Hofner Celebrates With 60th Anniversary 500/1 Violin Bass
An icon was born 60 years ago with the Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass, and now the company is celebrating with a special anniversary edition of the instrument. Limited to 60 instruments, the 60th Anniversary 500/1 Violin Bass stands out among its peers with original graphics by a bass legend.
“The artwork on the top of the bass was designed for Höfner by Klaus Voormann who is very closely associated with The Beatles and is the designer of the cover of the world famous Revolver album,” a press release stated. “This album celebrates its 50th anniversary since release and accordingly the artwork for the bass is in the same unique style. Each bass comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which has been personally signed by Klaus Voormann.”
Hofner continues the bass’s black and white design with with black hardware, black tape-wound strings, and a black and white oval control panel. An interesting note is that the bass’s headstock has the original 1956 design, which has never been used on any other re-issue instruments.
The bass comes with a ton of other special items only available with the bass: a Limited Edition art print of the Klaus Voormann design, prints of Klaus Voormann, a 60th Anniversary coffee cup, a 60th Anniversary pen and box, a White Höfner strap, a Höfner Limited Edition handmade bass fuzz FX pedal, a Höfner music CD, and a set of “Teacup” knobs. It ships in a H259B bullet case. Of the 60 instruments made worldwide, only six will be left-handed. No Ignition or Contemporary versions or copies will be made.
The Hofner 60th Anniversary 500/1 Violin Bass will be available soon through select dealers. USA pricing was not available at the time of posting, though the European RRP is set at €7,500.
Hofner 60th Anniversary 500/1 Violin Bass Specs:
Body Shape: | Violin Bass |
Body Back and Sides: | Flame Maple |
Body Top: | Spruce |
Binding Top and Back: | Black / White / Black |
Binding Sides: | Black |
Centerblock: | None |
Neck: | Three-piece Flame Maple / Beech /Flame Maple |
Headstock Shape: | Hofner 50s Violin Bass |
Logo and Artwork: | Original 50s Inlay |
Neck Joint: | Violin Bass Set Neck |
Joint At: | 16th Fret |
Heel Cap: | Black |
Fingerboard Wood: | Rosewood |
Scale: | 30″/76cm |
Nut Width: | 42mm |
Width At 12th Fret: | 48mm |
Inlays: | Pearl Dots |
Neck Binding: | None |
Side Dots: | None |
Number Of Frets: | 22 |
Bridge: | Ebony Hofner Fretted |
Finish: | Black and White Klaus Voormann Design |
Tuners: | Single Black |
Tuner Buttons: | Plastic |
Tailpiece: | Hofner Trapeze Black |
Nut Material: | Plastic |
Pickups: | Hofner Black Staple |
Potentiometer Knobs: | Black. Gold top included. |
Electrics: | Hofner White Oval Panel |
Strings: | Hofner Black Nylon Tape Wound |
For more information:
Hofner