This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2018
In 1961, the Beatles’ original bass player, Stuart Sutcliffe (who had used a Höfner bass), left the band to resume his art studies. The Beatles were without a bass player--and so the search began for a replacement. Paul McCartney, who was playing rhythm guitar and piano at the time--was designated by the band to replace Sutcliffe. In the British vernacular of the day, McCartney found himself “lumbered” with the job. Sutcliffe initially lent his Höfner bass to McCartney, who had seen another guitarist in Hamburg using a violin-shaped bass. When he saw a similar instrument in the window of a Hamburg music store, he investigated. Because of the instrument’s unique symmetrical appearance, McCartney could play left-handed without the bass “looking daft,” as he put it. It was lightweight and easy to play melodic bass lines on, yet projected a deep, warm tone. McCartney bought the bass he saw in the window, and used it for years both in live performance and on recordings. While McCartney fell into the role of bass, there is no doubt that his instrument of choice—the Hofner bass—became one of the most recognizable symbols of Beatlemania.
While signed Hofner's by arguably their most famous player are undoubtedly rare, this unique offering takes the reality & feel of an actually McCartney guitar to new heights. This Paul McCartney signed left-handed 500/1 Vintage '63 Hofner Re-Issue Bass in blue felt tip marker is the exact model donned by McCartney while on stage & recording famous bass lines such as "While My Guitar Gentle Weeps" & "Come Together." We have had the privileged of handling these rare McCartney signed Hofners in past auctions, but never one of this exact model as just the guitar itself typically runs around $3000. Overall in fine condition with the guitar showing minor signs of use along with slight rusting to some brass areas and a minor chip to the siding. Undoubtedly the finest Paul McCartney signed Hofner bass we have ever encountered with it's unprecedented authenticity & feel. A true centerpiece item for even the most active Beatles collector. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.