LeftyBassist.com

Did anybody see this? Hofner posted a factory video. Lots of middle-aged guys using archaic equipment. Maybe that's why Hofners are so overpriced - pensions and tech maintenance?

http://youtu.be/qCOycca1ezo

Before anyone asks, I am 45 so, yes, I am throwing rocks inside my glass house

well, the youtube description does say it's from their archives ... so you could very well be correct re the pension costs

This is a very tough one, I seen the video before, part of me says loves the old school building, imagine today's Hofners are built the same process as the 64 Hofner. At one time I had both a 2009 Hofner and a 68 Hofner and there is no difference in how they are built or how they sound. How many of us would love it if Fender built basses the same today as they did in 1964. However the consumer side of me says automation drives down costs, increases productivity, prefabrication drives down costs. Hofner started making the cheap bass a few years ago (Asia Pac region) and well what you see if what you get a $399 Hofner is not the same as a German Hofner.

Long Story Short, Hofners have always been unique, I would pay the extra $$ to have a hand built bass and the unique sound. This same theory goes for Steinway Pianos, for over 100 years all their pianos are made in the same manor as they were when they started.

Question would be if Paul did not play a Hofner and inspire other bassist would Hofner still be around?

In my opinion, it's highly doubtful they would be, at least as we know them.