Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney has been using the Höfner 500/1 Bass since acquiring it in 1963, replacing his original 500/1 "Cavern" model. This bass, iconic to McCartney's image, was prominently featured during the "Get Back" sessions. Notably, he removed the pickguard and added a "Bassman" sticker. The bass still has a taped setlist from the 1966 tour, which includes songs like "Rock and Roll," "She's a Woman," "Day Tripper," and "Paperback Writer." This information is supported by a user-uploaded photo.

Paul McCartney is known for using Rickenbacker 4001 basses during the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "The White Album," and "Abbey Road" sessions. He owns two: a custom spray-painted version and a natural finish. This usage is evident in The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" music video available on Apple Music.

Used on The Beatles, as researched by John F. Crowley and shared in this May 21, 2010 ShareMyGuitar blog post.

Paul McCartney slinging a sunburst ’66 Fender Jazz Bass, live at Abbey Road studio!

Apparently not part of Fender’s “gift package” of guitars and amps (they’d included a right-handed Jazz Bass), this sunburst model shows up in Abbey Road studio photos from “White Album” sessions. Its oval-shaped tuners are peculiar to the 1966 model year; Fender basses otherwise featured "clover leaf" tuners.

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Paul and George jamming along during the White Album recording sessions

According to Walter Everett in The Beatles as Musicians (Volume 1), this Jazz Bass is played on five tracks: "Yer Blues," "Glass Onion," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Sun King" and "Mean Mr. Mustard." [Everett infers that the right-handed model was also used during the sessions, by Lennon ("Helter Skelter") and Harrison ("Back in the USSR")]. McCartney’s kept most of his instruments, and this probably is no exception.

Note that "Helter Skelter" was a Fender Bass VI being played by Lennon, not the Jazz.

McCartney can be seen in a photo on this page with a Rickenbacker 4003S/5 MKI.

1979, Paul and George performing at Clapton’s wedding. Looks like he’s hooked up to an Ampeg.

On this page, there is a photo of McCartney playing a Yamaha BB 1200S.

He used this bass in '79-'80, most notably on Back to the Egg and live performances.

Paul McCartney used the Höfner 500/1 1961 "Cavern" bass during the early and later years of The Beatles. It is notably seen in footage from performances at the Cavern Club, as well as in the "Revolution" music video and the "Let It Be" sessions. Unfortunately, this iconic bass was stolen in 1969.

In the image you can see Paul McCartney playing a Wal MK2 5 string bass.

Paul can be seen playing this bass during the video of Juniors Farm. (1974)

In this photo, Paul McCartney can be seen playing his Rossetti Lucky 7, modified into a bass. In the early days, Paul modified this Rosetti Lucky 7 into a bass when Stuart Sutcliffe dropped out. Of course, the guitar didn't last long, as the rest of The Beatles destroyed it by jumping on it.

In the picture you can see Paul McCartney holding a Hofner 500/1 V62 Violin Bass, Limited Edition 60th Jubilee Union Jack. Secondary source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOZEZeeLM50

In 01:10 and 02:04, we can see Sir Paul with his trusty Rick.

Paul used this bass during the videos from Sargeant Pepper and the Lonely Hearts

In the picture you can see Paul McCartney with his Custom Rickenbacker 5 String Bass.

He can be seen holding it in the "Again And Again And Again" music video from 1979.

Paul McCartney's first Rickenbacker bass was the 4001c64, a model that has since been discontinued.

This is the same bass paul used with The Beatles on the 60s, During the "Get Back" sessions paul placed a "Bassman" sticker, also it used on The Beatles final show, at the Apple Corps rooftop, on January 30, 1969

Seen in 2021's Get Back Documentary Part 2. Paul's Epiphone Rivoli shows up along side his other basses when he tries out his Rickenbacker Bass

1960's model

the Fender Mike Dirnt Precision Bass Custom is listed in this blog

In this image Paul can be seen playing a Gibson EB-2 bass.