Epiphone Viola Modifications. Bass Setup, Alterations and Tone. Beatle Bass. Violin Bass.
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Epiphone viola modifications. Epiphone Viola bass is setup while reviewing tone upgrades and alterations using german Hofner parts. Viola Beatle Bass, Beatle Bass, Hofner 500/1 Bass, Viola Bass, Epiphone Viola Bass.#backbeatvintage #epiphoneviolabass #paulmccartney , #beatles , #hofner, #epiphone #thebeatlesgetback #hofner #backbeatvintage #paulmccartney #hofnerneckreset #thebeatlesgetback #beatlesreaction #hofnerguitars #thebeatles # #mccartney #hofnerbass #mccartneybass #beatles #bassguitar #hofnerbass
I have owned my Epiphone Viola since 1998 and have for years searching for video like this. I love my viola, but I would do all of these changes that you have done for my bass. Thanks for this
I really like the way you talk through what you are doing...thank you!
I would love to see you work on a Rickenbacker 4001v63
That would be good
“I don’t have any Rickenbacker parts, so I’m gonna use Hofner parts...”
@@Spehe. That would sound interesting with using Hofner bass parts on a Rickenbacker bass i have even thought of that myself ☺
I don’t, he would try to turn it into a Hofner...
YES! That was a super informative video, so thank you very much, EJ! And I loved all the mods you did, very creative. Now I can give my Epi the proper love she deserves.
And thanks for the parts list. Can you tell how much on average one would spend getting all of those?
Fantastic review. As a luthier, bassist, and beatles fan I've always wondered what these basses were really like and finally saw one for sale yesterday. I think I'll buy it and make a new bridge. Thankyou.
Great video as always!
As a little kid I used to go to a music store and day dream while staring at one of their epiphone violas, as a big Beatles fan I was obsessed with the shape of the bass. Slowly I began to understand the difference between the "Beatle bass" and other similar guitars.
Quite recently I bought a brand new Ignition and your videos have given me the confidence I needed to do some work on it. I have a German nut, bridge and pickguard and some flatwound string on the way and I'll try to put it all together next month. I've done some work on old guitars before, but nothing as serious as this!
Wish me luck and any tips about modifying an ignition are welcome.
Then again, thank you for your videos.
You will do fine. EJ
Excellent video EJ. I’ve had a Viola bass for a long time. Great mods.
Epiphone Viola basses go up and down in value mostly dependent on whether they’re in production or not. I LOVE these basses and the only upgrade I did to mine was to use D’Addario Chromes to have both a deeper sound and less string tension. Also “Chromes” last for years and years with just a simple wipe down after playing.
Great work! 👍 I had an Epi viola a few years ago and never cared for it much. You really made it into a great bass with a voice of it own!
i brought one this morning 1995 korean made = perfect condition ! just cleaning it while watching - super cool !
Sir you are a class act all the way. Love your mods and how you hand finished/detailed the parts and added Hofner parts. That Epi is a super looker and barks like a hybrid! Awesome work. I’m sure other bassists will be highly impressed.
Wonderful Changes. Epiphone should use your tuner ideas 💡 at the very least. Bassilicious indeed.
I just got one of these basses left handed, with a hard shell case and a strap for 230. COULDN’T BE HAPPIER! For most of the modifications listed above I’m looking at a 140.00 cart on reverb. This vid is an absolute god send!
I accidentally stumbled upon this channel the other day whilst researching the Hofman Ignition. I've been hooked since. Great job with the vids! I love the information and insights into the mind of crafting, rebuilding, retrofits, tones, and all the stuff to look out for... This channel is a gem!👍🏿
Hi there, EJ, just completed viewing your Epiphone Viola Bass upgrade video..was completely blown away!! Enjoy your matter-of-fact method of delivery as you walk us thru all the steps. Played a couple of these Epi Violas..not bad as they were stock..certainly a vast improvement on that one, after your Midas Touch has completed it!! You da man!! Will be contacting you soon re: possibly working on my German Hofner Beatle bass..sad state of disrepair. Thank you for the wonderfully educational videos!!
Great video. I've got a '96 Viola Bass (one of the last leftie basses they ever made). It is heavier (and slightly larger) than the Hofner, but I actually prefer that. It feels more substantial to me.
I love watching your videos to learn about my Hofner bass. This seems like a waste of money - putting all those Hofner parts into your Epiphone. Nothing against the Epiphone, but the parts are seem to be more expensive than the cost of the Viola Bass.
Really amazing mods to the epi viola!!!!!!!! Im a little confuse as to why you said that the labella strings wouldn't reach with the original tailpiece... this specific model of strings should fit fine at least from many reviews Ive read. Is that because of the other mods creating more distance? Eventhough labella sells them for shortscale, this are really medium scale strings (34" vs 34.25"). Maybe that 0.25" is really needed for the epi but then you wont get that same light gauge on the strings. The only other difference between this (beatle bass strings) and their medium scale strings is like you mentioned the end being compatible with hofner tuners. OTH just wanted to mention 38 minutes is really a lot IMHO, but your videos are so enjoyable it didnt really look like it!!
Thank you for making this video. Very informing and smoothly done.
Great job on that Epi EJ. Those big tuners looked absolutely awesome and it looks so much better with the mods you made
Best review I have ever seen.
Always a pleasure to check out your channel.
You Sir are an artist. Your attention to detail and patience is amazing......bravo ! I have always wanted the epiphone version of the hofner but have yet to actually make that happen. I could do some of the mods but definitely not all the mods you made. Thank you for this very informative video. : )
Thank you!
I truly appreciate your informative videos. Thank you.
I have an ignition and a few vintage hofners and completely agree with the opinion on the wide neck on the ignition. I'm not a fan
How about the Contemporary? Is the neck more slim?
@@barackmycat9448 now that I'm not sure of. Never played one.
I have one and I couldn't be happier, it's really a great instrument, great video!
Is the string spacing the same in the string cordal from Hofner than the Epiphone? I am serioulsy thinking about replacing mine at the moment
Fascinating! Those are heavy basses for what they are. Still, very cool!
Hello EJ. Interesting video! I remember trying one of these before I bought my Hofner. The color threw me off a bit but I immediately felt that it was too heavy. It was less expensive and the construction of it's sides bears that out. You are correct that the finished project is a nice counter point to the Hofner sound. Thanks!
Great videos and modifications you made
The Casino’s thin plywood sides are steamed and bent, like a shallow laminated-body acoustic guitar. Very much like a Hofner violin bass, but without the extra corner blocks. However, the Epiphone has quite a wide, cutout plywood rim. It makes for a tighter low end, without that booming, resonant low end you can get on a Hofner if you play it aggressively.
Excellent project! Thanks
Love it when you throw in the little riff from Macca's Oo You
Your the first one to pickup on that...lol.
@@BackbeatVintage it's a great tune to play along with
Yeah, yah...that's the title of that Macca/Linda song!! Then he says, "..More guitar!!" Off Red Rose Speedway..??
@@silentgd Ya beat me to it!! Just heard that today, 3/26/'21..Lol!!
@@samburkes7552 his first solo album (McCartney)
Another great episode 👍
Nice! That was a great watch. You explain everything so well too. I’m a huge Beatle fan and bassist also. I have the Hofner ignition with the Union Jack, Epi Viola and another violin style semi hollow with a scroll headstock. not sure of the maker, I’ve seen the exact model with different names on the pick guard, mine has no pick guard. Aria, Ventura and Raven are the names I’ve seen on this design.
This is my new favorite channel.
I have a lot of catching up to do!
Sounds like an interesting collection of basses. Welcome to the channel Dan. Thx!
Wow, awesome. Thank you.
Very inspiring.. 🙏
What a great video EJ! Thanks for doing it, I learned a lot. Have you done a video on staining a light colored fretboard to a darker color?
Great job - like always!
Wow so glad your doing this video. Tho I dont have a Epi viola, I have a Jay Turser Beatle bass. Glad you like Epiphone. I have many Epi vids on my channel. I just last month was able to snag a 2020 Epi Les Paul Custom ebony. Lord its a thing of beauty
Hi, back in the 60’s A friend of mine loned me his Jay Turser and that was my first exposure to a beatle bass. Hofners were nowhere to be found in our local music stores back then. Great memories.
Once again...great job!!
Ayo, have you seen the Harley Benten Beatbass? You should check it out.
9:33- Nice 'Oo You' riff reference
I've learned that since I'm not a skilled luthier, and don't want to pay to upgrade the tail, bridge, electronics, nut, & tuning machines, I should probably get a different bass.
What a beauty! Nice work ;-)
Thank you for this one. It's cool to hear your opinions on other Violin basses. Ever tried the Harley Benton beat bass VS? I'd love to hear what you'd think of that one...... and how you would upgrade it!
I think you just turned a Epiphone into a Gibson. Great video.
Have you ever played around with the Jay Turser Beatles Bass.....I have one and I think the quality is much better than the Epiphone Viola Bass....Love your Videos....and I used to be in a Beatle Tribute Band called Revolver out of Portland which I played the part of John....I also used to have a brand new 1968 Hofner Beatle Bass I bought in New York City for $200.00 with case.....still kicking myself for trading it for a Vocal Master P.A. System in the early 70's
very nice job. a ton of work and it sounds great. I was thinking of putting tape wounds on mine as i saw one once at Guitar center lilke that and i liked the way it played---- or.... was that just the novelty of it? thanks for takinf the time to make the video - great advice and comments.
Why would you want to keep comparing it to a Hofner? It’s an Epiphone and it is great as is. Who says the Hofner is the Gold Standard for a bass instrument? The Epi viola bass sound great as is. Also, not sure that the instrument needs to have any acoustic sound because 100% of the sound from the amp comes from the magnetic interaction of the metallic string and the electronic pickups.
I understand. Im an epiphone fan too. I mentioned in the video the only parts I had laying around in my shop were hofner so I used what I had. Makes sense. You’d be surprised how much an acoustic body affects the actual bass sound/tone through the back of the pickup. The biggest improvement was the leveling and crowning of the frets and that had nothing to do with hofners.
sounds fantastic......
Dude you appear to be a good Luthier and I wish I lived nearby and had a chance to work with you
Excellent
Hey EJ, you are my favorite CZcams channel! You’re a treasure to the entire Hofner community. One quick question, what strap do you recommend for a vintage (meaning non-re-issue) ‘63 Hofner 500/1?
It depends on where the neck strap button is. If its directly into the heel then use strap locks for that and a regular strap. If its in the side of the neck then use the hofner under the neck strap and not the side of the neck button. Less pressure on the neck joint and the old hyde glue.
maestrooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
I WANT TO GET THE MCCARTNEY SOUND, WHAT NUMBER SHOULD I SET EACH KNOB TO? 2 ARE FOR PICKUPS AND ONE FOR THE TONE, SOMEONE HELP ME
Hey there EJ, I’m in the process of modifying a Harley Benton beatle bass and I wanted to replace the heavy duty tuners with something similar to a Hofner. I reached out to StewMac but they weren’t very helpful when I asked if they had a tuner bushing that would fit the 5/8 inch hole. Did you still have to use dowel when replaced the full size bass tuners with the Hofner rugby ball tuners?
Hi, yes you need to use a dowel. The new tuner should cover it on the bottom side and then get a tuner bushing that is wide enough to cover the dowel on the topside. It has to be the correct inside diameter to fit the new tuner. The hole you drill for the new tuners may need to be slightly adjusted to fit the new bushing. Let me know if you understand. If not I can draw you a diagram.
That was very nice work! Now I wouldn`t want one without the mods. Hmmmm
Very Interesting Video, I just bought a second hand Viola Bass, I would like to change the Tailpiece to use short scale bass strings, I see 2 reference for Bass Tailpieces at Höfner sites H62/30-S (Known as Bass Tailpiece Long) and the H62/31-s (Known as Bass Tailpiece Short) Can I ask you which one did you use in tis video (At 29:20)... Thanks for sharing your experience! :)
Hi EJ, another very enjoyable video! I love your calm, methodical and highly informative approach. Looking forward to more (even though I'm primarily a guitar player).
Thanks Martyn. I appreciate that. EJ
Nice work!
Great video! Do you have any experience with the Greco made in Japan Viola basses?
Thanks! Sorry I dont but the same processes and theories we apply to the hofner can be applied to all simular basses for sure.
@@BackbeatVintage thank you!
Thanks!
Good move to stick with the three-knob control setup. Somebody who buys the Epiphone model, instead of a Hofner budget instrument, would specifically want those controls.
How's the weight after all the alterations? I found out in some online resources that said the bass actually lightweight, contrary to what you've stated. Nevertheless, the bass is sounding good and always love your works towards the instrument, sir!
Hi, I was able to loose about half a pound....that all. The mini humbuckers are extremely heavy too. I’ve seen those reviews....I guess its all relative. In my case I am comparing it to a german or ignition hofner. Thanks Khalil.
Backbeat Vintage. What model of Hofner tuners did you use? Also, what size ferrule did you use to hide the dowels?
I used what hofner refers to as rugby ball tuners. You will need to shop around for ferrules that fit the hofer tuners plus has the outside dimension of the dowel hole. I had then in my parts bin so I cant know where they came from. Once you have the dimensions try stewmac.com for their selection.
Looks like a lot of nice mods but youtube in all their wisdom forced two small window blocks of other videos of yours partially blocking the "Parts List" at about 37:48 into the video ! ...
Yea…not much I can do about that but thanks for letting me know.
Thank you for the detailed and informative video!! I just got a hold of a Viola Bass that was strung for a lefty, so they modified the original nut so that the 1st and 2nd slots would accommodate the heavier gauge strings. I re-strung it for my right hand playing and I love this bass. I do plan on changing the nut. My questions is, with the zero fret, will the nut material have a noticeable effect on the sound quality and tone? Or can I save some money by finding a replacement plastic one.
Also, with replacing the tuning keys, you said you used a 5/8” dowel. Do you just wedge that in or add some kind of adhesive? I’m looking at a few Hofner keys, but I really like the banjo string type you used, do you possibly have a part #?
Also, would you be willing to fabricate a bridge? 😬 that is all haha
Thank you again for the great video, I learned a lot.
You can use a solid plastic nut that you custom fit. It really just holds the string spacing. The tone is in the zero fret contact. I would wood glue the dowels in place. The tuners I used are referred to as hofner rugby tuners. Try northcoast music for these tuners. I havent been taking work in since covid and most likely wont be continuing to do so. Thanks! EJ
What flatwound strings would you recommend for a beginner to use on the Epi Viola ? Also, a bit confused over whether I need short or medium scale. Lastly, would you recommend nylon tape wound strings ? Thx.
Hi, with the modifications I did it would be short scale strings but if your epi is stock I would go for medium scale flat wound strings since the tailpiece and tuners are set up for that. Im not a big fan of nylon tape. Thx! EJ
@@BackbeatVintage Thank you so much. That was very helpful.
I just got a new Epi Viola Bass & I'd really like to know what pickup height you decided on?! The neck pickup on mine seemed a bit far from the strings compared to the bridge pickup which is very high. Great video by the way!!!
Hi Tom, sorry about the slow responce. I usually try to raise the neck pickup to the same height has the the fret board. Not the frets. I then try the bass and if its to loud or distorted and back it off. The bridge pickup same deal but not as high as the fretboard. Try to get the bridge down so the string height from the 12th fret to the bottom of the strings (low E) is 3/32’s. Then adjust the pickups.
Can you give ordering info on the nut, bridge, and longer tailpiece you used
How is the playability? I'm a guitar player. For example the Fender P MIM bass is awkward and hard to play for me. I'm hoping this bass would be easier to play. I like low action and assume there's room to do that here. What's your take on that. I had my eyes on the Squire Fender VI bass which is a different kind of instrument but I thought it'd be easy enough for me to play and I'd be able to do my bass parts on my recordings with it. But, if this instrument, if it's easy for me to play, I'd buy one of these in a second. Can you comment on that?
I have found all fender basses hard to play due to the long 34” scale. I to am a guitar player and find the 30” scale much easier. The viola bass is a short scale too and plays easy for me. I find the german made hofner club bass the easiest and most comforable to play.
Hey EJ, love the show. This is a great episode. I am doing a project myself only I am modding a Rouge VB/100 and was wondering what kind of bushings you used because they have a very wide flange. Thanks for the great videos, I have learned a lot.
Hi, its hard to say the sizing because all are different. I believe I put a wood dowel pug in the stock hole and then redrilled the hole to the size of the new bushing. Measure the inside of the new bushing and then measure the size needed to cover the dowel plug. Then check stewmac.com for bushings close to those measurements. I actually had bushings in my parts bin so I cant tell you exactly where to get them.
@@BackbeatVintage Thank you EJ! 😎
Sir EJ, would you happen to know where I might acquire a H62/31s tailpiece. I’ve looked just about everywhere. Thanks again.
@@alfredcreighton3862 reverb.com
Hi! Does the viola bass has the same body proportions as a Hofner? Because to me it looks a little bigger on the bottom (the bridge side) I'm thinking of getting one, but I really like the Hofner shape proportions... Thank you! :) Great video
Body shape is different with totally different construction. Thanks Dan.
Great video. Does the neck dive bother you? After you replaced the tuners did that fix the neck dive?
Hi, after leveling the neck there was no neck dive. Neck is absolutely level and buzz free. Thanks!
I think you mentioned the zero fret has to be higher than the rest of the frets. How did you leave that one higher when leveling? Did you just not run the sanding bar over that fret?
Have to say I was thinking of purchasing an Epiphone Viola bass, but I'm a little put off now with the Tailpiece, fret, and heavy machine head problems and hollow nut. Is the Tailpiece falling apart the same on all?
For someone not skilled as a luthiers. Which would you advise as the better buy. The ignition Hofner or the Viola?
Hi, you have to avoid sanding the zero fret for sure. The epiphone is a nice quality guitar for the price range. I was just taking it to the next level and being a hofner fan I chose to use the parts I had. The ignition is a hollow body and the viola is a chambered body. Both choices have such a different tone. If you like the hofner tone (warm woody beatle tone) then a would pick the ignition but it too needs some upgrades to get the beatle tone. If at all possible, I would suggest the hofner hct contemporary. Maybe a used one. For the few hundred dollars more you wouldnt have to do a thing. Maybe a set of labella flatwounds for $40. Hope this helps.
I have this exact bass but an earlier model made in Korea at the Unsung factory around late 90s / early 2000s. This model should have medium scale strings on it because of the original tailpiece.
Do you think one could move the neck’s strap button so it doesn’t lean outwards? Or I’ve seen them weave the strap under the tailpiece to pull the guitar towards you? Which do you think is better?
Did you weigh it without the tuners on it?
I also have to replace the jack does Epiphone make a jack replacement for that model?
Hi, I’m not sure to be honest. Its really a guitar balance issue. This is one reason I tried to lighten it up. I wouldnt weave it under the tailpiece as that might affect the tuning. Im not sure where to move it to so it doesnt lean. Thats a tough one. Regarding the jack you can order up a switchcraft output jack and change it up no problem. Sometime you might have to open up the hole using a ream or file. Regarding the lean issue I had a guitar that did that but I changed to a wider strap and it helped for some reason. Thx!
hi! Cool work. Do you know other lightweight tuners, besides the ones you are using, to replace the stock ones on my epiphone viola? Should I look for 5/8 in size? Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
Hi, I actually dont know. Sorry! I used what I had hangn around which is mostly hofners. Take one off and measure and then go on stewmac.com and see what tuners match those dimensions. Hopefully this will help. EJ
I would love to see a general setup sheet for Hofner basses. Seems like they are a mystery, not much info on measurements out there. Could you put one on your site or direct me to where I can find some info.
Thanks for great video, much more info than i ever saw on forums about Viola. My problem is with pickups. Thed don’t buck the hum, i do not know why. I checked the wiring, even connected to jack directly, doesn’t help. Can this be fixed? Can’t find replacement pickups to fit original mounting rings too…
Tough to diagnose via computer but make sure the electronics are grounded to the tailpiece. Take anything in the line out (pedals). Try a different cord. Make sure there isnt any florescent lights nearby or in the same line. Does the hum go away when you touch the metal? Make sure the pickups are grounded correctly and consistant on both pots.
@@BackbeatVintage yes, i checked all of this, and problem is consistent on both viola pickups. Looks like a mistake while winding. I have different basses and guitars, and viola is the only example where humbucker produces same noise as single coils (same room, and my room is noisy, yes).
Also, is the potentiometers hole too big for a Höfner panel? I know Höfner uses two screws and the Epi uses 4, so the holes would be visible. But can you actually fit a german switch panel in there?
I didnt try but I would say the control panel and plate from 1965 up until 70 might fit. Im not sure. I didnt want to stuff the hofner electronics in it because I wanted to hear its own unique tone.
WHICH IS BETTER EPIPHONE VIOLA BASS OR GRETSCH G2220 JUNIOR JET???
Hi Mario, you know I’ve never seen the junior jet but I have had the duo jet 6 string and loved it. EJ
Great video
Great video. I have a stock Viola bass. Where can you purchase the Hofner bridge and tail piece? Which Hofner model tail piece did you use in your video again. Great work. UPDATE> I found all the parts on the Hofner website. What flatwound strings would you recommend for the Viola Bass? Thanks Eric
Labella flatwound deep talkn strings. The ones made to fit hofners. The tailpiece is the short one used on hofner club basses and some earlier vintage beatle basses after 65.
@@BackbeatVintage Excellent. Thanks again.
Great Video! You mentioned that you rounded and painted the edges of the control panel black. What kind of black paint did you use for that? Thanks in advance!
Hi, I actually use a black sharpie. Dont hold it there to long as it will bleed into the plastic.
@@BackbeatVintage Thanks a million!
Did you consider putting in Hofner pickups (be it the German pickups or the Chinese ignitions)? Curious as to your thoughts on that.
Hi, I didnt because I thought it was nice to have something different sounding. They are very heavy pickups for sure. If I was going to put in hofner pickups I would most likely do a setup like the hofner 65/66 setup. I would still wire it like I did. I like the two volumes and a tone dial. Thx!
Great video! I like seeing all the Epiphones. Did you do anything to the Casino to give it more of a retro sound?
Hi, the casino was one of those guitars when I picked it up everything just seemed right. One of the few guitars I didn’t have to do anything. Its a keeper. EJ
@@BackbeatVintage Youre so very lucky..I wished I would've been able to keep mine back then..
..As a consolation, I do still own, not play much recently, two Kalamazoo-made Epiphone acoustic guitars. One is a vintage sunburst
FT79 "Texan" which had some work done on it, and a natural FT90 "ElDorado", which had to be refretted. "Texan" was also refretted, along with bodywork to repair a lengthwise crack..Both guitars, altho a tad different in "persona", just sound amazing. Both mid-60's era..
I'm a Fender bass Guy but I have a Epiphone Viola bass and I do like it. I put Chromes on it medium scale and they work well.
My question is , Are the Hofner CT series basses worth the cost over what the Ignitions series basses are priced?
Hi, yes. I bought mine ct used for $675. Perfect condition with a hofner case on reverb.com.The ignition needs work that costs in parts etc that puts it right up there. CT minor adjustments are needed and will cost you little. Maybe a set of strings. Thx! Ej
Thanks for the advice E.J.
Hello, I have a doubt, at what height are the bass Humbucking, please?
Best to try different spacing to get the tone you like. To close will distort and affect the string vibration since it is a magnet.
That acoustic tone sounded better as it did with the electrics in
Great video EJ, I have got an ignition and a viola, in your opinion, what is the better guitar?
Hi, well.....I’m a hofner guy but there are times when a different tone /sound may be required and I see these as two different tools. Both are similar in looks but as you know they both have different tone, sustain and feel. For both....I just wish those building them would use better parts and better fine tuning for tone.
Haha thanks EJ, so you have to pick one, which one and why..
?
@@simonbirtles8981 I also have both. The Epiphone certainly looks better but the neck dive bugs me. Mine also has a buzz on the open A string. So I prefer the Hofner.
@@georgeemil3618 agreed mate, my viola i bought used,its a 1990 from serial number but had tuning issues from when I got it and there is a suspected electrical issue, got it for 120 UK money which is cheap as I find particularly the ignition, used they are going for only fractionally less than buying new, wish the neck of the viola was on the Ignition though
Hey EJ any chance you could do a tutorial on how to properly sand the clear finish off of a Natural Epiphone Casino to make it look more true to the Lennon Revolution guitar???
I have a standard Natural Casino that I've added the black grommit washer to the switch and replaced the stock tuners with Grovers but I need to know how to get the clear coat off without damaging the guitar. A video would really be great assistance
That guitar is most likely a poly finish. Poly is like a plastic coating over the entire guitar. Its a lot of work and most likely will affect the finish on the wood. Be careful. Not the same as removing a lacquor finish.
@@BackbeatVintage Awesome! Thanks for the info EJ!
You know you and Ardy Saraff of the Fab Four should team up every once in a while to do some great Hofner videos!
I’m thinking of getting one of these and putting some Hofner parts on it 🤔
What would cost be of all the pcs used in the switch over ?
I would say around 2 to 3 hundred bucks if you do the work yourself.
Ty.And if you assemble?
how does this compare to the hofner ignition bass?
I found the epiphone has more of a modern bass sound where the hofner with the flats is good mostly for the vintage woody tone.
@@BackbeatVintage thank you! this was very helpful!
Do you prefer the Epi to the Ignition?
Hi, they both have their pluses. I usually prefer a hollow bodied bass. Once I made all the changes I really liked the epi.
WHAT IS THE BEST AMPLIFIER FOR THIS BASS?
I always favor a tube amp. Thats a tough one to answer.
Would you sell this bass to me ?
Thanks for this review, I've often wondered about the epiphone viola and how it compares in all the aspects you cover. Now that I know you have the IBJL Casino, I'd REALLY like a review of that. I have one too but have been somewhat "uninspired" lately to pick it up, instead I keep going back to my Fender Jazzmaster. I want to really love my Casino again.(Maybe some reminding is in order.) haha, Thanks!!
..In 1972, owned an Epiphone Casino, E230TD, sunburst, like Lennons..Sounded great thru my silver-faced Fender Super Reverb amp..Unfortunately, had to sell the Casino; went back to playing my ES335, my mainstay guitar then. They're(Casinos)essentially a Gibson ES330TD, 2 dog-ear chromed P90 pickups, great sound!!
The new ones are very shiny. Too much so for me but a nice enough instrument.
I agree. I’m tempted to do something about that. EJ
@@BackbeatVintage Great. My own '65 Hofner has a lovely velvet sheen to it which I cherish. Love your videos EJ. Hi from down under in Sydney.
@@BackbeatVintage Yeah ! I'd love to see you knock some of that shine off . I have an EPI Les Paul 1960 reissue w/PAF & similar looking cherry burst. Real nice but just too glossy. Building up the nerve to try it myself, just not there yet :) Been checking out the Hofner Ignitions / HCTs, and your great videos, but was also wondering about the Epi Violas as they're a lot easier to find - keep up the great work!