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Hofner (Höfner) 1965 500/1 Violin

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Höfner (Höfner) 1965 500/1 Violin

$2,150.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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5.0 (8)

$2,150.00 31 available Used

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Average Price: $2,150

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Hofner (Höfner) 1965 500/1 Violin is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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Dive into the legendary sound that shaped music history with the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass. Renowned for its distinctive tone and style, this bass has become a symbol of musical innovation. Its lightweight design and "Staple" pickups offer a unique playing experience, making it a favorite among the icons of music. Whether you're replicating classic tunes or forging new paths, the Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass stands as a testament to timeless sound and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

"Staple" pickups for the iconic Hofner tone
Lightweight and contoured body for comfortable playing
Short scale length for ease of playability
Faithful reproduction of the 1965 classic model
Rich, resonant sound suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand	Hofner
Model	500/1 Violin Bass
Finish	Natural, Sunburst
Year	1963 - 1966
Made In	Germany
Categories	4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Violin
Color Family	Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass like?: The Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass typically features a slim neck profile, making it comfortable and easy to play, especially for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a fast playing style.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass pickups?: The Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass is equipped with passive humbucking pickups that deliver a warm, deep, and rich tone, ideal for classic rock, jazz, and pop music.
Is the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short scale length and lightweight body, which make it easier to handle and play.
What is the body material of the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass?: The body of the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass is made from maple, contributing to its bright and resonant sound.
How does the Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass compare to modern basses?: The Hofner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass offers a distinctive vintage tone and aesthetic, characterized by its short scale and unique violin-shaped body, differing from modern basses that often emphasize versatility and extended range.

Videos

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StoriesFromEarth

Vintage Hofner 500/1 Beatle Bass, 1965

StoriesFromEarth

Vintage 65 Hofner 500/1 Bass Review. Vintage Vox Amp & Compression.

Backbeat Vintage

‘65 Hofner 500/1 Bass Project.

Backbeat Vintage

Höfner 500/1 Bass original 1965 www.germanjazzguitars.de

Ntinos Zarifopoulos

Reviews

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PROS

Warm, mellow tone reminiscent of a vintage sound
Lightweight design for comfortable long sessions
Short scale enhances playability for guitarists transitioning to bass
Deep bass similar to string bass, ideal for diverse styles
Iconic "Beatle sound" for fans of vintage music
Vintage beauty with nostalgic appeal
Easy to switch between neck and bridge pickups for versatile sound
Durable build with improved neck attachment

CONS

Electronics may cause cracking sounds, needing maintenance
Potential issues with aged components in vintage models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) 1965 500/1 Violin.

Features and functionality

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The Höfner 500/1 is described as having a "one sound" characteristic, specifically delivering a vintage thump rather than modern high-end clarity.
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The Hofner's violin shape can make playing fingerstyle, experimenting with effects, and slapping challenging, especially when sitting.
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The bass is highlighted for producing a vintage, old-school thump, which is ideal for certain musical styles but not versatile for all genres.
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The Hofner 500/1 is a shortscale bass, which can require adjustment in playing technique for those accustomed to standard scale lengths.
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Use cases and applications

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The Hofner's sound is described as lacking sustain but offering silent operation due to its humbuckers, suitable for specific tonal needs in recordings.
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The bass's unique tone is valued as an additional "color" in a musician's collection, rather than as a primary instrument.
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While associated with The Beatles, the Höfner 500/1 can be adapted for various styles beyond 50s/60s rock, depending on playing style and equipment.
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It's highlighted for producing a unique thumpy sound, ideal for genres like rock, alternative, and psychedelic music.
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User experience

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Owners find the Hofner's lightweight design and short scale advantageous for long gigs, reducing player fatigue.
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The bass is noted for being extremely light and comfortable for players who favor a more compact instrument.
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Comparisons

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A German-made Höfner is noted for superior craftsmanship and material quality compared to modern Rickenbackers, despite the latter’s greater versatility.
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It's noted that the genuine German-made Höfner 500/1 offers a distinct sound compared to cheaper models, which are said to lack the same tonal authenticity.
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The Hofner 500/1 is often compared to its knockoff counterparts like Rogue and Epiphone, with some preferring the cheaper Korean-made versions.
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Setup and maintenance

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The Hofner's low sustain and limited EQ can lead to sound disappearing unexpectedly, similar to a gated pedal effect.
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The intonation on the Hofner 500/1 can be tricky due to its bridge design, making professional setup advisable.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users have adapted D’Addario XL regular light gauge nickel strings for the Hofner by carefully unwinding string ends to fit the eyelets.
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Build quality

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Owners report that the tuners may not feel secure, leading to tuning instability, particularly on less expensive models.
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Artist usage

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Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

Verified via Photo

Kevin has been known to use a 1965 Hofner violin bass since Lonerism. you can tell its a 1965/66 model due to the the larger pickup rings and the larger control panel, with binding and a raised plastic logo.

source for the year: https://www.hofner.com/violin_bass_history

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In the Trailer video for his album "The Magician" at 00:42, Andy Shauf can be seen using a Höfner-style Violin bass. Quite likely it is the same as the one appearing in the NPR Tiny Desk concert. In the NPR Tiny Desk concert at 08:50, one can see that the neck has binding and the headstock a plastic Höfner logo decal. Therefore it might be even an original 60's Höfner Violin bass. The bass tone in the title song "The Magician" is a classic Höfner Violin bass tone.

Trailer video for "The Magician" at 00:42: https://youtu.be/Yut-Vq_FpQo?si=LuVBW_e3GS8dvMAf&t=42

NPR Tiny Desk Concert at 08:50: https://youtu.be/QcGs8rBynL0?si=OEodynj0DNsA79Y_&t=530

Brian D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

Verified via Photo

Brian D'Addario uses the Höfner 1965 500/1 Violin bass, equipped with Blade single-coil pickups, for his live performances and recordings. This is confirmed by a user-uploaded photo.

Michael D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

Verified via Photo

Michael D'Addario uses a Höfner 1965 500/1 Violin Bass, equipped with Blade single coil pickups, both live and in the studio, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.