Hofner 500/1 Vintage '63 Violin Bass Guitar Sunburst 

I had a friend I use to jam with a couple years back who was a Beatles fan and had this bass. I was the bassis for this "jam band" and I had my eye on his Hofner (I was bord playing my Vantage bass) so I started using it. There were some problems with the neck, and my friend had a screw shoved above the nut to keep the action playable and I believe the body was worped. I have no other recollection of this bass. So if one were to buy this product, keep it well maintained.

I love The Beatles and their sound. However, This bass sounds great for any style of music. I have used it to record our Country band, Mick Cruz and Diamondback.I've also used it to record my own music.  I has a great deep sound as well as a quick attack sound. It's sweet and in your face round sound. I record strait through a LA 610 Pre-Amp into Pro-tools.

I just recently purchased the Hofner 500/1 and am so happy with it.  I also own a Rickenbacker 4003 and it is nearly just as good.  It's hollow body gives it a sound similiar to a double bass and the flatwound strings make it easy to play.  I tried the Hofner Icon Bass but had problems with it and it just doesn't even compare to this. Definitely worth the money.

Well, I say I've played it, my family has a 1958 Hofner floating around, and this is my overall impression of this model. This bass has a very short scale, 30" as compared to the 34" standard on a Fender bass.  You'll find that it plays fairly easy, but the strings feel loose.  The frets are, obviously, spaced closer than on a Fender style bass, which takes some getting used to. The tone is very dull.  This may be a hinderance, but it also allows one to play higher up and still get a deep sound.  Playing a middle C (as written) provides about as much depth as the G a fourth lower on other basses.  This can be used to your advantage. Like the Tobias basses, this bass can be made to do a fairly good "fretted fretless" impression.  It has a sound somewhat similar to an upright bass with more sustain.  If you like to play songs orignally for fretless basses, but don't like or have a fretless, this can be a nice alternative.  You may need to use some EQ to get the exact sound. If you're looking for the sound of Paul McCartney (Beatles) or Kelly Groucutt (ELO), this bass is for you.

Super bass. Not only for that Beatle sound, but I use for everything. Will duplicate the early Beatle sound through any amp. For an example of the sound you'll get, listen to Taxman on the Revolver CD.