2011 HOFNER 500/2 Club Bass Sunburst, Very Good, Original Hard, $1,999.99

Summary: The 500/2 Club Bass was introduced in 1964 as an alternative to the increasingly popular 500/1 Violin Bass. It was aimed at players who wanted the unique Höfner bass sound but who didn't want to look like Paul McCartney! The body had been in production since 1954 but only as a guitar. It was a fairly simple production decision to put the Violin Bass neck into a Club body and create a new product. The 500/2 Club bass today is still built in exactly the same way as in 1964 and uses the same components. Many prefer the 500/2 Club Bass to the 500/1 Violin Bass as it offers a bigger body but produces almost identical tones - the legendary Höfner bottom end thump. With a fully hollow body and short scale (30") neck it is a light and easy bass to play. Available in Ignition, Contemporary and German built versions along with Gold Label instruments it remains a popular bass for those wanting that distinctive vintage sound. This particular bass is German built, model 500/2 Club Bass and it has a spruce top with flame maple back & sides and includes the original hardshell case.

Body: Hollowbody bass guitar with a fully bound spruce top & fully bound flame maple back & sides.

Neck: This neck is a fully bound 3-piece neck with maple/beech/maple and a rosewood fingerboard. This bass has 22 frets, 30” scale length, pearl dot inlays, nut width is 1 9/16”.

Pickups/Hardware: 2 Hofner pickups, 2 volume knobs, bass switch, treble switch, rhythm switch, chrome hardware, vintage open back tuning keys, pearloid pickguard.

Cosmetics: This classic bass is in pretty good shape – I did notice some buckle rash & some light scratching on the back of the instrument and I also noticed a few small dings & nicks on the top but this instrument has been taken care of and is structurally sound. From a distance this bass looks flawless but once you hold it in your hand you can see some signs of wear that is consistent with a bass that has been used & played but well cared for. One of the knobs is missing its glued on gold cover.

Playability: This bass plays great! The action is low & the bass plays with no buzzing or dead spots – this bass has really nice flatwound strings and it sounds incredible.

Weight: 4 lbs, 15 oz.

Case: Original hard shell case.