I used to own a Hofner Ignition (c.£200 model) it weighed next to nothing, sounded right and played fine. But the bass always felt very brittle, not terribly substantial. Therefore I never really gigged it, thinking maybe it's just a personal thing as I usually abuse 70's Fenders.
Eventually, I managed to compare mine with a friends' Contemporary (c.£500) model and the build quality was evident - more robust all round, better paint job, seemingly better parts etc.
I can't help but feel that if I'd have paid a little more I'd still own one...