Hofner 500-1

This is in almost original condition and its specification and serial number place it between 1966 and 1968 depending on whether the pot dates or the serial number is your chosen metric. It has large frame 511 pick-ups, cream pearl heel cover and open back tuners - if you said 1967, you could only be a year out in either direction. "Almost original" because we did replace the upper saddle (with a genuine part from Rall) as the original had lost one of its 'fret pieces'. That part is now stored in the case.

We know the history of this bass since new as it has been passed between family and close friends since it left Shaftesbury Avenue. The pick-ups had been swapped around very early in its life, and although they remain original and functional, we have put them the right way round now so the switches do operate the correct pick-up. The cavity in the body for the bridge pickup only allows the leads to be fed through the body, unlike the neck pick-up cavity which is a more substantial opening. The only way to swap around the pick-ups is to snip the leads and reconnect them. While we had the neck pick-up out, we repaired the lead connections to the coil - good preventative maintenance to ensure reliability.

The Macca thud is easy on the neck pick-up and a very full useful tone available with both pick-ups switched in. Light as a feather, looking precisely right, and just the right amount of signs of life to distinguish it from the re-issues.

The original case accompanies, and functions; but the binding around the lip has long given up and refuses to be glued back into place.