The 1964 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass is one of the most recognisable electric bass guitars in music history. With its distinctive violin-shaped hollow body, short 30-inch scale length and warm, rounded bass response, the 500/1 helped define the sound and appearance of British pop and rock during the 1960s.

Famously associated with Paul McCartney, the Höfner Violin Bass combines traditional German instrument-making techniques with a compact, lightweight design that feels very different from a conventional solid-body electric bass.

By 1964, the 500/1 had developed into the familiar design associated with the height of Beatlemania, featuring a hollow violin-shaped body, a short-scale neck, distinctive Höfner pickups and the characteristic pearloid control panel.

Its fully hollow construction contributes to a woody, mellow and naturally rounded sound, making it particularly appealing for vintage pop, rock and roll, soul, blues and melodic bass playing.

This particular 1964 Höfner 500/1 is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs just 4.64 lbs (approximately 2.10kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

For bass players and collectors seeking a genuine 1960s Höfner with exceptional vintage appeal, an incredibly comfortable weight and an unmistakable musical identity, this 500/1 is a particularly interesting instrument.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Good Condition

This 1964 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with its age and previous use.

As a vintage instrument dating from the 1960s, this bass represents an important period in Höfner's history. Signs of age and use can form part of the character of an instrument from this era, although the exact degree and nature of cosmetic wear should always be assessed individually.

Specific scratches, finish checking, lacquer wear, hardware oxidation or other cosmetic imperfections have not been separately documented.

Please study the product photographs carefully for a closer assessment of this instrument's appearance.

Vintage Construction & Originality

The 1964 500/1 was manufactured during a period when Höfner frequently introduced small changes to pickups, neck construction, headstock logos and hardware.

Period examples commonly feature a three-piece neck, staple-style pickups, a narrow pearloid control panel and individual tuning machines.

The originality of this particular bass's pickups, tuners, electronics, finish, bridge and other components has not been independently established.

No modifications or repairs have been reported, but the absence of reported work should not be treated as confirmation that the instrument is entirely original.

Weight

At just 4.64 lbs, this instrument offers the remarkably lightweight playing experience for which the Höfner Violin Bass is celebrated.

Its low weight can make it particularly comfortable for extended practice sessions, rehearsals and standing performances.

Hardcase Included

This 1964 Höfner 500/1 is supplied with a hardcase, offering protection during storage and transportation.

The case has not been confirmed as an original 1960s Höfner or Selmer case.

What's Included

• 1964 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass

• Hardcase

No additional accessories or original documentation have been confirmed.

Service & Setup

Vintage Höfner basses benefit from careful setup and maintenance, particularly because of their hollow-body construction, floating bridge and traditional neck joint. Important areas to assess include neck angle, neck relief, fret condition, bridge position, string action, tuning stability and the condition of the original-style electronics. The exact service history, neck-set condition and setup measurements of this particular bass have not been supplied, and no recent repairs or adjustments are being claimed. Guitar and bass setups can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Genuine 1964-Era Höfner 500/1: A vintage instrument associated with one of the most influential periods in popular music.

• Distinctive Violin-Shaped Body: Instantly recognisable styling inspired by traditional stringed instruments.

• Fully Hollow Construction: Produces a warm, woody and resonant bass response.

• 30-Inch Short Scale: Comfortable fretting positions and a distinctive string response.

• Extremely Lightweight: This example weighs just 4.64 lbs.

• Traditional German Craftsmanship: Part of Höfner's established history of building acoustic and electric stringed instruments.

• Twin Pickup Configuration: Provides a choice of classic violin bass tones.

• Vintage-Style Control Panel: Characteristic Höfner switching and volume controls.

• Floating Bridge & Trapeze Tailpiece: Traditional violin bass construction.

• Classic Vintage Bass Character: Particularly effective for 1960s pop, rock and roll, blues and soul.

• Good Pre-Owned Condition: A genuine vintage instrument with evidence of previous use.

• Hardcase Included: Practical protection for this collectable bass.

Why You'll Love It

The 1964 Höfner 500/1 offers a playing experience quite unlike most modern electric bass guitars.

Its lightweight hollow body and compact short-scale neck make it immediately comfortable, while its warm, rounded tone has a distinctive character that works beautifully in melodic bass lines and vintage-inspired arrangements.

Rather than delivering the aggressive attack and extended sustain of a conventional solid-body bass, the Höfner produces a softer, more organic response that can sit naturally beneath guitars, keyboards and vocals.

Its strong association with the early Beatles also gives the 500/1 a cultural significance that few other bass guitars can match.

For players who appreciate vintage instruments, the combination of period construction, distinctive appearance and characteristic sound makes an original 1960s Höfner especially appealing.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Iconic Violin-Shaped Hollow Body

The Höfner 500/1 takes its visual inspiration from traditional violin construction, using a symmetrical body outline with rounded shoulders and an elegantly curved shape. Unlike a conventional solid-body electric bass, the 500/1 features a fully hollow body without a central sustain block, giving the instrument its distinctive acoustic resonance and exceptionally low overall weight. This construction contributes to the warm, rounded attack associated with classic violin bass sounds, while its compact dimensions make it comfortable for musicians who find larger electric basses cumbersome.

Traditional Spruce & Maple Construction

Period Höfner 500/1 basses typically feature a spruce top with maple back and sides, reflecting the company's background in traditional stringed instrument construction. Spruce is widely used in acoustic instruments for its responsive character, while maple provides structural stability and contributes to the distinctive look of the violin-shaped body. The combination creates a lightweight resonant structure with a tonal character that differs substantially from the heavy, solid timber construction of many traditional electric bass guitars. The exact wood configuration of this individual instrument should be verified where collector-grade specifications are required.

Comfortable 30-Inch Short Scale

One of the most appealing characteristics of the Höfner 500/1 is its 30-inch scale length, significantly shorter than the 34-inch scale found on many conventional electric basses. This brings the frets closer together and reduces the overall reach required for many bass lines, making the instrument particularly comfortable for guitarists transitioning to bass and players who prefer a more compact instrument. The shorter scale also contributes to the distinctive string feel and naturally rounded response associated with the Violin Bass.

Classic Höfner Pickup Character

Höfner violin basses from the 1964 period commonly feature two staple-style pickups, designed to produce the warm and articulate sound associated with the model. Their response complements the hollow body, delivering a rounded bass tone with useful midrange definition and a distinctive attack. The two-pickup arrangement allows musicians to explore different tonal balances for rhythm accompaniment, melodic playing and vintage-inspired recording. Because Höfner pickup specifications evolved during the 1960s, the exact pickup type and originality of this individual bass should be confirmed by inspection.

Distinctive Vintage Control Panel

The 500/1 features Höfner's recognisable control arrangement, traditionally combining two volume controls with dedicated Rhythm/Solo and pickup-selection switches on a pearloid panel. This design provides a useful range of vintage bass sounds while maintaining the simple, compact appearance of the instrument. The narrow control panel associated with the mid-1960s period has become one of the model's recognisable visual details, particularly among collectors interested in distinguishing instruments from different production years.

Traditional Floating Bridge & Tailpiece

The Höfner 500/1 uses a traditional floating bridge and trapeze-style tailpiece arrangement, reflecting its construction as a hollow-body stringed instrument. The bridge is positioned on the body rather than permanently fixed in the manner of many solid-body electric basses, allowing suitable adjustment of intonation and playing action. The tailpiece anchors the strings at the end of the body, contributing to the instrument's classic appearance and distinctive mechanical design. Correct bridge positioning is particularly important when setting up a vintage Höfner.

Exceptionally Lightweight Playing Experience

Weighing just 4.64 lbs, this particular 1964 Höfner 500/1 is remarkably light compared with many traditional solid-body bass guitars. Its lightweight construction can significantly reduce the physical demands of extended standing performances, while the short scale allows a relaxed fretting-hand position. This combination makes the instrument particularly attractive to musicians who prioritise playing comfort, whether performing vintage pop arrangements, rehearsing regularly or recording for extended periods.

Warm, Woody Vintage Bass Tone

The sound of a classic Höfner Violin Bass is often described as warm, rounded, woody and naturally compressed, with a distinctive attack that suits melodic and supportive bass playing. The hollow construction and short scale work together to create a softer, more traditional response than many modern solid-body instruments, making the 500/1 particularly effective for vintage pop, rock and roll, blues and soul. When used with suitable flatwound strings, the instrument can deliver the deep, smooth character associated with numerous classic recordings, although the string type currently fitted to this bass has not been confirmed.

Vintage German Craftsmanship

Höfner's history of building violins and other stringed instruments strongly influenced the design of the 500/1, combining traditional woodworking techniques with the emerging electric bass technology of the 1950s and 1960s. The elegant body construction, compact scale and distinctive appointments reflect a different approach from the solid-body basses being developed in the United States during the same period. An original 1964 example offers an interesting connection to this manufacturing heritage and to the development of electric bass design during the formative years of modern popular music.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Bass Collectors: An appealing instrument for enthusiasts of original 1960s bass guitars and German musical instrument history.

Beatles Enthusiasts: The 500/1 is strongly associated with the early Beatles and the distinctive sound of Paul McCartney's bass playing.

Classic Pop & Rock Musicians: Particularly well suited to melodic, supportive bass lines and vintage-inspired arrangements.

Recording Bassists: Offers a distinctive tonal contrast to conventional solid-body electric basses.

Short-Scale Bass Players: The compact neck and low weight provide an exceptionally comfortable playing experience.

Guitarists Moving to Bass: The shorter scale and familiar fretting positions can make the transition more approachable.

Playing Styles & Applications

The 1964 Höfner 500/1 is particularly well suited to 1960s pop, classic rock and roll, Merseybeat, soul, blues, folk rock and vintage-inspired studio recording.

Its warm attack and rounded note envelope work particularly well beneath bright electric guitars and vocal harmonies.

The short-scale design encourages fluid melodic playing, making it suitable for both supportive root-note bass parts and more elaborate moving bass lines.

In the recording studio, the fully hollow construction offers a useful alternative to the brighter attack and extended sustain of many modern solid-body bass guitars.

How It Compares

1964 Höfner 500/1 vs Modern Höfner 500/1 Reissues

Modern Höfner reissues provide the classic violin bass design with more predictable access to replacement parts and contemporary production consistency. A genuine 1964 example offers period construction, vintage craftsmanship and historical significance that a modern reproduction cannot fully duplicate. For players primarily seeking the sound and feel, a reissue may be practical, while collectors and enthusiasts often place particular value on the individuality of an original 1960s instrument.

Höfner 500/1 vs Fender Precision Bass

The Fender Precision Bass is a solid-body instrument with a longer 34-inch scale and a naturally different tonal response. It is generally associated with a firm attack, strong fundamental and substantial sustain. The Höfner 500/1 offers a lighter, more compact playing experience, with a warmer and more rounded sound shaped by its hollow construction and shorter scale. Both are classic bass designs, but they suit different musical preferences and playing styles.

Höfner 500/1 vs Höfner Club Bass

The Höfner Club Bass shares several construction ideas with the Violin Bass, including a compact hollow body and short scale, but uses a more conventional single-cutaway body outline. The 500/1's symmetrical violin shape and association with 1960s popular music make it particularly recognisable. Players seeking a similar category of warm hollow-body bass sound may appreciate either design, while collectors drawn to the iconic violin shape will naturally favour the 500/1.

Höfner 500/1 Heritage

The Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass was introduced in 1956, combining the company's traditional expertise in hollow-body instruments with the growing demand for electric bass guitars.

Its lightweight body and short-scale neck provided a distinctive alternative to the larger solid-body basses becoming popular during the same period.

The instrument became internationally famous through its association with Paul McCartney, who adopted the violin-shaped bass during the early years of the Beatles.

By 1964, the 500/1 had become closely linked with the sound and visual identity of British popular music, and examples from this period remain especially interesting to collectors.

The design has continued to influence bass players for decades, with both vintage examples and modern reissues retaining the unmistakable appearance and character of the original violin bass.

Technical Specifications

The following details describe the typical 1964 Höfner 500/1 specification. Höfner made running production changes during this period, and original components may have been replaced during an instrument's lifetime.

Power Requirements

The 1964 Höfner 500/1 uses passive magnetic pickups and does not require a battery or external power supply.

It connects to a suitable bass amplifier, recording interface or DI box using a conventional ¼-inch instrument cable.

The instrument's pickup and volume settings can be adjusted directly from the characteristic Höfner control panel.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The 1964 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass is a wonderful example of an instrument whose appearance, construction and musical character have become inseparable from the history of popular music.

Its exceptionally lightweight hollow body, comfortable 30-inch scale and warm, rounded tonal response make it a genuinely distinctive alternative to conventional solid-body bass guitars.

For musicians interested in classic 1960s bass sounds, the Höfner offers an unmistakable character, particularly when paired with a suitable amplifier and traditional flatwound strings.

For collectors, an original 1964 example represents an important period in the development of the 500/1, when the instrument was becoming internationally recognised through its association with the Beatles.

This particular instrument is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs only 4.64 lbs and includes a hardcase.

Best Suited For: Vintage bass enthusiasts, collectors, Beatles fans, recording musicians and players seeking a lightweight short-scale hollow-body bass.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Modern Höfner violin bass reissues, entry-level short-scale basses and conventional solid-body instruments.

Most Commonly Paired With: Vintage-inspired bass amplifiers, flatwound bass strings, traditional studio DI equipment and appropriate bass guitar humidification and storage accessories.

Our Tip: A warm amplifier setting with restrained high frequencies can complement the natural character of a Höfner violin bass. Flatwound strings are also worth exploring for players seeking a smoother, more traditional 1960s bass sound.

Showroom Advice: When purchasing an original 1960s Höfner, pay particular attention to neck angle, the condition of the hollow body and the originality of the hardware and electronics. These details can be especially important for both playing performance and collectability.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a vintage Höfner 500/1 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to experience an instrument from one of the most important periods in electric bass history.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurately describing vintage instruments, including their condition, construction, modifications and included accessories.

This particular 1964 Höfner 500/1 is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 4.64 lbs and comes complete with a hardcase.

Original vintage instruments can offer a playing feel, appearance and individual character that differ from modern reproductions, making them particularly interesting for musicians and collectors alike.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a vintage, pre-owned instrument, and its condition and confirmed accessories are detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with delivery and collection options available at checkout.

For an instrument of this age, careful storage, suitable environmental conditions and appropriate transport protection are particularly important.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals and musical equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers select instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

We offer competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options and a large Birmingham showroom, along with trade-in and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including vintage and modern bass guitars, electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals and keyboards.

Your existing instrument could help towards the cost of this 1964 Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this 1964 Höfner 500/1 in?

This bass is presented in Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with previous use.

Does the bass come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The included hardcase has not been confirmed as the original 1960s factory case.

How much does the bass weigh?

This particular instrument weighs 4.64 lbs, approximately 2.10kg.

Was the Höfner 500/1 made in Germany?

Yes. Original Höfner 500/1 instruments from 1964 were manufactured in Germany.

Is this a genuine 1964 bass?

The instrument has been identified as a 1964 model. Independent dating evidence, such as serial markings, potentiometer codes or internal body stamps, has not been provided.

Is the 500/1 the same as the Beatle Bass?

Yes. The Höfner 500/1 is widely known as the Beatle Bass because of its association with Paul McCartney.

Is this the same model Paul McCartney played?

It belongs to the same 500/1 family. However, specifications changed over time, and McCartney's instruments have their own particular construction details.

Does it have a hollow body?

Yes. The traditional 500/1 features a fully hollow violin-shaped body without a central sustain block.

What is its scale length?

The Höfner 500/1 uses a short 30-inch scale length.

Is the neck comfortable for smaller hands?

Many players find the shorter scale particularly comfortable because the frets are positioned closer together.

What pickups were used on 1964 examples?

Period instruments commonly used Höfner staple-style pickups, although the exact pickups fitted to this particular bass have not been verified.

Does the bass use active electronics?

No. The original 500/1 electronics are passive.

Does it need a battery?

No. It operates without a battery.

What is the control panel for?

The traditional Höfner control panel allows adjustment of the pickup volumes and switching between tonal configurations.

Can it be used for modern music?

Yes. Although strongly associated with 1960s recordings, its warm hollow-body response can also be effective for contemporary indie, folk, pop and studio arrangements.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. Its rounded attack and distinctive tonal character can provide an appealing alternative to conventional solid-body bass sounds.

What strings are best for a vintage Höfner?

Short-scale strings suited to the 500/1's bridge and tailpiece arrangement are essential. Flatwound strings are popular for traditional vintage-style bass tones, although string choice should account for the instrument's age and setup.

Does it have a floating bridge?

Yes. The traditional Höfner 500/1 uses an adjustable floating bridge.

Has this bass had a neck reset?

No neck-reset history has been provided, so this cannot be confirmed.

Are all the components original?

The originality of the pickups, electronics, hardware and finish has not been independently established.

Is it a collectable bass guitar?

Original 1960s Höfner 500/1 basses are of interest to vintage instrument collectors, with originality, condition, provenance and year-specific details all affecting desirability.

Can I part-exchange another bass towards this Höfner?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers bass guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.