It's hard to imagine Paul McCartney without his Hofner bass, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Beatles' look and sound. An iconic instrument from “Love Me Do” to “Now and Then”…
The 500/1 Violin Bass (also known as the "Beatle Bass") is a hollow-body bass introduced by the German company Höfner in the mid-'50s. It gained worldwide fame during the tumultuous years of Beatlemania, becoming the most iconic instrument associated with the Beatles starting in 1961, when Paul McCartney purchased his first model (now known as the "Cavern") from Steinway & Sons in Hamburg. In 1963, Paul switched to a new model with pickups placed farther apart (now called the "Mersey"), which he exclusively used until 1965, when he began alternating it with the Rickenbacker 4001s. Despite this, the Violin Bass remained his signature instrument, used even for the historic Rooftop Concert with the famous "Bassman" sticker. This bass bass would continue to accompany Paul for many years, even up to the Beatles' most recent release "Now and Then" (2023). A piece of musical history, still telling the Beatles' story through the hands of Paul McCartney.
Regarding Paul's first Hofner: Following the launch of last year's Lost Bass project, Paul's 1961 Höfner 500/1 bass guitar, which was stolen in 1972, has been returned. The guitar has been authenticated by Höfner and Paul is incredibly grateful to all those involved. (paulmccartney.com - 15 February 2024)
The one in our photo is a Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass Vintage 62 "Mersey" made in Germany, identical to McCartney's main bass. You can see it in our videos for Now and Then, We Can Work It Out and Rain. There is also a Höfner 500/1 CT featured in the Help! and Don't Let Me Down videos, and modified in the “Rooftop” style for Get Back.
