Hofner Paul McCartney Bass

I believe it was made somewhere between 1979-1983, all original (serial number 261653) from Hofner West Germany, as was McCartney's, 22 frets, semi hollow, you know the drill. All the standard Hofner features of this 70-80s era, large control panel, longer tailpiece, bound neck etc, large pick-up holders. Everything I know about it was confirmed by no less than the great Frank Trevino himself (what, you don't know Frank Trevino? Shame on you, and you call yourself a Hofner lover!!??) Came with its own black hardshell case, no accessories, had to get an original Hofner strap somewhere else. By the way, this is the ONLY Hofner bass in British Columbia, Canada, and as rare as it sounds, I only got it for a steal price of CA$1200! Considering that they sell the re-issues for US$1800, it is indeed a steal!

Having played Beatles songs for as long as I can remember, it's perfect for me. And even with this newer band I have now, with a varied repertoire including current 2005 songs, this Hofner sounds great and full and rich and solid and delivers the sound I need and feel good about. Just don't use it for slapping, as Hofner basses are never intended for such. But it'll stand up to pretty much any other music or playing style you can think of. The only negative thing I can say about this bass is that it is sometimes difficult to change the settings from warm to trebly if you're playing segue style, but other than that, if you're playing two or sometime 3 hours straight per set (like in live dance parties), you will surely appreciate and never find a lighter-weighing bass than this.

This was probably the main concern why the first owner traded it in for a Jazz bass. In fairness to him, he did an excellent job of keeping it in a like brand new state because when I first saw it, and even under scrutiny, I couldn't find anything to show it's over 20 years old! But the intonation was terrible, I couldn't get it to stay in tune for 2 hours. After every set I had to re-tune it, and I found out that I'd be out of tune after the first 45 minutes into the set. I brought it to 2 luthiers before I could get the perfect intonation I needed, and now I haven't found a use for my tuner for over 3 months. The action was a little high, but the luthier took care of that too.

No, it's not rock solid, but Sir Paul has proven irrefutably that it will last a lifetime of gigging and concerts and traveling and possibly a few overzealous fans. All the hardware on it, inspite of its age, is in topnotch condition so I expect it to last past my lifetime even. Because this has a square heel neck (compared to the 60s high heel neck), this will never need a neck re-set. So I know I can depend on this guitar. And no, I don't need a back-up guitar!

Since I bought it from a local music store (Long and McQuade, which never carried any Hofners), I never had to deal with Hofner, the original manufacturer. The only repair I had on it was the intonation. Since I bought it used, I'm the second owner, the warranty was only for 90 days. And since they never sold any Hofners before, I can't say that they were really that knowledgable about the guitar.

I've been playing bass since 1985, and have owned a Fender Precision, a Fender Jass, and an Ibanez SGR, and I never fell in love with a guitar as I have on my Hofner! Well, ok, I'm exaggerating of course, but you have to own one to really appreciate it, in fact, I'd buy one again if I ever lose or break this. The one thing probably that I dislike about it is it's so rare and expensive to get that I really have to take care of it so I don't let anyone else use it. Admittedly, it is fragile as compared to other basses, so I'd never take a chance of letting anyone else play it.

This bass is amazing i'm not to sure what this bass is made out of but it has a rosewood fretboard that is very nice. it has 2 volume nobs but no tone nob, instead of a tone nob it has three switches that give the bass all types of sounds. it has a 2 piece bridge that is moveable to get all different sounds.

I play punk music and rock music and this bass can play them all. the three switches change the sound of the bass with ease and they sound good too. it plays very clean and i like to play it with a little of a twangy treble sound.

The guitar was set up perfect in the factory and has held together well over the years. the pickups have never been adjusted and the action is pergect it is very low but does not buzz when i slap it. the finish of the bass is very nice and is a cool looking sunburst.

I have gigged with this bass before and it plays really well. the crowd really thought it was cool that a bassist was using a bass that looked like paul mccartney's. i have never been playing and had the straps fall off and i never need a backup.

Never had to deal with Hohner

This bass is truely amazing and is not like any other. it looks and sounds great. i have no complaints and never will. it is very light and fun to play.