A new addition to my stable of beautiful guitars. This one is an instrument I've been wanting for many years - a genuine Hofner violin or 'Beatle' bass guitar. The model I have is a 500/1 63 reissue made in Germany and sourced through the bass Emporium in Austin Texas.
To use some published blurb:
Named for the year the most familiar version of the Violin Bass was popularized, the Vintage ’63 captures its characteristic tone — deep, warm and reminiscent of a full-size string bass. Built to be as durable as its legacy, the compact-sized, easy-to-play, light-in-weight Vintage ’63 is equally at home on stage or in the studio.
Exact replica of the '63 model Violin Bass. The narrow neck and medium scale length of 30'' (76 cm) make for optimum playability.
Like many of my instruments, it's probably wasted on me, but what the hell ...
Indeed. Probably my earliest guitar memories were of Paul playing the Hofner. Whilst I'm primarily a six string player I can't ever remember lusting after John's or George's Epiphones, Rics etc as a kid. It was that Violin bass that stuck in my head and really defined the feel of that era for me. It still does.
Posted by: Paul H | February 04, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Beautiful bass. I find it interesting how an instrument is often defined by those who played it.
Posted by: Vintage Bass Guitar | February 04, 2011 at 04:47 AM