The holy grail!

1966 Hofner 500/1 Beatle Bass in great original condition.

Made in the 30th week of 1966 (see engraving on bottom of pots, below)

Yes, it has checking in the nitrocellulose lacquer–they all do (so does Paul's!), although the back is almost untouched–no buckle marks, no significant scratches. Very rare black-finish neck which indicates that it was built for the European market. This bass has great action all the way up the perfectly straight, stable, neck. All metal is in good shape–some burnishing on the tailpiece, the pickup covers look brand new. The binding is near perfect (part of the H in the logo is missing), tuning pegs are excellent–every screw is original. The original case is in incredible condition, too, considering that this guitar is 57 years old.

And, this particular example sounds really, really great. Flat wounds, of course–Pyramid Gold Chrome Nickel Flatwounds, just like Paulie used to use (not cheap!). Recent set-up ensures that she’s ready to rock.

Don’t let this one get away.

Once in a blue moon you come across one of these basses that hasn't and doesn't need a neck reset. Not sure why, maybe to do with storage conditions over the last 60 years, but they are considerably rarer. This one, is one such example, and you can tell by it's condition that it has hardly been touched at all.

Matching potentiometers (POTs) codes of 306 on the control panel date this to July 1966. (The original dealer, most likely Von Houw, in the Netherlands, placed a sticker on the back of the headstock, as they sometimes did. This is not a Hofner serial number.)

Has been set up professionally with new flat wound Pyramid Strings. All frets play beautifully with a low action and with no buzzing and there is plenty of height left on the bridge to play with.

All electronics are original and are working. Control panel shows this has never been de-soldered or messed around with. There's a lot of life left in this little lady. Or, just put it in the corner, on a stand, and tell people that, yeah, Paul's in the loo . . . he'll be back in a mo'.