Used Hofner 500/1 V63 Bass

Check out this used Hofner 500/1 V63 Bass, a true piece of musical history. All of the electronics have been tested and work very well. This bass comes with its original case and is in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. It plays and sounds fantastic, weighing in at a mere 5.1 lbs for a lightweight and comfortable feel. Along with the bass, you'll find some original documentation, including the hangtag displaying the serial number and model name, as well as an invoice for added authenticity. It also has a forearm rest on the side of the bass as well.

First introduced at the 1956 Frankfurt Musikmesse, the 500/1 Violin Bass was designed by Walter Höfner as an alternative to the upright double bass. Since its debut, it has remained in continuous production. The bass gained worldwide fame when Paul McCartney began using it during the early 1960s with The Beatles. Over the years, the 500/1 has evolved, offering everything from affordable Ignition models to high-end German-made reissues and special editions. Its short 30-inch scale and ultra-lightweight design made it a favorite among many professionals.

The Violin Bass is renowned for its unique sound, especially when paired with flatwound strings. It delivers a distinctive, deep, and penetrating thud, reminiscent of an upright double bass. This sound is perfect for capturing the pop vibes of the 1960s, providing a punchy, overdriven tone for modern rock bands, or delivering massive, deep bass lines in dance music. The bass has also found a place in reggae music for its powerful, driving low end. Despite its smaller size, the Hofner 500/1 is incredibly versatile and capable of delivering huge sound.

Thanks to McCartney's iconic use of the bass, particularly during The Beatles' legendary 1964 performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, the Hofner 500/1 became known as the "Beatle Bass." This instrument played a central role in many of the Beatles' most famous recordings and remains an iconic piece of music history.