Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass

The Höfner 500/1, known universally as the 'Beatle Bass,' became Paul McCartney's signature instrument when he purchased it in Hamburg in 1961 for its symmetrical body shape — ideal for a left-handed player. Its hollow body, short 30-inch scale, and dual staple pickups produce a thumpy, round bass tone with limited sustain that sits perfectly in a mix without overwhelming other instruments. McCartney's melodic approach to bass playing transformed the instrument from a rhythm section timekeeper into a lead voice, and the Höfner's lightweight construction allowed him to move freely on stage.