Hofner 50th Anniversary Violin Bass (with Case)

Launched in 1956, the Hofner “Beatles Bass” has revolutionized popular music. Still second to none: the distinctive sound and fantastic playability of this lightweight semi-acoustic bass.

Master violin maker Karl Hofner founded his own stringed and fretted instrument company in Schönbach, Germany in 1887. With a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and innovation, Hofner soon became the largest manufacturer of stringed and fretted instruments in Germany. Thus, in 1907 Karl Hofner was entrusted with the repair of the violin of the Saxon King, and the master performed his job to the full satisfaction of his client.

When his two sons, Josef and Walter, joined their father's company in 1919 and 1921 respectively, acoustic guitars already represented a significant part of Hofner’s instrument production. In a market dominated by inexpensive student guitars during the 1920s and 1930s, Hofner guitars were already establishing new standards and the company capitalized on that leadership during the decades that followed.

In 1956, Walter Hofner had an idea for an amplified semi-acoustic bass. When it was brought to life, his idea revolutionized popular music. Many players revere Hofner’s Violin Bass as a legend because of its historical significance and its warm, woody, double-bass-like amplified tone. The Hofner Violin Bass is a unique instrument with a smooth, sweet sound and a playing ease that simply eludes most ordinary basses.

Technical Info

Hofner 50th Anniversary Violin Bass Specifications

* Body Type/Shape: Violin Bass
* Top: Solid Spruce
* Back and Sides: European Maple
* Neck: European Maple
* Fretboard: Rosewood
* Scale in inches: 30 in.
* Pickguard Engraved with '50th Anniversary'
* Hardware: Nickel
* Finish: Nitro Cellulose
* Case included: Hardshell Tweed Case