Dating Your Höfner
One of the most common questions appearing in Höfner bass circles is how to find out the year in which one’s particular instrument was made. The “violin bass” was introduced in 1955 as the 500/1 model from Höfner, and became known in subsequent decades as the “Beatle bass” or “Cavern bass” thanks to its association with that particular British foursome. The model has seen an increase in popularity since the mid-2000s, particularly as less expensive offerings from China and Indonesia have made the style more accessible.
For many Höfner bass owners (including yours truly), our instruments were bought prior to that resurgence, with the vintage a bit of a mystery. The resource list below starts with the advice Höfner themselves offer on the subject of serial numbers. In my opinion, other resources are more useful, but it’s here for completeness.
Serial Number Advice from Höfner
In a fashion consistent with German efficiency, information here is brief and to the point:
The World of Violin Basses
This is an interesting website, as it is dedicated not to Höfner violin basses in particular, but to ANY electric bass that has the distinctive violin shape. I was surprised to see how many brands (many of which I’ve never heard of) produced a violin-shaped bass.
Naturally, Höfner’s offering is here, as is a really useful visual guide to pinning a date to Höfner violin basses made from 1960 through at least the early 90’s.
The Hofner Violin Bass Guitar is one of the most instantly recognizable musical instruments ever made. Its fame was assured when a certain young English guitarist walked into a shop in Hamburg in 1961, saw exactly what he was looking for, and ordered a left-handed version. The rest, as they say, is history. Also known as “The Beatle Bass,” or more formally as the “500/1 Model,” Walter Hofner’s creation has acquired a loyal following of enthusiastic owners all over the world.
This fully illustrated book charts the complete history of the Violin Bass, beginning with the rebirth of the Hofner Company after the Second World War and the conception of the bass in 1955. Its development over the years is described, including the full story of the re-issue models. Finally, the Contemporary and Ignition models are covered, as is the surprise appearance of a Union Jack bedecked Violin Bass at the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Concert in the hands of Sir Paul McCartney. The Complete Hofner Violin Bass Story has been produced using the Hofner Company archives, and with help from, and a foreword by, Walter Hofner’s daughter Gerhilde. The book provides the reader with a unique insight into this famous bass guitar, and of the many people who have influenced its path over the last 60 years. Also covers: dating a violin bass, serial numbers, body dates, pickup information and much more. A must have book for all collectors 320 pages!
