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Höfner Archives

Report: Paul McCartney’s Stolen 1961 Hofner Has Been Returned
Bass Gear

Report: Paul McCartney’s Stolen 1961 Hofner Has Been Returned

There have been several mysteries of missing basses of historical importance. Jaco’s Bass of Doom was thankfully found, though James Jamerson’s Funk Machine has not surfaced. In September, there was a big push to find Paul McCartney’s original 1961 Hofner bass, and after 51 years the search is finally over.

Bass of the Week: Hofner Green Line 500/1 Violin Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Hofner Green Line 500/1 Violin Bass

Hofner’s Green Line is a series created to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Started with classical guitars, the series now includes a version of their 500/1 violin bass. It carries all of the features of the original version with some interesting differences.

Bass of the Week: Höfner Contemporary 500/5 President Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Höfner Contemporary 500/5 President Bass

This week we’re checking out the Höfner 500/5 President Bass from their affordable Contemporary series. Modeled on the original hollow-body basses from the ’50s and ’60s, the bass has a 30-inch scale.

Höfner Unveils the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” Bass
Basses

Höfner Unveils the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” Bass

Höfner has reissued another part of their history with the H500/5 “Reeperbahn” bass. Based on the 500/5 that was produced between the ’50s and ’70s, the instrument features a large hollow body and short scale neck. It was famously used by a Beatle, though not the one you’re thinking of. “Although used by many players none is quite so famous...

Höfner Introduces the Club Bass 500/2 Double Cut
Basses

Höfner Introduces the Club Bass 500/2 Double Cut

Höfner has introduced the Club Bass 500/2 Double Cut, a model inspired by the original 1965 model. The short-scale, hollow body bass dishes out old school tone with a double cutaway design for easy access to the upper register. It’s built with a select spruce top and flame maple for its back and sides, which are bound in black and...

Bass of the Week: Höfner Guitars Gold Label Paisley 500/2 Club Bass
Bass of the Week

Bass of the Week: Höfner Guitars Gold Label Paisley 500/2 Club Bass

Höfner’s Gold Label series gives the company a chance to make limited runs of special designs created by their master luthiers in Hagenau, Germany. This week we’re checking out a version of their 500/2 Club bass that’s finished in a retro, 60’s paisley top. “Introduced in 1964 the Club bass has for many years only been available in Sunburst,” Höfner...

Hofner Celebrates With 60th Anniversary 500/1 Violin Bass
Basses

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 Unveils Limited Edition Eco Violin Basses
Basses

Höfner Unveils Limited Edition Eco Violin Basses

A classic bass is getting a limited edition contemporary makeover. Höfner has announced two new versions of their German-built Violin Bass featuring composite material in place of their typically rosewood fingerboards. “Traditionally most fingerboards have been faced with Rosewood or Ebony, but these are becoming restricted in use in some countries as world wood resources dwindle or there is a...

Höfner Renames “Beatle Bass” Reissue Line of Basses
Basses

Höfner Renames “Beatle Bass” Reissue Line of Basses

Höfner has announced that their line of 500/1 Violin “Beatle Basses” are getting new names to more accurately represent their time. The construction and fittings will remain unchanged. “Due to the sequence that re-issue models were released in, more than 10 years ago, the [Paul] McCartney spec bass became the Vintage ’62 Re-issue despite the fact that his bass was...

Höfner Introduces H64/VB-R Tweed-Style Violin Bass Case
Accessories & Strings

Höfner Introduces H64/VB-R Tweed-Style Violin Bass Case

Höfner has debuted the H64/VB-R hardshell case for their Violin Basses. The new tweed-style case takes the place of the previous black vintage case and will be included with each German built violin bass. It will also be available separately. The H64/VB-R is inspired by the Selmer Tweed Style cases that were supplied in the ’60s. Features include classic case...

Höfner Introduces Gold Label Series Violin Basses
Basses

Höfner Introduces Gold Label Series Violin Basses

Höfner has added a new and colorful lineup of basses to their Gold Label Series they say are “intended to appeal to a new generation of bass players who appreciate the qualities of the Höfner bass but would like it in anything except sunburst.” The Gold Label Violin Basses take their classic design and finish it in four new colors:...

Höfner Violin Bass History Detailed in New Book
News

Höfner Violin Bass History Detailed in New Book

Höfner’s iconic Violin Bass is getting a thorough examination in the new book Höfner – The Complete Violin Bass Story, written by Höfner aficionado Steve Russell and the company’s own Nick Wass. The 320-page book chronicles the bass’s history from its inception to the present using photos and information from Höfner Company Archives as well as the expertise of Gerhilde...