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Hofner

collapse expand iconDescription

The Hofner legendary H500/1 Vintage 1964 Violin Bass guitar is an iconic instrument that helped define the British rock sound of the 1960s and continues to produce a warm, resonant tone that bassists around the world revere. The H500/1 Vintage '64 model features a slim neck profile and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard for comfortable playing and soloing capability. Its fully hollow body provides an acoustic quality and lightweight feel, including an included gig bag for portability.

Iconic Hollowbody Design

The H500/1 Vintage '64's hollow spruce and flamed maple body gives an upright bass-like tone with woody warmth and resonance. At only nine pounds, this lightweight bass is comfortable for long playing sessions and easy to transport, while still producing a big, rounded tone. Its violin-inspired shape is a classic, instantly recognizable design that helps the H500/1 Vintage '64 achieve a vintage vibe with modern playability.

Slim Neck Profile and 22-Fret Fingerboard

While the H500/1 Vintage '64 nods to the past, Hofner updated this reissue with a slim neck profile and 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, allowing for fast playing and soloing beyond what was previously possible. The slim neck's comfortable, familiar feel will appeal to bassists of all genres. No longer just a rockabilly or early rock staple, the H500/1 Vintage '64 works well for anything from jazz to hard rock.

Dual Pickups and Pearl Control Panel

The H500/1 Vintage '64 features dual Hofner Staple pickups for a range of tones from warm and round to punchy and defined. Its pearl control panel allows for adjusting volume and tone, dialing in the perfect sound for recording or performance. Paired with the hollow body, the pickups reproduce an authentic vintage rock bass tone that shaped the music of the 1960s and continues to inspire today.

Premium Components and Playability

From its ebony bridge to nickel tuners and trapeze tailpiece, the H500/1 Vintage '64 Violin Bass is equipped with premium components for solid tuning, intonation and tone. Set up to Hofner's high standards, this bass arrives ready to play out of the case with comfort and clarity. Experience the legend and get your hands on this iconic hollow body bass.

Hofner H500/1 Vintage 1964 Violin Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst
Hofner H500/1 Vintage 1964 Violin Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst
Hofner H500/1 Vintage 1964 Violin Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Authentic replica of the '64 model
  • German spruce top
  • White celluloid neck binding
  • Flame maple back and sides
  • 2-piece maple neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • Mother-of-pearl dots fretboard inlays
  • 22 frets
  • 30" scale length
  • 1-5/8" nut width
  • Ebony bridge
  • Brass tailpiece
  • Floating celluloid pickguard
  • 2 'Staple' humbucking pickups
  • Electronics: 2 volume controls, 2 on/off switches, rhythm/solo switch for volume boost
  • Nickel-plated hardware
  • Antique-brown sunburst finish
  • Case included

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

5

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Oh my, this bass is worth the wait!!!!!
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming4
  2. Practicing4
  3. Small Venues4
  4. Recording3
  5. Rock Concerts2
Cons
  1. No cons1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced4
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Fun To Play5
  2. Good Feel5
  3. Good Tone5
  4. Good Pick Up4
  5. Solid Electronics4

Reviewed by 5 customers

  • I bought one of these for my daughter, and it was a hit!

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byAnnabelle

    fromAthens, GA

    This lightweight and beautiful-sounding bass was a gift for my daughter. She loved the sound and style, and her fellow musicians were impressed with the instrument. The history with McCartney makes it magical!

  • Everything I Hoped It Was And More

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byS

    fromMusic City USA

    The craftsmanship is through the roof. As close to flawless as you can get. It's balanced. It weighs almost nothing. The fun factor is way past 11. The sound is a beautiful and round. This thing can do jazz, country, and rock. It's not just a Beatle bass. No other bass sounds like it. You will not be disappointed with this beauty. I will never part with it.

  • Exceeded my expectations

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byChris

    fromDetroit

    Wanted a premier Hofner bass so sprung for the German made 500/1. It feels different to every other bass I have played, and in a good way. Superb build quality, great attention to detail, nice touches like roundwound strings and sign off by the craftsman. And coordination was great via GC notwithstanding a 4 month wait. Well worth it!

  • Absolutely beautiful!

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byDavid S

    fromFort Lauderdale, FL

    I'm a long time McCartney fan. There's a shocker. A couple of years ago, I bought a cheap Chinese knock-off violin bass. It's actually not that bad, but the "Made In China" stamp really bugged me. I wanted the real deal. The real deal may not be right for every budget, but if your goal is to own one of these, find a way to get the funds together. It's beautifully crafted by Hofner in Germany. Plays clean and easy, and absolutely has the Hofner sound. A must-have in my books.

  • Oh my, this bass is worth the wait!!!!!

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byTim M

    fromBlue Springs, MO

    Waited over 7 months for this 1 & I'm sure glad I did. Handmade excellence!!! I now understand why McCarntey has played 1 for so long. Fast, easy to play & so many sound possibilities it blows you away. I'm still refining the pickup adjustments they are way different than traditional volume/tone knobs of most basses. I can already see how McCartney got that woody thump & I'm having a blast trying the endless combinations this bass produces. This is a challenge & I simply love it. Definitely was worth the wait!!!!

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 months ago

    asked byWills

    fromAtlantic City NJ

    Does Hoffner make the violin bass with a longer neck? The one that I saw has what seems to be a short neck, and I was wondering if it comes with a longer neck??

    Does Hoffner make the violin bass with a longer neck? The one that I saw has what seems to be a short neck, and I was wondering if it comes with a longer neck??

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, all Hofner basses are short scale.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked byCraig

    fromPalm Springs, Ca.

    Does this bass have a Tone Block?

    Does this bass have a Tone Block?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, it doesn't.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byFred

    fromAtlantic, IA

    Are strings that come on this bass flatwound?

    Are strings that come on this bass flatwound?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byNeute

    fromAtlantic, Iowa

    What type of strings come on this bass?

    What type of strings come on this bass?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    "Hofner Flat Wound"

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked bybassperson

    fromMinneapolis

    Was this bass made in Germany?

    Was this bass made in Germany?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byNat

    fromLos Angeles

    Hello, I was wondering, does this bass come with side dot markers?

    Hello, I was wondering, does this bass come with side dot markers?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byDave's not here man

    fromBoca Raton, FL

    Any ETA for Hofner 1964 Electric Violin Bass?

    Any ETA for Hofner 1964 Electric Violin Bass?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 877 560 3807

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byRobert

    fromAustin, Tx

    Hello! I am in Europe until the end of July, but I must have one of these Hofners. Can I reserve or pay for this, but have it not ship out until the beginning of August when I return to my home? Also, I have read that some Hofners do not have dots on the side of the neck, do you know if this 64 model has the dots? Thank you, -Robert

    Hello! I am in Europe until the end of July, but I must have one of these Hofners. Can I reserve or pay for this, but have it not ship out until the beginning of August when I return to my home? Also, I have read that some Hofners do not have dots on the side of the neck, do you know if this 64 model has the dots? Thank you, -Robert

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Unfortunately we cannot hold an item for shipping after it is ordered. If it is mailed to one of our store locations, they will hold it for up to 14 days.