A proper German-made Vintage ’63 Höfner 500/1, capturing everything that made the original ‘Beatle bass’ so iconic. Lightweight, fully hollow and incredibly resonant, this one delivers that unmistakable woody, thumpy low end with a surprising amount of clarity when you dig in.
The ’63 spec moves the bridge pickup further back, giving a bit more bite and definition compared to earlier versions, while still keeping that warm, rounded character Höfner are known for. It’s a really fun, inspiring bass to play — sits nicely in the mix and feels completely effortless on the shoulder.
This 2005 example is a great player with some honest signs of use, and a lovely bit of flame on the back that really pops in the light.
PRELOVED – Höfner 500/1 Vintage ’63 Bass 2005 - Sunburst
- Model: Höfner 500/1 Vintage ’63
- Year: 2005
- Made in Germany
- Body: Spruce top with flame maple back & sides (fully hollow)
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 30” (Short Scale)
- Pickups: Höfner Staple Humbuckers
- Controls: Traditional Höfner control panel (Rhythm/Solo switches, individual volumes)
- Bridge: Wooden bridge with trapeze tailpiece
- Finish: Sunburst
- Comes With: Original hardcase and strap
Good condition overall. There is noticeable cosmetic damage to the back edges of the headstock where it's been kept on an unsuitable guitar hanger, as shown in the photos. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect playability or stability.
Aside from this, there are light signs of use and some ageing to the hardware as you’d expect from a preowned instrument of this age.
resents really well and has clearly been looked after.