Authentic reproduction of the violin bass that was delivered to Paul McCartney in 1963, including case
With the Höfner H500/1-62-0 Violin Bass 'Mersey' the traditional instrument manufacturer from Baiersdorf in Middle Franconia sends a loving reproduction of the legendary violin bass into the race, which was delivered to Paul McCartney in August 1963. Accordingly, the practical hollow-body E-bass convinces with authentic vintage vibes in terms of playing and sound characteristics.
The Höfner H500/1-62-0 Violin Bass 'Mersey' is an authentic reproduction of the legendary violin bass that was delivered to Paul McCartney in the summer of 1963.
Shortscale hollow-body bass
For the construction of the Violin Bass 'Mersey' Höfner naturally relies on a handy full-resonance body with laminated spruce top and laminated curly maple back and sides, which together with the short 30" scale promises a full sound with sonorous low end. The glued maple neck also offers extremely comfortable playing characteristics, so that the grooves of the Beta era go out of the hand with ease.
Staple pickups with Höfner circuitry
The pickups on the Mersey Bass from Höfner are naturally two Staple pickups with beautiful nickel caps, which convince at the bass amplifier with an authentic Vintage-Sound. To adjust the sound, the typical Höfner circuitry with separate volume controls, treble-on and bass-on switches as well as rhythm-solo-switch is available. Last but not least, authentic vintage-style hardware, including a trapeze tailpiece, a Höfner fretted bridge with compensated string rest and classic strip tuners, complete the H500/1-62-0 violin Bass 'Mersey' by Höfner.
The Höfner H500/1-62-0 Violin Bass 'Mersey' at a glance:
Hollow-body electric bass, made in Germany.
Exact reproduction of the Violin bass delivered to Paul McCartney in August 1963
Sunburst high gloss finish
Set-neck construction with 30" shortscale scale (762 mm)
Laminated spruce top
Laminated maple back and sides
Glued, two-piece maple neck
Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
C-neck profile
One Höfner Staple pickup with nickel cover in neck position
One Höfner staple pickup with nickel cover in bridge position
Passive Höfner Vintage circuitry with two volume controls, solo rhythm switch, and treble-on and bass-on switches
Höfner fretted ebony bridge with compensated string pads
The bass has a really nice and warm sound of its own and it has a really unique shape which other basses don’t have, you can play any song you want with it. But the only thing that made me not liking the sound is that when you play the 13th fret of the G string it gives a really loud noise from the amp or maybe it’s from my own amp. The pickups and control panel are very interesting to use which is why you van play any genre you want such as blues, soft rock, metal and etc. In general, great bass, Beatle vibe and worth for its price!
I had an original Hofner bass in the 1970s which I stupidly sold to get a Twin Reverb. This new Hofner bass is identical and it is fantastic. Just how I remember, highly recommended if this is what you are looking for. Worth the extra for this rather than the Asian copies which are probably great considering the price. But this one is just fab.