Hofner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass £1200 Lancaster

[ash]

Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass Artist Series

 

Classic reissue of the famous Violin bass.

 

Top: selected spruce wood

Back and sides: flamed maple

Neck: 2-Piece maple/beech

Fretboard: Rosewood

22 Frets

Nut width 42 mm

Scale: 760mm (30")

Pickups: 2 Staple humbuckers

Electronics: Höfner HA2-B: control panel with 2 volume controls, 2 on/off switches, rhythm/solo switch for volume boost

Finish: Poly lacquer, high-gloss

Includes Höfner case

Made in Germany

 

The bass is in excellent condition and is currently strung with Pyramid nylon flats. It has all the tools, stickers, hang tag, inspection tag and manual. See pictures for condition. Action is low and intonation good. 

 

It’s a beautiful bass but I tend to play my Hofner ‘Cavern’ bass more because of the ergonomics of the pickup position.

 

This model is based on the 1963 version of the bass. I have owned several of the reissues and original models of all eras and origins.  This plays the best and sounds as good as any.

 

It comes with the original Hofner case that has some minor cosmetic wear.

 

Pickup preferred but I can post in the UK at buyer’s expense. 

Edited yesterday at 22:01 by ash
Title edited

[Petey]

Does the bass come with a certificate?

[ash]

1 hour ago, Petey said:

Does the bass come with a certificate?

There wasn’t a certificate with this particular bass it came with an inspection booklet with the serial number and the stickers, tags as pictured. There is also a paper serial number label under the control panel. I believe Hofner have recently started to include a certificate with some basses and with the limited edition basses these can be hand signed, etc. however there wasn’t one included when I got this from GAK. 
This is the model - there is some confusion with model names as Hofner has such a large range. I can’t see a mention of a certificate in the specifications. 

 

https://www.thomann.co.uk/hoefner_h500_1_artist_violin_bass.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1581403900&gbraid=0AAAAADuDMCWf5Vyniq7K3L2X8Kp9NIewO&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzdq659P0jgMVqphQBh3kUgUoEAQYASABEgKna_D_BwE

Edited yesterday at 21:56 by ash

[petecarlton]

This is such a gorgeous bass.  I have the HCT 500/1 version - the mid-range Contemporary Series - and even that is a wonderfully playable, resonant and authentic bass.  But it won't hold a candle to this one.

 

GLWTS, Ash!  (not that you should need it!)

[Petey]

Yes I understand that the new version does come with a certificate. I contacted Thomann about this. Therefore yours must be a few years old.

Did you buy the bass through Thomann and how old is it as you don't say in your advert?

[ash]

I got it at GAK March 2024 as an early birthday present - I sorted it out  through one of the staff there Ryan who I had a few email conversations with about it. My local luthier set it up for me with the new strings and the old ones are included. I assume it was made in late 23 or very early 24 as it’s a newer model and relatively recent addition to the Hofner range. I’ve enclosed pictures of the booklet which has the matching serial number to the inside label - you can even see the name of the craftsman handwritten on the label. Hofner really know how to make something special. 
I’m sure Hofner would be able to find the exact date for you if needed. 

Edited 1 hour ago by ash