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Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Violin CT HCT

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Höfner (Höfner) 500/1 Violin CT HCT

^# 99

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$777.00 to $849.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (9)

1 Review

Find out who is using Hofner 500/1 CT HCT

6 wishlisted

29 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated May 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$849.99

View Deal

4.5 (105)

$777.00

View Deal

Average Price: $826

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Violin CT HCT is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Hofner (Höfner) 500/1 Violin CT HCT". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Hofner 500/1 Violin CT HCT is a classic bass guitar that beautifully marries vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Revered for its distinctive violin-shaped body, this instrument holds a legendary status in the world of music, famously associated with some of the most iconic bass lines in history. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during long sessions, while the short scale length offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Whether you're laying down deep grooves or melodic bass lines, this bass delivers a rich, warm tone that resonates with character and depth.

The humbucking pickups provide a versatile sound palette, perfect for musicians who crave both clarity and punch. The elegant sunburst finish adds a touch of class, making it not just an instrument but a piece of art worthy of any stage or studio. With the Hofner 500/1, players can enjoy the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary features, ensuring it stands out in any musical ensemble.

Key Features:

Classic violin-shaped body
Lightweight design for comfort
Short scale length for easy playability
Humbucking pickups for versatile sound
Sunburst finish for an elegant appearance

Product specs

Available since	November 2006
Colour	Sunburst
Soundboard	Maple, Spruce
Neck	Maple, Beech
Fretboard	Jatoba
Frets	22
Scale	Shortscale
Pickups	HH
Elektronic	Passive
Incl. Case	No
Incl. Bag	No
Body	Maple
Pickup System	HH

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT bass?: The Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT bass has a short scale length of 762mm, which contributes to its distinctive feel and sound.
What type of wood is used in the construction of the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT?: The body is made of maple, with a spruce soundboard, and the neck is constructed from maple and beech. The fretboard is made of jatoba wood.
Are the pickups on the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT active or passive?: The Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT features passive HH pickups, providing a classic, warm tone ideal for vintage-style bass sounds.
Is the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT bass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT is suitable for beginners due to its short scale length, which makes it easier to play, and its lightweight design.
Does the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT come with a case or gig bag?: No, the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT does not include a case or gig bag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection and transport.
What kind of music is the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT best suited for?: The Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT is well-suited for genres like rock, pop, and jazz, thanks to its warm, vintage tone reminiscent of the 1960s British Invasion sound.

Videos

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GAK

Hofner - HCT Violin Bass CT Cavern Spec Demo at GAK

GAK

Höfner HCT-500/1 Contemporary Violin Bass

Höfner Guitars

Hofner HCT 5001 Violin Bass, Sunburst | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Hofner HCT 500/1 Gets a German Control Panel - Demo and Review

BeatleBoy

Reviews

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PROS

Affordable way to own a high-quality Hofner bass
Beautiful flame finish that is visually striking
German-made pickups and hardware ensure high-quality sound
Excellent sound in live settings with a deep, bassy thud
Versatile sound, suitable for both vintage and modern tunes
Easy to play, even for beginners or less experienced players
Closely reproduces the classic Beatle bass vibe and sound
Center block in the body creates a modern tone with more sustain

CONS

Shortscale neck may require adjustment for those used to longscale basses
Slightly less woody sound compared to German Hofners

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The short scale of the Höfner 500/1 Violin CT HCT works well for players with smaller hands, enhancing playability and comfort.
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The "Rhythm" and "Bass On" switch settings offer the best sound, mimicking Paul McCartney's iconic bass tones.
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The HCT's tuners are significantly more reliable than the plastic ones on the Ignition model, improving tuning stability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Using Hofner flatwounds or LaBella Deep Talkin Bass strings is recommended for achieving a deep, thumping tone.
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Users have successfully installed D’Addario XL regular light gauge nickel roundwounds, though they may require unwinding parts to fit the Hofner's unique design.
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Setup and maintenance

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Installing a dog leash strap involves removing the strap button and screwing in a metal clip, though it may risk finish damage.
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Owners report the neck is very sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, requiring frequent tuning adjustments compared to standard scale basses.
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Comparisons

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The post '62 Höfner pickup configuration is preferred for a more balanced sound, as opposed to the '61 model with pickups placed near the neck.
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Some players prefer the Hofner as a secondary bass over a second Fender, highlighting its unique tone despite less sustain compared to solid-body basses.
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The HCT weighs around 6.5 pounds, still lighter than solid-body basses like the Squier Paranormal Jazz '54, which is about 9.6 pounds.
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Use cases and applications

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The bass is noted for its unique thump and punch, making it ideal for 60s rock, psychedelic, and country genres despite its perceived lack of versatility.
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User experience

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Several players find the squared-off edges uncomfortable when playing with a pick, suggesting it may not suit all playing styles.
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Owners transitioning from cheaper copies to the HCT note significant improvements in sound quality and bass depth.
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Build quality

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Concerns about the tuners' reliability are common, as they often feel too loose to maintain tuning stability effectively.
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The HCT version features German-made electronics and a center sustain block, enhancing stability and overall build quality compared to the Ignition model.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

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1800portajohns

104

over 7 years ago

Great Bass Tones

Best for your fucking McCartney tones yeah yeah yeah

Artist usage

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Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

Verified via YouTube

Starting off, I'm not 100% sure if this specific model is the one that shows on this video, but from what I can see this is it. It first shows in 1:39 and it can be seen in various moments throught the interview.

Daniel Kim

Guitarist, Composer

wave to earth

Verified via Photo

Color/Finish: Black

In rare occasions, Daniel Kim would switch from guitar to bass, occasionally when John Cha performs on guitar. In one of these performances, Daniel is seen performing with a Hofner 500/1 Violin CT bass in a black finish. This bass did not have a specific owner, as both John Cha and Daniel is seen performing or rehearsing with this bass.