Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass
Electric Bass
- Artist Series Beatles model
- Top: Selected spruce
- Back and sides: Flamed maple
- 2-piece maple/beech neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- 22 frets
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Scale length: 760 mm (30")
- Pickups: 2 Staple humbuckers
- Electronics: Höfner HA2-B
- Control panel with 2 volume controls, 2 on/off switches, rhythm/solo switch for volume boost
- Finish: Poly lacquer
- Colour: Sunburst, high-gloss
- Includes gig bag and certificate
- Made in Germany
-
Available since September 2020
-
Item number 488815
-
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
-
Colour Sunburst
-
Body Maple
-
Neck Maple, Beech
-
Fingerboard Rosewood
-
Frets 22
-
Pickup System HH
-
Electronics Passive
-
Including Case No
-
Incl. Gigbag Yes
-
Top Solid Spruce
-
Back and Sides Maple
-
Fretboard Rosewood
-
Scale Shortscale
-
Neck Width 42,0 mm
-
Mechanics Höfner
-
An icon made in Germany
)
Höfner has been shaping music history for well over a century, with the 500/1 electric bass playing a particularly notable role, even though its official designation is less familiar than its famous nickname, the "Beatles bass", closely associated with Sir Paul McCartney. Its design is deliberately inspired by classical string instruments, which has also earned it the name "violin bass", while the 30" short scale length and fully resonant body contribute to its distinctive character. The Höfner 500/1 Artist combines this iconic design with a slightly more substantial neck, two humbuckers positioned at the neck and bridge, and a classic sunburst finish. The instrument also carries the "Made in Germany" designation and is supplied with a high-quality soft case and certificate folder.
)
A classic with an acoustic touch
The Höfner 500/1 Artist Violin Bass features a hollow, full-resonance body that gives its tone an acoustic, woody character, with flamed maple used for the back and sides and spruce selected for the top to further emphasise its connection to traditional acoustic instruments. The maple neck is fitted with a rosewood fingerboard, a 42mm nut, and 22 frets, while the shorter 76cm scale length provides a comfortable playing feel. The lightweight nickel-plated tailpiece bridge is also inspired by classical string instruments, complementing the distinctive construction of the bass. Two Höfner Staple humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions, combined with passive electronics, produce characteristic vintage and retro tones, while the timeless sunburst finish, body binding, and pearloid pickguard complete the classic appearance.
)
For Beatles and vintage fans
The compact design and shorter scale length of the Höfner 500/1 Artist Violin Bass contribute to an especially comfortable playing feel, making the instrument well suited to bassists with smaller hands as well as guitarists who occasionally switch to bass. Its lightweight construction also makes it comfortable to wear during longer rehearsals or concerts, while the fully resonant body and short scale length contribute to its distinctive vintage character. Known worldwide as the "Beatles bass", the 500/1 also holds a special place among fans of the legendary Liverpool quartet and Sir Paul McCartney, while its unmistakable appearance and traditional design give it a character that stands apart from more conventional bass guitars.
)
About Höfner
The Höfner company has a long tradition and was founded by Karl Höfner in Schönbach at the end of the 19th century. Initially, the product range consisted mainly of bowed string instruments, and the first guitars were added around 1930. After the Second World War, the company was relocated to Möhrendorf in Bavaria. In the 1950s, the company flourished thanks to new musical trends, and basses were now introduced in addition to guitars. Legendary models were created during this time, such as the President, the Committee, and the 500/1 short-scale bass, which made music history a short time later with the Beatles. The subsequent boom in Beat music quickly brought Höfner enormous demand and enduring world fame. Today, Höfner is one of the best-known and largest manufacturers of bowed string instruments and of archtop, semi-acoustic, and solid-body guitars and basses.
Sometimes shorter is better
The terms retro and vintage are often used to describe a particular bass sound, and the Höfner 500/1 offers several characteristics that contribute to this tonal identity. Its shorter scale length produces a rich, smooth, and well-rounded low end with the same string gauge, while the mid and upper registers develop a distinctive, singing quality. At the same time, there is naturally some reduction in treble definition and sustain, resulting in a less prominent character that blends smoothly into the overall mix. This makes the Höfner 500/1 particularly well suited to genres such as Soul, Blues, Pop, and Rock, where its balanced response can often sit naturally within the arrangement without extensive post-production. For an even more pronounced vintage character, the 500/1 is strung as standard with flatwound strings.
This is what customers who viewed this product bought
Accessories & matching items
Compare options
-
Höfner 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses at a glance
-
Display 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses from $ 1750 - $ 2250
-
Go to product group Short Scale Basses
-
Go to product group 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses
-
Go to product group Acoustic & Semi-Acoustic Basses
-
Go to product group Guitars and Basses
-
Show manufacturer details for Höfner
-
Höfner Guitars and Basses at a glance