Opinion: Upgrade Hofner Shorty Bass or buy 2nd hand Hohner B2A?

[Eric_F]

Hi guys

First post and hopefully many more

I'm a guitarist of 30 years and have a lot of experience with 6 strings. I have a need to play bass but injuries require a light, short bass. This will be for reggae (dub)

Question is: do I spend €£$300 on upgrading a Hofner Shorty bass or buy a 2nd hand Hohner B2A for around £250?

Looking at Babicz FHZ 4 string bridge, Spertzel Trimlock tuners, EMG HB Steinberger pickup and Warwick Just a Nut III for the Hofner

Any help would be very much appreciated (PP beers can be realized )

Many thanks!

Cheers!

 

[Gorn]

Have you played the Hofner?

 

[Eric_F]

Hi, thank you for your reply

No, I have not played the Hornet (no music shops in area (UK) but have played a B2 in '93 and it played lovely - I do not know sound wise whether it was any good

 

[Eric_F]

Gorn.. classic!

Incase you've not heard this (or a great reminder...)

 

[Eric_F]

I was just browsing and *think* I've matched up the right stuff

 

[lz4005]

I'm a guitarist of 30 years and have a lot of experience with 6 strings. I have a need to play bass but injuries require a light, short bass. This will be for reggae (dub)
Question is: do I spend €£$300 on upgrading a Hofner Shorty bass or buy a 2nd hand Hohner B2A for around £250?

I have an original 28" scale Shorty and it is probably the least suited for reggae of any bass ever made.
The pickup placement is all wrong for that kind of tone. Upgrades won't make a difference.

Get another bass that has a pickup closer to the neck.

Or look for something like a Kala Ubass or SUB. Even shorter scale, lighter weight and tons of low end.

 

[sissy kathy]

I'd want a bass with a neck pickup, for your budget I'd look at the Hofner Icon, maybe an upgraded pup too.

 

[testing1two]

+1 for the Kala. They are so much fun to play and sound huuuuge.