Hofner 500/1 62 Reissue

This review is for the Hofner, 500/1 bass guitar. Mine is a couple of years old at this point. It is fully German made. This is a short scale bass as anyone reading this review would already know. This instrument is made from solid tone woods and void of plywood anywhere. I won't go into the tone woods as anyone who has found their way here will already know about.

The controls are firm and reliable for what they are. They should last with normal care. Pickups are of German manufacture and seem to be as good as anything out there for the time period they were constructed in. The pickups are passive in action with a full range of sounds.

The body is constructed of a select[so they say]spruce. The back and sides are of German maple. The finish is second to none and is a nitro varnished instrument which does require more care than most modern guitars to prevent checking which once sets in is really non-reversible for the most part, damage done. The body style is one of being small and hollow in design, very light but strong enough. All the talk about MCcartney's bass leaves out the fact that he has had a tech to maintain the instruments of his craft. Big difference. Additionally, he was smart enough to know that even though the Hofner is limited in sound variation, it represents a signature instrument that fans expected to see him with live and part of the Beatle image. What he recorded with, even prior to Sgt. Peppers was something all together different. Tuners look whimpy but do in fact stay in tune pretty well. Neck is two piece Maple. Case is perfectly fine for normal storage and use if not abused.

Being a guitar/bass player for 45 years, I can tell you that this instrument is quite limited in what sounds it can produce. I purchased this instrument for personal reasons rather than as a usable recording/player. It needs real power to sound decent playing it out live. I use the Peavy 700 watt tour head and one fifteen cab to make this thing work when I do plug it in.

The only effects I use are compression and a bit of limiter. In the studio this thing sucks really if we were all honest here. On stage it commands a presence just for looks alone. Playing it out is not advised as the finish can be effected rapidly by sweat, heat, temp changes and more. It is still an impressive instrument if you were around then as I was. It is all about image for most here.

The action and fit and finish are flawless on my instrument. Very nice indeed.

It should be as reliable as any other bass if well cared for. This is not a slab bass guys and requires much higher up keep than any thing else out there other than vintage this or that. The strap thing sucks and is very funky. I prefer to sit on a stool and hold mine rather than modify it in any way. I think it is dependable under normal.

Unknown. Once operations left the hands of Carl Hofner himself it is simply unknown what will become of service in the future.

With 45 years of Rock'n Roll under my belt I can say this is a very cool instrument, but not for a player. The sound is not up to par, it could be damaged if played outside the house, outside, in sweaty bars and the likes. Did I mention that a key element to the sound are the German produced strings which if you want to keep the sound will only cost you $52.00 per set and they are not all that easy to find just when you need them. I keep 4-6 sets around as if they ever go out of production the bass is worth more if you have a few sets to go with it. Original is original. Sound is sound.

Would I replace it if stolen? not sure. The Rogue I have for something like 9 years is a far better player with a more solid body and stable neck than the Hofner to the dismay of those here that will dispute that. Fact. Sorry guys. I wouldn't let go of the Rogue for anything really. I have others as well but the little Rogue has really shinned as a player and durable to boot.

2006 500/1 '62 Reissue

I am a massive Beatles fan and a modest collector of guitars so have been looking for a 'McCartney' bass for some time. I found this beauty on eBay at a great price. When I opened the case for the first time I was somewhat underwhelmed. However I now realise this is my fault, not the bass's. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this guitar is BASIC. Of course it's a 40-odd year old design so what do you expect, right? The switches are primitive and the knobs look fragile. The guitar weighs nothing at all and yet it sounds better than anything I've ever heard. The short scale and narrow neck make this so easy to play. I'm not really a bass player so haven't got any preconceptions about what a bass guitar should feel like. So I've taken to it like a duck to water. Whereas the bass player in the band hates it - he's always used a Fender Jazz which is like a cricket bat in comparison.

Incredible sound when in Bass-On, Solo mode. Very punchy but quite noisy in other combinations due to the single coils and I can't really imagine what use they would have. The McCartney sound is the one that makes this bass really sing.

The uniqueness of its sound is what makes this bass so good.

This is a primitive bass guitar, there's no doubt about it. But the build quality and finish is absolutely stunning. Just had it set up and the guy who did it wanted to buy it off me! He says it's the best bass he's ever had his hands on. Praise indeed.

The binding has a few small flaws in it and the nut has some paint marks. There is a tiny flaw near the pickguard but other than that it is just amazing. This bass was bought second hand from a Beatles collector rather than a music shop so it has been well looked after and as far as I can see not played.

This bass seems like it could fall apart in your hands at any moment. I guess that's just because it's so light. I should imagine structurally it's built to last and as other reviewers have said, Paul McCartney has got a fair few gigs under his belt with his!

This bass will not be gigged too often as I'm not a bass player, however it has been played live recently and it performed brilliantly. Bought the proper vintage Hofner strap with the dog clip which was a pile of dog cr@p. Fitted the strap and loop and the dog clip marked the finish. And to have to wrap the strap round the neck every time was a real annoyance. So I've chopped the ends off the strap and put Schallers on the guitar. Not original, not vintage or era-correct but easy, and that's what counts.

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As mentioned above I am a musician (guitar and keys) and an 'enthusiastic' collector of guitars. This is my twelfth.

I also have a Squier Bass, Gibson Les Paul, the 3 Fender Hellecaster guitars, Ric 620, 72 Tele Deluxe, US Strat and Tele, Ovation acoustic plus Fender amps.

This is by far the most primitive item but it's so beautiful it could hang on the wall as a piece of art. (In fact that's what it's doing right now). The fact that I got it at such a good price makes it even sweeter.

This is no hard rock bass but for rock n roll, jazz or even pop, it adds a beautiful bass tone and is so easy to play it's a dream.

First fact to remember is that Hofner has been hand-crafting fine acoustic fretted/non-fretted stringed musical instruments for years - there is wonderful experience there. The '62 McCartney 'spec' reissue "Beatles Bass" is no exception to that that fact. It is a wonderful prime example reissuie of its original. It is a relatively new serial # F04222; spruce top with tastey subtle flamed maple sides and 2-piece flamed back. A splendid chocolate-mocha color burst (I prefer a bit darker) finish of glossy nitro. The neck is smooth & solid 2-piece maple with a rich darker rosewood fretboard AND polished fret ends for extremely smooth feel and playability!. Removeable perloid pickguard. Perloid control panel with 2 vol knobs and three 'slide' switches allowing p/u configurations and exciting tonal qualities other than the standard 'Bass On/Solo'. However tHese slide switches don't evoke much confidence in me as my 1966 "Beatle Bass" switch is very 'tender'. Super Ultra Light Weight classic Violin shape and acoustic tone which really portrays well via the 2 ultra quiet 'staple-up' pickups - very clean. Very simple moveable ebony bridge which indeed is a test for those setting up intonation. All of this came shipped inside a 'vintage style' Hofner case which is less than medium-duty so I swapped it with the more plush heavier case from my '66 (retiring the '66 anyways). So as far as 'Reissue' features I rate it 10.

The sound - what can I say... If you 'know' that sound then this bass IS that sound!! If you don't know - that sound is wonderfully woody, earthen, plump and shackra enticing bass-ic bliss. It is extremely unique due to its dimensional acoustic properties. THe pick ups can be switched in/out to obtain some cool punchy percussive type bss sound. I've used both Hofner basses through Hrtke 3500/410 and for smaller gigs I use the Hartke Kickback15. I've also played the '66 on 2 CD projects in '99 & '01. Doing demo work now and I'm finding this new reissue bass to be a better well round tone and best of all (after an intense 2 week intonation/bidge/pickup/neck setup period) I have found this bass to be in tune so well all up the fretboard!!! I cannot say that about my '66! Reissue Sound is a TEN!

As I've mentioned my setup beak-in period was fun. Right out of the box the bass need work due to the flight from 'across the pond' to the states. Action height was high and pick up heights as well. The neck however is outstandingly straight with the most minimal relief I've measured. I finally set 'er up to the lowest action just pre buzz on an accented note. The 'strip tuners' stay put and keep this bass in tune and in the studio that means alot. I did notice that the trapeze string guide was not flush with the top of the bass by 1/8" where it bends down over the back to the strap button. Minor fix for future when I change strings I guess. Also one of the strip tuners is slightly longer only cosmetic from rear - does not effect the tuning pegs or posts!!! Hard to give a 10 when didn't pick out the bass myself.

How long do you want it to last? I love to play so having an instrument to do that is great and looks tell it all. I love the 'vintage' relic worn look and have built and relic-ed my gear for 30 plus years. I must admit I did the same to all the hardware on this bass - dulled the nickle finishes and aged the screws and dulled the perloid panels. The body finish however is too nice right now to mess with. The bass will last! Don't throw against a wall like SRV did to his strat... this bass is not a HARD ROCKER - it is an instrument that will inspire by its design and be used as such so usage is objective. I have used my '66 Hofner for an entire gig and I would certainly use this reissue with out a backup. I use the strap as did Sir Paul and have no concerns about the dog clip scratching the finish... it builds character.

I have not dealt with Hofner or Boosey at all. My '66 was purchased from a vintage guitar retailer friend in '95 and this '62 was purchased over seas from Music Ground. Also Trevino Enterprises down in Hawaii - great people.

I've wanted one of these 'neat' looking basses when I was 8 years old but took up sax instead. At 16 I bought my first of 2 Rickenbackers but still wanted a Hofner. I have since sold the first 4003s and purchased new in '82 a 4001s. I've built and sold and now have a relic '62 jazz bass custom and a '62 relic strat custom I've built. When I first bought the '66 Hofner as a 35th b'day gift I was complete. Now at 44 and after seeing the opportunity to buy a McCartney spec '62 reissue pass in front of me I jumped and glad I did... I would and probably will purchase another. As an overall great example of fine history making sound and hand crafted workmanship the Hofner 500/1 McCartney spec "Beatle Bass" is well worth the joy it will bring while playing it - you don't have to learn any "Beatles" songs to enjoy playing the bass. It can surprise you.

The Hofner 500/1 series basses are made in Germany. This particular guitar was made in September of 2002. It has a laminated spruce top, maple back and sides (back is beautifully flamed) and a two-piece maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The finish is a (nitrocellulose?) laquer polished to a high-gloss. The laquer appears to be very thin compared to other basses, but this is probably because it would affect the vibration of the top. It's control panel consists of two volume controls, a Rhythm/Solo switch, a Bass On switch, and a Treble On switch. It's outfitted with two Nova-Sonic (staple-top) humbucking pickups. It has two open-back strip tuners, and while they look impossibly delicate for a bass, they simply do not slip. This guitar came with a vintage hard shell case, which is not particularly heavy-duty. I can't grade this guitar on its feature set because it is a vintage guitar, after all, and it simply cannot be compared to modern basses.

This bass guitar has quite the sound of its own. It can't be compared to other basses with respect to its sound, playability, or feature set because no other bass is like this one, including the copycat models. Its sound can be characterized as similar to that of a double bass, with limited sustain (floating bridge) and a deep, leathery vibe. It will obviously do the McCartney sounds very well, but it sounds cool with new music, as well. Don't expect to extract any growl out of this bass, and while the controls are a bit awkward (Rhythm/Solo switch, both Treble and Bass switches turned on kills the output) blending of the pickups can be achieved with the volume controls. This is a very sweet-sounding bass.

The dealer set the action before shipping, and it was set as I like it. The bridge was slightly skewed off-center of the neck and pickups, but this was easily remedied. The bridge pickup was a bit high but the intonation was perfect. A word about intonation on this guitar: I have read a considerable number of stories on several forums concerning intonation anomalies with this bass. This particular bass was dead-on on the EDG strings and within 2 cents on the A. Damn close for a bridge that has virtually no adjustment. And this guitar is accurate all the way up the neck.

The wood and finish are beautiful. The laminated spruce top appears to be one piece, and the sides and back are maple. The back is highly flamed--one of the prettiest I've seen on this model. There was a bit of shop-wear on this guitar, which I was a little disappointed about, but factory workmanship is impeccable.

This bass is more delicate than just about every other model one can think of. It certainly won't take the abuse that a Jazz would, but this is not to say that it wouldn't withstand years of road use. It's quite obvious that Paul McCartney has had good luck with his, despite years of punishing tours and countless engagements. The guitar is outfitted with one strap button only (on the trapeze tailpiece) so one needs to be installed on the heel of the neck, or the use of a vintage Hofner strap is required.

No dealings with Boosey & Hawkes (The Music Group now owns Hofner).

I have been playing guitar for thirty-five years. I own many acoustic and electric guitars including a Kramer Spector and Fender Jazz bass, but I've wanted a Hofner since my first glimpse of one in the hands of Paul McCartney on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Now that I have one I have to conced that it's the biggest pile of crap I've ever owned. Just checkin' if you're still with me. It's a fine guitar. Would I buy another if some asshole nipped it? You bet.

Reissue 2001 62 500/1 made in Germany. German spruce top,sides and back are highly flamed German maple. Two staple pickups, three tone slide switches, two volume controlls. Perloid pickguard and controll panel face. Adjustible black ebony bridge. Super Brown/Tan Sunburst mirror finish. Hort. gold Hofner head logo, strip tuners like the 61 Cavern (except buttons more like a pearl rather than a white). Fatter neck than the reissue 63 500/1 but not near as "FAT" (baseball bat neck) as the reissue 61 Cavern. Short scale bass with 22 frets.
The "SIR" Paul look alike copy !!!!!!
Purchased used in mint condition w/case.

I play all McCartneys walking bass lines in all the Beatles songs, along with their LP's or with my fellow Beatle guitarist buddys. The Hofner of course matches the same exact sound when played along with their LP's, as only a Hofner can do, espically when played along with their classic's (a Vox amp is also a plus).
This bass sounds and plays just as good regardless if you're on stage or in the studio. I love the one i have, not much different than playing a reissue 63 500/1 but a bit different than the 61 Cavern because of the Cavern's "FAT" neck.
Mine stays in tune all the way up the neck just as my reissue 63 500/1 and reissue 61 Cavern does. I do have all three basses bridges set with a medium-low adjustment as i like them just above fret buzz.
The amps i'm using are a 1970 Fender Bassman 135 piggy-back and a early 1966 Vox Super Beatle. And just as Hofner bases go their the only ones that can produce that Beatles "Thump Thug" muddy sound.

Other than a bridge adjustment, all other factory settings are fine, actually the factory bridge adjustment was fine as i just prefer a bit lower action.
The finish is great, super slick and shiny !!!!! Very good wood tones, great flamed wood !!!!!
The pickups were adjusted perfect, no noise or static while playing.
The "Mother Of Toilet Seat" perloid parts, all hardware, tuners, frets were fine.

This bass "WILL" withstand live playing, as i have also said on the reissue 63 500/1 and the reissue 61 Cavern reviews ---- McCartney has already proved that theory !!!!!!
All the hardware, perloid parts, in my opinion will last a lifetime. The strip tuners are very solid with no play in the tuning post gears.
The finish as with the other year reissues as i have said is very slick and shiny with a mirror effect !!!!!! Dosn't seem to be easily worn off from lots of playing --- then again the finish will only last you depending on how well YOU take care of it ???!!! Every time i play one of mine it gets a good wipeing down with a polishing cloth and put back in its case. Also gets a good spray polishing every now and then --- the wood finish, all the hardware, perloid parts, etc.
The strap button was on tight, but i never put on the front buttons on any of my Hofners as i use the McCartney style strap on them. With these style straps you'll need to be carefull with the dog leash clip that hooks to the top-lower section of the tailpiece, no problem while standing --- will not touch the finish --- only while seated that i lay the dog leash clip off the back edge of the tailpiece --- dosn't touch the finish.
All Hofner Beatle basses are a delicate bass and not made for HARD ROCK abuse !!!!!

Have only used customer support on my reissue 63 500/1 as there was ink traces on the controll panel face as well as all three slide switches, and a bit of glue around the tops of the teacup knobs from installation of the gold centers.
Rob Olsen (Boosey & Hawks) "Hofner" is one of the best to deal with. Had me a new complete controll panel w/teacup knobs sent for a replacement !!!!!
Most helpfull and fast service !!!!!

I've been playing 30+ years. Grew up on the Beatles and the British invasion !!!!
My other gear besides the reissue 62 500/1, reissue 63 500/1, reissue 61 Cavern, 70 Fender Bassman 135, and 1966 Vox Super Beatle are, 1997 Epiphone Viola, two 2000 Rogue VB100's (one with all reissue 63 500/1 parts on), other Hofner copys are; 70's Crestwood w/case, 60's Univox Lectra, 60's green Greco w/F holes and case.
As i also play the six strings i have a 1968 Fender Bandmaster piggy-back, 1997 Epiphone Dot 335 in sunburst, 1999 Epiphone Less Paul in sunburst, 2000 Crestline 335 in maroon, 1965 Rocket Harmony 3 pickup 335 arch-top style in red, and a 2001 Johnson acoustic in blueburst.

I just bought a 1962 Hofner reissue. I love it! They play much better than the old 60's one's and are more in tune up the neck. I really don'nt know what year it was made in, but it looks brand new. Has a the really good "thumpy" McCartney tone. Finish is the vintage brown sunburst. Has set neck, and built much better than the 60's Hofner basses. It also has 2 volumes and tone switches. You can get all kinds of different sounds out of it.

If you like the old 60's beatle sound, this is the bass you want. I also have the same flatwound strings as McCartney does, so its close to his sound. I am using a 360 acoustic with this bass guitar. McCartney used one of these amps when he was in WINGS. But, this bass just sounds fantastic!!!

The action on the bass could be better, butI have not really messed with the bridge to adjust the string settings. There is a little spot where the strap for the bass hit on the finish, but you really can't see it. The old Hofner straps were dumb to use because they mess up your finsh because of the "dog clip", at the end of the straps are metal. It is also gets a little sour up the neck. All hofners do, but, we can still adjust the bridge.

This bass will last a really long time because I own it. Every time I am done playing it, I always get the guitar polish and metal cleaner out to clean it before it goes in its case. It is also really light weight and helps you play better.

The company that sold me the bass was SouthPaw guitars. They are located in Texas. I ordered the bass right over the internet. They where real cool about selling me the bass. They even took a hundred bucks off.

I give this bass a 9 out of 10. It's really fun and easy to play. I just wish they were a little cheaper in price! There are many different copies of the 500/1, The hofner bass is often imitated, but NEVER duplicated! I also own a Rickenbacker 4001S bass, Rickenbacker 325,330/12,330/6,epiphone lennon acoustic/electric,60's hofner copy, a set of 1968 Ringo black oyster drums with all flatbase stands and oval seat, and a vox guitar and bass amp. If anyone wants pictures, just let me know!

1962 reissue . 3/4 scale. standard 'Beatle Bass'. 4 string. 2 pick ups. You've seen it.. Bare Bones Classic Bass. Case included. Made 2001. Flame Top and Back Tan to Brown, Violin Shape. This bass is bought out of love for the time it represents. If I have to explain the 'why i bought it', pass on this baby and buy something else.

great punch when set to Bass On and Solo (standard McCartney Setting). I play thru a Fender Bassman 60 watt miked thru our PA System.. clean, pure. Very Light Weight. Very easy to play. It suits me well as i have small hands. I personally never use any effects anyway. So if you are a head banger, this is not the piece for you. I love the sound, but I may be jaded as I am looking to love it. Also relearned an extra 30 Early Beatles tunes to really test drive it.

I have the action set medium.. not real low, but very easy to play because of the flat wound strings especially made for the bass. finish is beautiful Brown/Tan sunburst.. Classic. No Flaws in finish. I had the Guitar Intonated, action reset and stap button installed instead of tying strap around the neck when purchased.

It is a real attention getter. Lots of people want to touch it. I've only had it 4 weeks so how long will it last, who knows.. i plan to take good care of it, thats for sure. It is Light Weight but hand made in Germany and feels like quality..

to new to tell.. as good as where you bought it I guess.. I have a good relationship with the music store and I don't think they will steer me wrong. Medley Music, Bryn Mawr, PA 610-527-3090

I have the Hofner bass one month. I have always wanted one as a child of the 60's. I have a Fender Jazz Deluxe 1997 and a SDGR Fretless 1996 also. I use the fretless for more jazzy things our band does and I'm using the Hofner now for all Classic Rock and oldies.. The Fender is just an orphan for now as I want to log some time on the Hofner.

Sorry, in my recent rewiew of this bass I said it has a three piece neck. No, it the 63 reissue that is so. The 62 has a two piece neck, thicker than the 63 reissue.

Til today I'm working for having a good intonation, but it's very difficult 'cause the saddles on the bridge are not individually adjustable and are set on the bridge at a preconfigurated distance. So you need to loose the strings, remove the pickguard and adjust the bridge position with the help of a tuner. G and D strings will work well with the bridge closer to the pickup. A and E strings need the bridge be closer to the tailpiece, but when so G and D will work wrong and will innescate a bad resonation; for doing this works I've also take measures from a big photo of McCartney bass and report them at real scale . I'll try again to find the final best position. Obviously, I can't go to England for set up! Can anyone help me?

For the above intonation reasons, I'll try to contact vendor shop to obtained informations. I hope they will help me!

I'm italian and live in South Italy. No shop I've contacted in Italy had this bass. Someone said also that Hofner was out of business and exist no more. I found and bought it in England, at the Hofner specialist MusicGround after visiting all the possible internet sites. I don't know how much of this instruments there are in Italy. I would be glad if other owners, especially Italians, will contact me.

This is number 573 of the special edition of 20/40 anniversary model to celebrate 40 years of production of the 500/1 and the 20th anniversary of Music Ground. Think made in 1999 or 2000 in Germany. Short scale bass, 22 frets, german spruce top, german maple hollow body, three piece neck, neck and bridge staple pickups, 2 volume pot, 3 tone switches. Price includes hardcase (not vintage, but is much better for dimensions and in holding the bass), authentic Hofner leather strap and a set of Pyramids strings as a gift

Playing Beatles overall, it can be the only bass choice. No other bass can sound like this, playing Beatles. No Fender and perhaps no Rick. You can get the best sound setting the switches at BASS ON /TREBLE OFF/ SOLO. The bridge pickup will be off. This is the setup always used by McCartney.

I bought the bass in England trough Internet. Set up was poor 'cause the strings came loosened ; the floating bridge was set too near to the bridge pickup for holding pickguard. So I understand why Paul removed pickguard: it's the only way to move the bridge and get a good intonation. A little finish defect of the lacquer. The bridge pickup is not perfectly parallalel to the neck pickup (about 2mm disalined. One pot metallic cap is oxidized

Live playing of this bass is known by everyone. do you remember Apple roof? I think hardware will last but beeing careful: no one of us can bring it at Hofner factory or at Mandoline Bros, New York, as Paul did. I removed the strap button on the tail piece and replaced the little leather strap with a longer one: the D ring would damage the body. No strap button at the neck: the leather strap holds the neck as the original.

I have it on January 20, and til now it didn't need to be repaired!!! The warranty is for one year against fabric defects

I restart playing after 20 years buying a new guitar, a Godin Acousticaster de luxe, this Christmas (I'm 45). soon I decided to have this bass. i've just had it for a little time when I was 15 (1970)but I don't know where it is now. If stolen surely I will buy it again, but maybe I'll do it before if I can get a vintage. i don't mind of other basses: this is the only one. I'm Italian and it costs me to find, buy and have shipped this wounderful instrument.