HI-BB-SB Ignition Violin Bass

A New Generation

For better or worse, every few years, the German brand Höfner releases a new take on the timeless design that is their violin bass. Ever since they released the first model in 1956, all the way through the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, Höfner have been tweaking and altering their design, updating it for modern needs and modern tastes. That being said, it was the ’60s design that held the most influence and its DNA can still be seen today in models like this HI-BB-SB Ignition Violin Bass.

What Makes Höfner So Iconic

There are few guitars as instantly recognisable as the Höfner Violin Bass. Famous – at least in part – as the bass of Paul McCartney, the violin bass’s classically elegant design will forever be associated with the sound of 1960s rock, and the counterculture that sprung up around it.

The Ignition Series

This series is not only the most modern but also the most affordable take on this design. Available in a variety of colours, this model brings the lightness, and playability of previous models without losing that beautiful warmth for which these guitars are still so beloved.

The main difference between the Ignition series and 500/1 Contemporary is the body. The 500/1 has a centre block down the body, lending some stability and better balance, while the Ignition is completely hollow. It’s also worth noting that the 500/1 has better quality pick-ups than the Ignition, though given the price difference that’s not much of a surprise.

The HI-BB-SB Ignition Violin Bass

Taking a moment to get into the nitty, gritty details, let’s talk about the HI-BB-SB Ignition Violin Bass.

The first thing to say is that, although this might not be as fancy as the 500/1, we don’t want to imply that Höfner have skimped on the materials. The guitar has a flame maple body, a spruce top, and a rosewood fretboard. It also has a maple neck with 22 frets, comes in left or right-handed, and has two Ignition Staple Nickel Humbucker pickups.

If you love the classic look and sound of a violin bass, then this guitar is certainly worth a glance.