Guild Starfire II Bass vs Hofner Club Bass

[jazzman64]

Hello folks, I am new to Let's Talk Guild and just had a question...Guild Starfire II Bass or a Hofner Club Bass? I have a Guild Starfire II bass and am looking to get a another hollowbody bass (Hofner). I've played both and like both. I'm just wondering what you would do?

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

So you're thinking you might obtain an un-biased answer here?

 

[jazzman64]

So you're thinking you might obtain an un-biased answer here?

I thought I might give it a chance!

I also saw a couple of threads on here about fellow LTG members talking about their Höfner basses.

 

[fronobulax]

Welcome.

I've got my Starfires and my limited experience with a Hofner Cub hasn't given me a reason to want one, but that's me. Why do you think you want one?

If I had an unexpected desire for another hollow body bass, the Jack Casady Signature would be first in line but I would also consult with @mellowgerman whose experience is great and he is pretty articulate about what he does and does not like about an instrument.

 

[jp]

I'm a long time Hofner Club owner, so I'm a little biased to the unexpected side, considering this forum. It's been my experience that people either take to Hofners right away or don't.

Much of my decision is based on physical attributes, though. I'm short and when I play large basses, I look like a struggling little troll. Large body basses are also cumbersome for me when sitting, so I prefer smaller basses.

From a tonal side, Club Basses are also different beasts. The Hofner's fortes are the ability to get that McCartney-esque thunk we've all heard on Beatles recordings. Also, with flats, EQ-ing, and technique, it can sound very close to an upright. Admittedly, Hofner's electronics, can also be somewhat narrow in tonal variety, but for me, it's core sound outweighs that limitation. The necks are small and oddly shaped but super easy get around on, and chords and strumming are also easy to play. It's an extremely light bass, so it won't break your back.

I like the style of Starfires, since I played an Epihone Rivoli for years. I've played a few Guild Starfire basses with Hagstrom Bi-sonics, but not extensively, and they've always felt and sounded great. I've never played one with Hammon Darkstars. Of course, Starfires are also short scale, and the necks are comfortable. The strongest reason to choose a Starfire would probably be the tonal advantages. The Starfire is definitely more universal for different styles of music.

I agree with frono that mellowgerman will have some helpful insights to offer.

 

[lungimsam]

Never payed a Hoffner.
But I would get a Starfire II.

 

[mgod]

I’d get a Club because I’ve always wanted one and Starfires are my fetish object . That’s assuming I only have shit long scales

 

[mavuser]

i've always considered the M-85 a club bass...no?

get an M-85!

 

[teleharmonium]

I've got a SF I and a Hofner Club in the house (the Club belongs to the lady). It's one of the cheaper China import Club basses (but I've played a couple of German ones also).

They're both cool (I'm a short scale bass fan in general). But since you already have a SFII, unless you have a wider collection, for a next bass I would suggest something a bit more different than the Starfire, probably long scale.

 

[mellowgerman]

Hello Jazzman, if I were choosing between one or the other, the Starfire would be a no-brainer for me. Since you already have a Starfire though, it would make sense to get a Club bass to branch out a bit. The quality control seems to be a bit lower on the Hofner Ignition/Icon series, but the price is also lower, so that's understandable. Over all, I think those Hofners are pretty decent bang for the buck though. I personally would not get the Club or Viola style, because of the tiny bodies of both designs, which tend to cause bad posture and back/neck pain due to my lanky stature. For that reason, I opted for a Hofner Verythin bass. It sounded pretty nice, had a comfy neck profile and body design. Ultimately though, I ended up returning it due to extensive QC issues with the frets having sharp ends and not being level. If guitar center had offered to give me a partial refund to have these things addressed by luthier, I probably would have kept it. I was willing to overlook the cosmetic issues (even though it was listed as "Excellent" condition) but the fret issues would have ultimately added too much additional cost to get it to a state of acceptable playability.

 

[jp]

The quality control seems to be a bit lower on the Hofner Ignition/Icon series, but the price is also lower, so that's understandable. Over all, I think those Hofners are pretty decent bang for the buck though.

Before the Ignition series, Hofner made a Contemporary series at a higher price point. I've read on Talk Bass that the quality, fit, and finish is much better. If you do decide to get a Hofner, consider test driving one of these first.

 

[mellowgerman]

Before the Ignition series, Hofner made a Contemporary series at a higher price point. I've read on Talk Bass that the quality, fit, and finish is much better. If you do decide to get a Hofner, consider test driving one of these first.

Yes! My Verythin was actually one of the Contemporary series, which I believe got the German-made staple pickups. It really did sound very good and the finish/aesthetics were great, but I was a bit let down by the non-level frets and sharp fret ends. That said, I did purchase it used, so it would be feasible that it was more receptive of a proper set-up when it first left the factory. However, the non-level frets did not have much discernible wear or lifting.
In any case, I once played an Icon/Ignition Club bass at a local Sam Ash and it played great up and down the neck.

 

[scottferreter]

Timeless debate!