Hofner 500/3 "Senator" Hollow Body Bass 1960 - Blonde

Höfner 500/3 bass guitar from 1960. This is a single-pickup version of the 500/5 (which was played by Stuart Sutcliffe in the early days of the Beatles) with a slightly narrower body. From 1963, the 500/3 was named the Senator and the two-pickup 500/5 was named the President.

This rare 1960 Blonde bass is in simply magnificent original condition. This is one of the rare 500/3 basses equipped with a 'Toaster' pickup. A true collector's item with beautifully crafted top, back and sides. Complete with its rare original hard case (wooden).

The 500/3 has a larger body than the 500/1 ("violin") played by Paul McCartney, and therefore has a richer, fuller sound. Thanks to its hollow body, it can easily be played as an acoustic bass.

Blonde finish
Rosewood fingerboard
'Toaster' pickup
Treble clef logo
Tortoiseshell pickguard and panel
Individual Tuners
Original winter case
Strings - Pyramid Gold flat wire
Condition - perfect

The 10th photograph is taken from the 1960 catalog of British importer Selma.

From the vintageguitarandbass dot com website:

"Selmer 1960 Hofner and Futurama Catalogue, page 12. Details of the Hofner Bass; At this point in Hofner's history, semi-acoustic basses produced for the British market were known simply as 'Hofner Basses'.

The two models (single and double pickup) would become the Senator and President basses respectively. Two finish options are offered, blonde (natural) and brown (sunburst). As with all guitars listed in this catalog, the enhancements described on page 2 are also features of this bass; Super responsive pickups ('Toaster') and a truss rod."

There are several videos on youtube that show the sound (not me!)

IMPORTANT:

USA shipping rate is an estimate. I would need address details to be able to provide an accurate price. I am happy to quote for shipping to other countries.