Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,132
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Hofner (Höfner) 500/2 Club". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the timeless charm and unmistakable tone of the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass, a meticulously crafted re-creation of the iconic original. This semi-acoustic bass pays homage to Walter Hofner's visionary design from 1956, offering a warm, woody tone reminiscent of a double bass, yet with the convenience of modern playability. Perfectly balancing vintage allure with contemporary functionality, the 500/2 Club features a unique single-cutaway body that merges the classic Hofner Vintage '63 feel with a fresh, traditional guitar body profile.
Built with precision, the 500/2 Club boasts a select German spruce top, complemented by flamed maple back and sides, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. Its maple-beech-maple neck and 22-fret bound rosewood fretboard provide smooth playability and a satisfying tactile experience. The inclusion of the Hofner 511B "Staple" humbuckers brings a distinct sound profile, delivering rich, full-bodied tones that are perfect for a wide range of musical genres.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass is a sophisticated choice that brings history to life with every note.
Key Features:
- Select German spruce top with flamed maple back and sides
- Maple-beech-maple neck with a 22-fret bound rosewood fretboard
- Mother-of-pearl dot inlays
- Hofner 511B "Staple" humbuckers
- Ebony bridge with movable saddles
- Trapeze brass tailpiece
- Floating celluloid pearl pickguard
- A2-B control panel with 2 volume controls, 2 on/off switches, and rhythm/solo switch
- Nickel-plated hardware
- Includes case
Product specs
| Brand | Hofner |
| Model | 500/2 Club Bass |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1964 - 1970 |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | 4-String Basses, Short Scale Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Color Family | Brown, Natural |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of music genres is the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass best suited for?
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The Hofner 500/2 Club Bass, with its warm and rich tones from the "Staple" humbuckers, is ideal for genres like jazz, blues, and classic rock where a smooth, vintage sound is desired.
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Is the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass suitable for beginner bass players?
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Yes, the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass is suitable for beginners due to its short scale length, which makes it easier to play and handle, especially for those with smaller hands.
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How does the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass compare to the Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass?
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The Hofner 500/2 Club Bass offers a similar tonal quality to the Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass but features a single cutaway body shape, providing a different aesthetic and slightly different playing feel.
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What is the neck profile like on the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass?
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The Hofner 500/2 Club Bass features a maple-beech-maple neck that is comfortable to hold, with a profile that supports smooth playability across the 22-fret rosewood fretboard.
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Does the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass come with a case?
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Yes, the Hofner 500/2 Club Bass includes a case, offering protection and easy transport for the instrument.
Videos
Höfner Guitars
Höfner 500/2 Club Bass
Höfner 500/2 Club Bass
Höfner Guitars
Hoefner & Philipp Rehm: Club Bass 500/2 - Sounds @ Guitar Summit Web Camp 2020
Guitar Summit
Höfner H500/2 Club Bass | TonePedia Sessions
TonePedia
HOFNER 500/2 CLUB BASS DEMO 1967 SUNBURST
Bassklasse
Hoefner & Philipp Rehm: Club Bass 500/2 - Playthrough @ Guitar Summit Web Camp 2020
Guitar Summit
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight design makes it easy to handle and play comfortably
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Flawless finish with a classic vintage aesthetic
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Delivers warm, mellow tones perfect for recording
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Signature Hofner sound reminiscent of the Beatle Bass
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Short scale neck enhances playability
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Versatile tones that cut through mixes well
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Ideal for 60s music and classic rock genres
CONS
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Fret finishing may require additional work
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Strings misalignment with pickup pole pieces
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Initial high action may need adjustment
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Lacks a powerful bass presence for certain styles
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Not suitable for slap bass techniques
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hofner (Höfner) 500/2 Club.
Build quality
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The Chinese version includes a large block of wood under the bridge to prevent collapse, unlike the German version, which resembles cello or viola construction.
Source -
The "Earth Paisley" finish involves vacuum-sealing fabric to the body, with tortoiseshell binding and a nitro clear coat, costing over $1000 to apply.
Source
Comparisons
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The Chinese Hofner models use different woods, construction, and electronics compared to the German-made versions, which have naturally aged woods and higher crafting standards.
Source
Value and pricing
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Chinese-made Hofner models start around $400, while German-made versions typically range from $2K to $4K, offering better craftsmanship and materials.
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User experience
Features and functionality
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The "Earth Paisley" finish is a rare prototype, with the fabric vacuum sealed to the body, creating a unique appearance and feel.
Source -
The bass is temporarily filled with sand during the finishing process to prevent collapse, but is fully drained afterward, maintaining its lightweight and hollow nature.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Playing on the neck pickup alone can be "boomy," but moving closer to the bridge pickup offers a clankier sound, useful for achieving varied tones.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Direct recording through a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with compression and EQ in Logic Pro results in clean audio, demonstrating strong compatibility with popular recording setups.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Tom Petty is seen playing a Hofner Club Bass to cover his bass duties in Mudcrutch.
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O'Malley can be seen playing a Hofner Club Bass in the third photo of this Instagram post created by Arctic Monkeys.
Paul playing a baby blue Hofner 500/2 Club Bass in studio featured right on Hofner's Club Bass web page.
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In this picture you can see Dallon playing a Hofner club bass
From 4:55, Tina's Hofner can be seen clearly
In this 2017 photo, Curt Smith is depicted playing a Hofner 500/2 Club Bass during a Tears For Fears performance. Smith is recognized for using a "round" tone, a characteristic sound that the Club Bass produces.
Bob Daisley is shown using a Höfner 500/2 Club bass guitar on page 5 of the slideshow titled "Bob's Guitars" on his official website.
From around 14:50 of this Parcels live performance at "The Fonda", Noah can be seen playing his Höfner Club Bass in the Höfner golden sunburst using a pick.
Johnny also has a thing for Hofner basses—not just the classic 500/1 violin-style bass that will forever be associated with Paul McCartney but also the company’s chunkier Club model. “I got them to make me a Club Bass just like the Sixties ones, but without the neck binding,” he says. “I love it.”
At 16:10 in this video Will Lee shows his Hofner Club Bass stating that "if you ever want to get into Beatle-mode you have to have some kind of a Hofner".
Album Usage
The Hofner (Höfner) 500/2 Club has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hofner (Höfner) 500/2 Club, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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