LeftyBassist.com

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).

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

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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

I suspect the quality would be about the same.

"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.

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.

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

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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