Vintage late 1960s Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass, made in West Germany featuring a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, maple neck (bound) with a gorgeous dark rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays. This model would be mid-late 1968 at the earliest thanks to it's newly designed 'umlaut' silkscreen decal that replaced the larger, plastic plaques that were placed on the headstock during the mid 1960s as well as introduction of thw oversized control plate.
Loaded with the original Hofner Blade single coil pickups, these late 60s Violin basses keep up to speed with more modern instruments thanks to the higher output of the pickups rather than the very low output staple pickups found in the originals.
Controls for each pickup with a tone cap can be found via the very quirky control plate at the bottom, however limited it may seam, these controls offer a fairly large range of tone that isn't just instant McCartney.
All original with all original Schaller made hardware aside from the output socket. A fantastic instrument that is as iconic as it gets, in wonderful playing and cosmetic condition too.
This model is the only example we've seen available with a factory black finished neck.
Freshly setup with D'Addario Chromes, this Hofner is in fantastic condition. Very little signs of wear in the nitro-cellulose finish aside from some hairline cracks on the top and the action is low.
Original celluloid nut has been replaced (as has zero fret, thankfully) with a brand new bone nut. Original pickguard bracket is missing (parts available through Hofner directly) however pickguard is still attached to the bridge & side of neck.
Original pots have been replaced but are included with sale. Includes non original hardshell case.
Video: https://youtu.be/uT-gDIEcrP0
Product Specs
- Item Number: 40750
- Make: Höfner
- Model: 500/1 Violin Bass
- Condition: Very Good
- Finish: Sunburst
- Categories: bass-guitars ⇒ 4-string
- Year: 1968-1969
- Made In: Germany
- MPN: 40750