Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass – Early 1965 Transitional Model

For sale is this beautiful Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass from very early 1965. The bass was assembled in week 8 of 1965 and – apart from the already wider control panel – still features the typical specifications of the 1964 models. An interesting transitional model, right from the changeover period between the two years and not something you come across very often!

The bass is equipped with the highly sought-after original Höfner Franz Pix 511B “Nova Sonic” Staple Pickups, just like those found on the 1963 model ;)

The bass has received a comprehensive overhaul and refurbishment by me. The finish and all components were thoroughly cleaned and polished, the tuners were disassembled, cleaned and freshly lubricated, and the complete electronics were checked and serviced. The fingerboard was cleaned, levelled and oiled, the neck was adjusted and the action set up for comfortable playability. A refret was not necessary. The bass is properly intonated, fully set up and ready to play.

At some point in the past, the 500/1 received a neck reset, which was carried out properly and provides a good neck angle and comfortably low action. Different tuners had also been fitted at some point. The enlarged holes were later professionally filled with hardwood, and the affected area on the back of the headstock was cosmetically blended in with a used/relic-style finish. These repairs are visible when the tuners are removed. The original tuners are now fitted again.

Of course, an instrument from 1965 has a story to tell: the bass shows age-appropriate signs of playing and use, small dings, scratches and finish cracks, giving it a beautiful and authentic vintage look. The original pickups work perfectly, as do all switches and pots.

All in all, a beautiful, very early 1965 Höfner 500/1 with 1964 DNA, original Nova Sonic pickups and plenty of vintage character – technically overhauled, fully set up and ready for the studio, stage or home.

In short: unpack it, plug it in and play!

• 30″ / 76cm Shortscale
• pot dates: 250K 8 (CW8 1964)
• 2x famous Höfner Franz Pix „Nova Sonic“ staple pickups (Humbucker)
• Maple body with laminated spruce top
• 3 piece maple neck
• Rosewood fretboard with binding, 22 frets
• Perloid dot inlays
• wide control panel: 2x Volume , Rhythmn/Solo Switch, Bass On & Treble On Switch
• Vintage 60s Höfner Nickel Flatwound strings
• Weight: 1,89 kg

Information:
It is a vintage instrument. The condition description corresponds to this when you come to me in the shop and would take the instrument directly with you. The temperature gradient when shipping with air freight can lead to changes in the condition of the instrument. e.g. Celluloid pickguard could tear or shrink due to tension. Likewise, pickups due to the wire expansion and shrinkage could lose their function by loosening the solder points. I am very accommodating with complaints, but please note this and do not expect a new instrument.

Please look closely at the pictures and ask as many questions as possible if something is unclear. Prefer a few more questions than to have the surprise afterwards. The shipment is securely packed. You are welcome to take a look at my website for insights, I will show you how I pack and ship by using pictures. There are also other high-resolution pictures here.