The Guitar Player's Resource
This bass carries the DNA of the instrument that helped define modern pop bass playing - think McCartney's melodic approach that turned the bass from rhythm section workhorse into lead voice.
When Paul McCartney first strapped on that distinctive violin-shaped bass in the early '60s, he wasn't just choosing an instrument - he was defining a sound that would become synonymous with melodic bass playing. The Hofner 500/1 violin bass represents one of those rare instruments where form truly follows function, creating both visual and sonic magic.
Walter Hofner's 1956 design, unveiled at the Frankfurt Music Messe, proved that thinking outside the traditional bass guitar box could yield extraordinary results. You've got a fully hollow body construction that delivers remarkable sustain and woody warmth, while keeping the weight so manageable you'll appreciate it during those marathon gig nights. That slim profile neck makes complex melodic runs feel effortless - exactly what McCartney needed to weave those unforgettable bass lines through Beatles arrangements.
The white celluloid neck binding isn't just aesthetic detail; it's your visual cue that you're holding the genuine German-made article. Those dual passive humbuckers in the classic HH configuration deliver that signature punchy-yet-warm tone that cuts through any mix without overwhelming it. The rosewood fretboard provides the perfect balance of brightness and warmth across all 22 frets.
This isn't just about recreating vintage tones - though it excels at that. The 500/1's unique acoustic properties, thanks to its violin-body heritage, give you natural compression and sustain that solid-body basses simply can't match. Whether you're laying down foundational grooves or stepping into melodic lead territory, this bass responds with the kind of musical sensitivity that turns technique into expression.
Brand: Hofner
Finish: Sunburst
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Right / Left Handed: Right Handed
Active / Passive Pickups: Passive Pickups
Pickup Configuration: HH
Body Shape: Violin
Number of Strings: 4-String
Number of Frets: 22
