is only a nut. My Gretsch Country Gentleman has a zero fret too.
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(http://i44.tinypic.com/692xzo.jpg)
Kev, my guitar was built last year. It's got decals like this on the headstock.
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Right. He did that very early on...
([url]http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.08.19%20aintree%20institute/2.jpg[/url])
The Beatles were coolest when they looked like that!
(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.12.08b%20cavern/04.jpg)
(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.12.08b%20cavern/01.jpg)
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This guy would soon change all that...
(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.xx.00%20tower/tower2c.jpg)
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they were probably happiest too Baz
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I think so too, Kev.
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Not so cool...
(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1963/63.02.17%20tedding/03.jpg)
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Not cool at all...
(http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Beatles-in-collarless-Nehru-Jackets.jpg)
(http://www.theislandwiki.org/images/2/22/Beatles1963Aug.jpg)
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Barry
Re learning bass, you should start with a walking bass line, to get your fingers trained
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I've been doing scales, Kev. It's back to basics again.
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google was invented for things like this Peter ;D
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_fret[/url] ([url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_fret[/url])
Well, you learn something new every day! I have been playing guitar for 35 years or so and had never heard of a zero fret until now!
So, do Hofner make basses with and without the zero fret?
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Right. He did that very early on...
([url]http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.08.19%20aintree%20institute/2.jpg[/url])
See - I knew you guys would come up with the goods ;D
In the later Beatles pics when Paul is using the method where the strap goes under the neck - does the neck have to be removed and replaced to fit the strap, or is there a gap there between the neck and the body?
And does this method eliminate the "neck dive" that was mentioned earlier?
I have a Gibson SG and it too has the neck dive problem.
It affected Pete Townshend as well - check out this clip around 3.45 - although in his case the guitar was probably trying to make a run for it as it knew what was in store for it at the end of the gig ;D
The Who - Young Man Blues - HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWRmsoBXAUw#)
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(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1950s/57.11.23%20new%20clubmoor%20hall/1.jpg)
It seems to be pretty common in the early days.
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Well, you learn something new every day! I have been playing guitar for 35 years or so and had never heard of a zero fret until now!
So, do Hofner make basses with and without the zero fret?
Yes the cheaper Asian Hofner basses dont have it
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In the later Beatles pics when Paul is using the method where the strap goes under the neck - does the neck have to be removed and replaced to fit the strap, or is there a gap there between the neck and the body?
Peter, there is space between the neck and the body to secure the strap. Here are pictures from the instruction sheet that came with the vintage-style Hofner strap...
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/images/hofner/parts/strap5.jpg)
1. Remove original plastic strap button from bass.
2. Install small, folded leather strap with "D" ring in its place. The "dog clip" end of the strap attaches to the "D" ring. See center photo at right.
3. Pass other end of strap under the neck pocket
4. Use slender leather lace to affix the strap end to the strap. See lower photo at right.
(http://www.alangregory.co.uk/musicshop/Hofner_H6550_Bass_Guitar_Strap.jpg)
This only works with German Hofners. The Asian guitars have their necks attached to the bodies differently.
My guitar came with an extra strap button for permanent mounting in this area on the guitar. I'm leaving it in the case.
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Thanks once again guys!
I know many musicians are associated with one particular instrument, or at least one brand of instrument, but I doubt any musician is so closely identified with an instrument than Sir Paul and the Hofner bass. This is a man who has had a music career spanning more than half a century, and the violin bass was only used for a relatively short period of that (until it was resurrected for touring from the 90s onwards), yet it is still the first instrument that comes to mind when you think of him, and he is the first (and probably only) musician that comes to mind when you think of the Hofner violin bass. I think Hofner should make him honorary chairman or something - where would they be without him?!
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Peter, there's no question that Paul's use of the Hofner 500/1 violin bass did so much for Hofner. This color poster came with my new Hofner bass...
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/images/hofner/v62/maccaposter.jpg)
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I have a Gibson SG and it too has the neck dive problem.
It affected Pete Townshend as well
Yes the SG is well known for neck dive problems, I had an SG bass once (it was famously used by Jack Bruce in Cream) and it was terrible, Leo Fender made very balanced guitars and basses so Ive never had a problem with a Fender.
Its not a massive problem on the Hofner Violin bass as its so light (hollow bodied) mine has a strap button where the neck joins the body and I find by using a fender webbing type strap it doesnt slide on my shoulder and sort of grips my shirt preventing the dive, this wouldnt work on a heavier guitar like an SG though.
I think Hofner should make him honorary chairman or something - where would they be without him?!
Ive thought this loads of times Peter, check ebay there are loads for sale (new ones) so its still a big seller, its funny theyve never made a signature model like Fender do with strats (Clapton, SRV, Jeff Beck, etc ) but then again its like every violin bass is a McCartney signature as no-one else uses it.
If you can ever get him to sign it on the picguard Barry it would be worth about $10,000 ;D
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Kev, although Hofner never made a "signature model," their Vintage Series includes the two Hofner bass guitars Paul used...
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/images/hofner/V61/V61_vertical_6.jpg)
Hofner 500/1 V61 "Cavern" Bass
(http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/images/hofner/v62/v62_twins6.jpg)
Hofner 500/1 V62 Bass
I guess "Cavern" is as far as they'll go acknowledging Paul McCartney.
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Peter, here's the zero fret on my 1963 Gretsch Country Gentleman...
(http://i35.tinypic.com/z7n1g.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2v0fxuv.jpg)
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I know, I know. That's an old picture Kev. I have a guitar stand now. ;)
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Heres me in 1971 with my 500/1
(http://i1014.photobucket.com/albums/af268/nimrod_photos/n570088312_1946559_3134.jpg) (http://s1014.photobucket.com/user/nimrod_photos/media/n570088312_1946559_3134.jpg.html)
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Here you go, Kev. I tried fixing that picture up for you a bit, mate...
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2vto49g.jpg)
You've been playing for quite a while!
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Thanks once again guys!
I know many musicians are associated with one particular instrument, or at least one brand of instrument, but I doubt any musician is so closely identified with an instrument than Sir Paul and the Hofner bass. This is a man who has had a music career spanning more than half a century, and the violin bass was only used for a relatively short period of that (until it was resurrected for touring from the 90s onwards), yet it is still the first instrument that comes to mind when you think of him, and he is the first (and probably only) musician that comes to mind when you think of the Hofner violin bass. I think Hofner should make him honorary chairman or something - where would they be without him?!
It looks like he used it in the Coming Up video...
Paul McCartney - Coming Up-HQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnHu-WLvY5U#ws)
...with his strap tied to the headstock.
And, finally, we have a Making of the Coming Up Music Video by Paul...
Making of the Coming Up Music Video (Paul McCartney) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwH6nJ-aqQE#)
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I love that video!
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Here you go, Kev. I tried fixing that picture up for you a bit, mate...
([url]http://i44.tinypic.com/2vto49g.jpg[/url])
You've been playing for quite a while!
Hey thats great Barry, its not orange now !! thanks mate :)
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I'm Looking Through You
I'm Looking Through You Isolated Bass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_rX-WRGZBg#)
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you were too :D
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You don't look different but you have changed.
You're not orange anymore! ;D
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Kev, that's one beautiful bassline he came up with for I'm Looking Through You, complex and harmonic. Amazing how his mind and fingers work!
I'm one of those who believe this is a solo effort by Paul. I know Cor feels that way too.
The Beatles- I'm Looking Through You (2009 Stereo Remaster) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktWdoLknps#)
What do you think, Kevin?
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I think its the next song of the week Barry ;)
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:)
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Have you noticed Baz they use the same necks for left & right handed models
so on the left handed the "Hofner' decal is upside down and the top curve on the machine head is opposite too
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7bc2yPeZFM/T-BsEi1zeEI/AAAAAAAAJCw/04RZP4v1ruA/s400/Paul-McCartney-with-Hofner-bass-and-pink-shirt.png)
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I noticed that when I went to try out both the Hofner and Ric, Kev. They had a lefty 500/1 V62 Bass there.
I also bought this book...
(http://img.etonals.com/p/large/HL_00333174.jpg)
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Ahh so Rics as well !
I notice also on Pauls bass there is no gap between bridge pickup and bridge (see above pic)
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Right, Kev. A very small gap: 1962 Hofner 500/1 Bass Guitar (http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/gallery/bass2/bas56.html)
Even when Paul had the pickguard on...
(http://onlineathens.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/full/13039962.jpg)
The gap is a bit wider on my Vintage '62...
(http://i61.tinypic.com/2d81iyp.jpg)
And there is no Hofner logo on the guitar top.
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and your neck has no binding..
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Binding on the neck came on the 1964 model: 1964 Hofner 500/1 Bass Guitar (http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/gallery/gallery2/gallery10/ga134.html)
(http://cdn1.gbase.com/usercontent/gear/3170384/p1_u41hzhebp_so.jpg)
Hofner has issued a 500/1 Vintage '64 with a bound neck...
(http://umanovguitars.com/media/images/productimage-picture-hofner-500-1-vintage-64-violin-bass-594.jpg)
(http://image.rakuten.co.jp/ikebe/cabinet/gtr22/hofner_500_1_vin64_2.jpg)
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Hofner has discontinued the 500/1 Versions '62 and '64
Their two vintage models are now called "The Cavern" and "The Liverpool."
(http://www.hofner-guitars.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/729x306/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/h/5/h500-1-cavern-front-main-image.jpg)
Cavern
(http://www.hofner-guitars.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/729x306/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/0/500_1_vint_62-main-image.jpg)
Liverpool
The Liverpool is similar to my 500/1 Version '62
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Hofner's current German-made 500/1 "Standard" bass has the white neck binding...
(http://www.hofner-guitars.com/media/catalog/product/cache/5/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/0/500-1-vint-64-f-main-image.jpg)
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Kevin, when I adjusted the string action and intonation, I moved the bridge a bit forward. The gap between the pickup surround and the bridge is now a bit less than in the photograph I posted which I took the day it arrived.
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Aha so you have shortened the scale ?
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Not really, Kev. The guitar wasn't really setup before they shipped it. You can see it in the closeup on page 3. Look at the gap between the bridge pickup surround and the cut-out in the pickguard. I had to bring the strings over the centers of each of the poles. After I lowered the string heights a bit, the bridge had to be positioned a couple of millimeters closer to the pickup for proper intonation.
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Im with ya Bazza ;D
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I was busy with this for a while...
(http://i57.tinypic.com/orku1l.jpg)
;D
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Some practise Baz (I like his tone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRFJUuEH0Qk# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRFJUuEH0Qk#)
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I love my Hofner, Kev!
I've been working on this lately...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tShGZF6v7xk# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tShGZF6v7xk#)
She's a great teacher!