King Casey,
The latest Hofner Beatles bass guitars made in China are a whole lot of fun and only cost a weeks wages. Very good finished quality (for the price). I got one about six months ago and it was my introduction back into the musical community after decades of non activity. (The internet is amazing). As for sound; you are absolutely correct, a hollow woody sounding "thud thud thud" pretty much sums it up! LOL. I might even go one as one of my next builds here. Maybe try a sunburst finish for the first time. :-)