Holy Cow
: That's got McCartney all over it. And probably a pricetag to match.
EDIT 3-23: I had a chance later on yesterday to check Vintage Guitar Mag's Price Guide when I went to buy some strings. A '63 500/1 in Excellent Condition has a price range of $3,300 to $4,000 or $4,100.
Went to Hofner's website and according to them, McCartney's was a '62 500/1.
Hofner 500/1 Vintage '62 Violin Bass
Their German-made Vintage reissues of the '63 and '62 list at around $3G's & go new for around $2,100, checking out MF. They also have German-made versions of the 500/1 and other guitars for about 1/2 that price in their 'Contemporary' Series'.
Today, Hofner's making the reissue model in Asia.
EDIT 3-23 Not true.
: Like I said above, the true Vintage reissues are 'the real deal'.
However, and not yet on Hofner's own website, they have thier own 'budget' line, made in China: the Icon Series. And while it's marketed as 'inspired by the original Beatle Bass', the Icon Series B-Bass, going for around $350 or $440 or so with case, isn't a
truly faithful repro.
But nonetheless, it's still very,
very decent and has 'the vibe' of Sir Paul's. At least to me. And that's another story, a topic of its own.
p.s.: Gee,
thanks for bringing this topic to (at least) my attention, Strum.
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