Flipping a Rogue

[AzWhoFan]

I've been hankering for a Hofner, but of course i don't have the funds to get the genuine article. So I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge re flipping over a righty Rogue violin bass, or know something about any issues I might encounter (other than the control panel, which won't get in my way).

[pjmuck]

Just curious, but why are you looking to flip a righty when lefty Rogues are still readily available?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/-i1532862.gc

[Jeroen]

You could also keep an eye out for a Höfner Icon or Höfner Ignition. Similar to the Rogue, and very affordable.

[belinmad]

I tried a Hofner Icon recently, and while not even close to the German ones, it surprised me how decent it sounds. Quite a comfortable bass too. The factory setup is crap so you need to fiddle with it a bit (or take it to someone who can do it for you), but value for money I think it's not a bad deal.

[AzWhoFan]

I had no clue lefty's were still available, I had the impression they were discontinued. I guess I was just trying to save a $100 by buying a used righty

I would like to try a Hofner Icon, but there are none in my area to try out, even a righty one.

[belinmad]

I would like to try a Hofner Icon, but there are none in my area to try out, even a righty one.

How about ordering online at a merchant with a decent returns policy? Never tried it myself with instruments, but I imagine it could be an option?

[Retag]

Just curious, but why are you looking to flip a righty when lefty Rogues are still readily available?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/-i1532862.gc

Rondo has one that is even cheaper: http://www.rondomusic.com/wveb833vsleft.html

I suspect the quality would be about the same.

[pjmuck]

"Rondo has one that is even cheaper: http://www.rondomusic.com/wveb833vsleft.html

I suspect the quality would be about the same."

+1. I was going to suggest Rondo as well if the Rogue can't be found. I think all of these Hofner knockoffs are probably made at the same factory/factories.

I'd get the Rogue, Marc. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong. Truthfully, I prefer mine to the Hofner Club I own. It has better clarity and definition while still retaining that trademark tubby thump.

[AzWhoFan]

I would like to try a Hofner Icon, but there are none in my area to try out, even a righty one.

How about ordering online at a merchant with a decent returns policy? Never tried it myself with instruments, but I imagine it could be an option?

Well, I try not to use that option if at all possible. Just not my cup of tea. Call me old fashioned but I'm more of a buy it and keep it till I'm done with it kinda guy.

[AzWhoFan]

"Rondo has one that is even cheaper: http://www.rondomusic.com/wveb833vsleft.html

I suspect the quality would be about the same."

+1. I was going to suggest Rondo as well if the Rogue can't be found. I think all of these Hofner knockoffs are probably made at the same factory/factories.

I'd get the Rogue, Marc. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong. Truthfully, I prefer mine to the Hofner Club I own. It has better clarity and definition while still retaining that trademark tubby thump.

I wonder how the Rondo and Rogue would stand up to being strung with flatwound? i imagine they should be OK ....

[AustinLeftyBass]

Just curious, but why are you looking to flip a righty when lefty Rogues are still readily available?

http://www.guitarcenter.com/-i1532862.gc

Rondo has one that is even cheaper: http://www.rondomusic.com/wveb833vsleft.html

I suspect the quality would be about the same.

When my Beatle band started 20 years ago, I got an Epi Viola before getting a Hofner after a year or two. The Rondo is the same bass as the Epi. Well-built, a decent bass.
Several years back I got a Brice from Rondo, I use it for shows we fly to, so the baggage handlers don't get to destroy my Hofner. The Brice is nice(!), strung with GHS Precision Flatwounds.

[pjmuck]

"I wonder how the Rondo and Rogue would stand up to being strung with flatwound? i imagine they should be OK ...."

+1. The bass was made for flats, IMO. I've got a set of LaBella "Beatle Bass" flats on my Rogue. Fantastic sound played with a pick and slightly palm muted. That's something to consider if you're not a pick player. I feel these basses and their counterparts (Hofners, Epis, Rondos, etc) really excel played with a pick. Sure, you can play them fingerstyle as well, but I find the neck/string spacing a little tight for fingerstyle and the sound is muddier and less defined as well. The pick helps give these a much needed attack, IMO.

[Matt R.]

I've always had good luck with nicely defined sound with my Höfners (I owned a Rogue too) playing fingerstyle. I just ease off the neck pickup volume a hair and pluck nearer the bridge pickup. And by the way, the Rogue is a decent bass. Can it touch a Höfner? Not to my ears. But I recommend them.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I owned a Rogue for awhile. I replaced the bridge by an ebony bridge (pain in the neck by the way, those Hofner replacement bridges are too high and need to be adjusted) and put a bone nut on it. It really sounded awesome especially for recording. Actually, If I don't feel too lazy tonight I'll try to post a sound clip.
I tried different flatwound strings on it, the scale is slighty longer than the Hofner and you can use regular scale strings (I believe it is 31.5 vs 30). I also used some Rotosound Nylons on it, it sounded incredibly cool, heavy and thumpy although some of my band mates did not seem too crazy about it when I pulled it for a Jazz gig. I used that for Electronica bass tracks. I tried different gauges from 100 - 45 to 110 - 55. The heavier strings sounded huge with more definition on the E string but you lose some of the nasal charachter (personality) of this type of instrument so you may want to stick to something smaller. Like a an idiot I sold it locally for $120 and kinda miss it now.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I posted a sound clip of the Rogue in the sight and sounds section