Photo of Höfner 500/1 Bass and more gear in a Bass and closeup

Höfner 500/1 Bass

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$3,299.99 to $4,183.69 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (72)

1 Critic Review

11 Reviews

Find out who is using Hofner 500/1

5 community setups

96 wishlisted

190 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (5)

$3,299.99

View Deal

$4,183.69 3 available Used

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Average Price: $3,742

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Höfner 500/1 Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Hofner 500/1 Bass, famously known as the "Violin Bass," is an iconic instrument that changed the landscape of rock and roll. Its distinctively vintage sound and unique violin-shaped body have made it a favorite among musicians since the early '60s. With its lightweight design and short scale, this bass is incredibly comfortable to play, making it perfect for long gigs or studio sessions. The "Toaster" pickups deliver that classic Hofner tone, offering a warm and woody resonance that has been celebrated across generations.

A truss rod was added to the 500/1 in 1960, enhancing its stability and playability, allowing for precise adjustments and a more reliable performance over time. Designed with both aesthetic and functional brilliance, the Hofner 500/1 Bass is not just an instrument but a piece of music history. It's a must-have for any bassist looking to capture the essence of classic rock tones or add a vintage flair to their sound palette.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, the Hofner 500/1 Bass provides an exceptional playing experience that is both nostalgic and timeless, while remaining relevant in today's diverse music scene.

Key Features:

Iconic violin-shaped body
"Toaster" pickups for classic Hofner tone
Short scale length for easy playability
Lightweight design
Added truss rod for enhanced stability and adjustability

Product specs

Brand	Hofner
Model	500/1 Violin Bass
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1960
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
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What makes the Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass unique compared to other bass guitars?: The Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass is renowned for its distinctive violin-shaped body and warm, woody tone. Its short scale length and lightweight design make it particularly comfortable to play, especially for musicians seeking a vintage sound reminiscent of the 1960s.
Is the Hofner 500/1 Bass suitable for beginner bass players?: Yes, the Hofner 500/1 Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short scale and lightweight build, which make it easier to handle and play. Its passive pickups also provide a straightforward tonal palette, ideal for learning.
What type of music is the Hofner 500/1 Bass best suited for?: The Hofner 500/1 Bass is best suited for genres that benefit from a warm, vintage tone, such as rock, pop, and jazz. Its sound is famously associated with The Beatles, making it ideal for those aiming to capture a classic 60s vibe.
Does the Hofner 500/1 Bass require any special maintenance due to its unique design?: Due to its hollow body design, the Hofner 500/1 Bass may require more careful handling to avoid damage. Regular cleaning and proper storage in a case can help maintain its finish and sound quality over time.
How does the Hofner 500/1 Bass's pickup configuration affect its sound?: The Hofner 500/1 Bass features a dual single-coil pickup configuration, providing a warm and rounded tone with a focus on midrange frequencies. This setup is ideal for achieving a classic, vintage bass sound.

Videos

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Francisco de Borja

Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass original de 1967

Francisco de Borja

1967 Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

1967 Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Bass Shootout: 1967 Höfner 500/1 vs Höfner Ignition BB (no talking)

marioplaysbass

Guitar of the Day: 1967 Hofner 500/1 Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Real Vintage 1963 Hofner 500/1 bass VS Reissue V62

Perry Stanley

Reviews

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PROS

Unique, warm, and organic sound with versatile pickup options
Lightweight design, ideal for extended playing sessions
Excellent playability with a short scale, suitable for various playing styles
Iconic sound, reminiscent of early Beatles recordings
Beautiful craftsmanship, especially in special and anniversary models
Includes three sound modes: Bass boost, Normal, and Treble Boost
High-quality German-made construction ensures accuracy across the fretboard
Easy to tune, maintaining consistency throughout performances
Distinctive "rhythm and solo" switch for dynamic performance enhancement
Aesthetically appealing, available in multiple finishes like Amber

CONS

Short scale might spoil players, making longer scales harder to adjust to
High price for authentic German-made models compared to budget versions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Höfner 500/1 Bass.

Mods and upgrades

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It's recommended to use LaBella Deep Talkin Bass strings for optimal sound without needing to adjust the nut for thicker nylon strings.
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Use cases and applications

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While some find it limited, others suggest using a multi-effects pedal to expand its tonal capabilities beyond its natural "one gear" sound.
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Some owners find the neck fast and responsive, making it a favorite for players who prefer speed and fluidity in their bass lines.
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The "Rhythm" and "Bass On" settings replicate McCartney's sound, particularly effective for Beatles tracks like "Rain" and "With a Little Help From My Friends."
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Ideal for 60s, some 70s music, country, power pop, acoustic bands; less versatile for other genres.
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Value and pricing

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It's noted that the Hofner 500/1 might be overpriced for its limited tonal range, making it less appealing unless specifically desired for its iconic look.
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High-end German models are well-built but expensive; Ignition series offers budget-friendly entry but lacks premium feel.
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Comparisons

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The symmetrical body shape is cited as a practical feature for left-handed players, allowing easier conversion without major modifications.
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Squier Mustang suggested as a cheaper alternative with similar feel and sound to the Contemporary series.
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User experience

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One owner highlights the guitar's aesthetic appeal, noting that even if it's not versatile, its visual presence is significant for personal enjoyment.
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The short scale is praised for being particularly accommodating for players with smaller hands.
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Owners appreciate the thick low-end tone, describing it as "thicker than a whale in treacle," ideal for bass-heavy musical styles.
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Light weight and narrow neck may feel delicate; better for specific tonal needs rather than general use.
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Setup and maintenance

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Official straps designed to loop under the fretboard require removal of the strap button, with potential finish damage from metal clips.
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Build quality

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Contemporary series has a center block and zero fret; Ignition lacks zero fret and can feel less refined.
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Some users wish for better hardware quality, noting nails holding the pickguard, which seems subpar given the price.
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Features and functionality

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The bridge pickup's placement is generally unused due to its harshness; users prefer the neck pickup for a more bass-heavy tone.
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Short scale design influences playing style, offering a distinct feel compared to P-basses.
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Critic Reviews

Hofner 500/1-62 Reissue Violin Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass remains a classic, exuding a 'wow' factor with its distinctive design and balanced sound. This lightweight bass, with roots dating back to 1956, offers a full-bodied sound ideal for mobile musicians. While some features like the strap buttons and tuners may feel outdated, they don't significantly hinder performance. The quirky control panel and flatwound strings add character to its vintage appeal. Although its tonal range isn't vast, its subtleties make it a must-have for Beatles enthusiasts. Overall, this reissue stays true to its iconic legacy, making it a commendable choice for bassists.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 72 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

phi_gt

277

about 8 years ago

5/5

The Violin Bass offers a unique sound, this being a warm and organic one. By selecting the bridge pickup you get a brilliant sound, worthy of an electric bass for something for a solo or funky sound; When selecting the neck pickup you get warmth and softness to perform rhythm and accompaniment and by selecting both you get the one that for me is the best of all the sounds, bringing out the best of the bass and a delightful tone. In addition to adding the "rhythm and solo" switch, this is a kind of booster to stand out in your presentation.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Blues Alternative rock

edward_delavilla

146

almost 10 years ago

Best sounding bass for 50's-70's vintage bass tone... hands down.

I had a ignition version, and while the sound is 75% there... the playability was pretty much non-existent to professionally recording.. why? The build is very poor and is meant more as a decorative piece... they did not build the frets correctly so even after changing pricey string set after another and setting up countless times... only one spot of the fretboard played somewhat accurately... improper build made this useless in the studio. The real german made one looks leagues better, plays anywhere in the fretboard as it should... and the pickups deliver full original tone we all know and love.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

jickyczar

about 11 years ago

Hofner 40th Anniversary '62 Reissue

After some fierce bidding on ebay, I won my '62 40th anniversary reissue Hofner at 6am in the morning for 1650 USD from some fella that was in a Beatles' band in Philly. I love this bass. The only drawback that I find, is that it is so easy to play. You can easily get spoiled playing a Hofner, making it harder to play a longer scale bass. I tend to shift back and forth between the Hofner and a Gibson Les Paul bass to keep myself in check. I'd like to get an ICON series Hofner and fit it with German electronics & hardware and use this one a little more sparingly to prevent it from getting dinged up. It's a great bass.

paulsmithiii

498

almost 7 years ago

Too Fab for Words

Again my wife (shout out to Linda) surprised me with this bass a few years ago. It is a special 125th anniversary issue with all the early 60's specs. I love bass guitar and this little baby steps up for whatever I need. After all it fit the bill for one of the greatest music phenomenons that ever existed.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Pop Blues

kraus_zdenek

346

over 9 years ago

If you want the sound of bugs!

Best shortscale bass ever. And if you dig that Beatles sound you should definitely get it. Sound is original and amazing. Pick ups are great. Tunning is amazing. Just an amazing instrument to own.