Katie Herzig plays a Hofner Icon bass, though her interest in the iconic instrument had less to do with the influence of Sir Paul McCartney and more to do with the influence of a tour mate and a tight budget.

"I was aware of The Beatles playing this bass, which made it all the more appealing when I borrowed it from my guitarist Jordan," says Herzig. "I have recorded on many 'borrowed' instruments . . . this one just happened to stay in my house for a long, long time. [Jordan] was the one that actually picked the bass, and I'm sure [her decision] had something to do with The Beatles."

If you haven't picked up on Katie's subtext yet, "borrowed" is a code word for "politely but openly stole."

Herzig says she cannot say if the bass is a good value for the cash (having lifted it).

"I actually have no idea how much it costs!" she says. John Dilinger probably had no idea how much interest a bank would have paid on his redeposited "earnings," either.

For those who might want to BUY one, Hofner Icon B basses list at $599 but usually sell for around $440. Original Hofner 500s are, as one would assume, much more expensive, and even the reissues of the 1963 Hofner 500s cost above $1500. One '63 vintage one we looked at cost about a grand more than that. There are varying prices for different years, and older vintage models can come at truly scary price points.

So the Icon is a nice bass for a player who is serious but not weighed down with too much extra cash. It has a spruce plywood top and a maple plywood back. The pickups sound similar -- if not identical -- to the originals, say Icon B enthusiasts. They are fairly sturdy instruments as well.

In Herzig's case, she admits she is not a full time bass player.

"I just fake it, so I don't have much to offer . . . though I will say it just has a different feel and punch to it. I enjoy how smooth it feels under my fingers," she says.

Some players and collectors might maintain that Hofners, both old and new, have their construction issues, but all agree that there is still something unique in the sound. Katie concurs.

"I think there is something to this [bass]. This instrument has a character to it that, when familiar with it, [is instantly] identifiable." says Herzig.

Herzig's new CD, Apple Tree, is out now. Nashville's Cason Cooley, David Welsh of The Fray and The Fray producer, Aaron Johnson, all helped out with the record.