2004 Hofner 500/1 Vintage '63 Violin Beatle Bass Staple Pickup w/ Case, Germany

Up for sale, a 2004 Hofner 500/1 Vintage ‘63 Violin “Beatle Bass” V63 in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case, hangtags, and strap. Crafted in Germany (ostensibly for export to Japan per the hangtags) and faithfully replicating circa 1963 spec, this model is indelibly linked with Paul McCartney, capturing the round, pillowy thump and definition of the Beatles sound.

There's a distinctive pluck, percussive cut, and hollow thud that this bass delivers even unplugged, with a broad sonic range between the two "staple" pickups. The bridge pickup has more nasally upper-midrange cut and sweet growl, and the neck has a girthy, broad thump. Controls include individual Volume knobs for each pickup as well as a two-way Rhythm/Solo tone switch which adds a tic-tac cut and presence in the “Solo” position. Featherweight at 4lbs 13oz, this 500/1 Vintage ‘63 Violin Bass has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 45-100 flatwound strings, easy-playing action and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: Round U, measuring .885” 1st fret, 1.015” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, pearloid dot inlays
• Frets: Medium, no wear
• Scale Length: 30”
• Nut: 1.650” (42mm), zero fret
• Tuners: Open-gear, oval buttons

Body Specs:

• Wood: Spruce, Flame Maple
• Pickups: “Staple” x2
• Controls: Volume x2, Pickup On/Off switch x2, Rhythm/Solo switch
• Hardware: Ebony bridge, trapeze tailpiece
• Plastics: White pearloid pickguard/control plate, gold-top teacup knobs

The neck profile has been refinished, while the body retains its original Sunburst gloss. There is prominent checking on the headstock face, and cosmetic wear on the body includes a sliver of thumb wear through the finish on top adjacent to the neck pickup, a few small chips along the binding at the lower bout, and various lesser dings on top and back. The neck profile is smooth and clean, with only a couple shallow marks.

The original hardshell case is included, along with the serialized hangtags/export paperwork (dated to the 16th year of the Heisei era [2004]), and leather strap.