Description
A Contemporary Series Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass in black laquer finish, bound maple body, spruce top, maple neck, twenty-two fret bound rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, two pickups, selector switch for each pickup, control plate with two rotary controls and three switches, ebony bridge, nickel-plated metal tailpiece and imitation mother of pearl pickguard, signed on the pickguard in black marker pen by Paul McCartney. With a black hardshell contour case.
This stunning Hofner Violin Bass – Paul McCartney’s signature instrument has been signed by Sir Paul McCartney himself. For over 60 years, McCartney has remained faithful to his Höfner 500/1 model bass, using it throughout his tenure in The Beatles and still today in his solo career. He is largely credited for elevating the Höfner to celebrity status.
McCartney first took up the instrument after Sutart Sutcliffe left The Beatles to pursue an art career in 1961. He acquired his first Höfner that year at Steinway shop in Hamburg, Germany, during The Beatles’ two-month residency at the Top Ten Club. McCartney chose the Höfner not only for its affordability but also because he was left-handed, which required him to invert the bass and restring it to play. The Höfner’s symmetrical shape made it a practical choice for performing, as it did not look so daft and awkward when flipped upside down on stage. McCartney used this bass on The Beatles’ first two albums—Please Please Me and With The Beatles—as well as all of their singles up to and including She Loves You. The bass was lost, presumably stolen, in the late 60s.
His second Hofner, which he still uses today, was acquired in 1963 when Hofner sent him the new 500/1 model and had it custom-made left-handed. The bass was first heard that year on The Beatles hit single I Want to Hold Your Hand, and was continued to be used through the Let It Be rooftop concert in 1969. After a brief hiatus, the bass returned for the recording sessions for 1989’s Flowers in the Dirt, and has been on the road with McCartney ever since.
All paperwork is included! This item has been authenticated by Team Superstar Guitars and IAS – International Authentication Service. The authenticity can be verified on IAS website. COA included in auction! No case included in this auction! This product is packaged in a manner to ensure a safe arrival! This is your chance to own a piece of music history. A one of a kind collectible and a 100% Investment which only goes up in value over time!
