Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61
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This Relic 61 is a seriously cool instrument—a faithful recreation of Paul McCartney's iconic bass. The shorter scale gives it a unique, woody growl that’s perfect for classic rock, Motown, and vintage vibes. If you’re after that instantly recognizable sound and aesthetic, this is a premium-priced choice that delivers the goods.
Product Description
- Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61
- E-Bass
- Inspired by the McCartney bass
- Top: Spruce
- Back and sides: Flamed Maple
- Three-piece neck: Flamed Maple
- Fretboard: rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
- Black / white / black binding on the top and bottom
- Neck thickness at the 1st fret 21 mm and at the 12th fret 24 mm
- Scale: 76 cm (30 ")
- Nut width: 42 mm
- 22 Frets
- Pickups: 2 Höfner Staple Nickel with close spacing
- Höfner Trapeze nickel tailpiece
- Höfner pearl panel with gold top knobs
- Pearloid pickguard (not assembled)
- Ebony bridge
- Single rugby ball machine heads
- Factory stringing: Höfner H1133B flat wound .040 - .100 (item #137000#)
- Beautifully aged relic finish
- Colour: sunburst
- Including case and Höfner vintage strap
- Made in Germany
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers focused, articulate vintage tone
- • Flamed maple back provides warmth and sustain
- • Relic finish authentically replicates a 1961 instrument
- • Single rugby ball tuners offer precise and stable tuning
CONS
- • Short scale limits low-end extension for some players
- • Relic finish may not appeal to players preferring pristine instruments
- • Neck profile can feel thick for players accustomed to slimmer necks
Product Video
Key Features
Body Material
Spruce top, Flamed Maple back and sides
Neck Material
Flamed Maple, three-piece
Fingerboard
Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
Pickups
Höfner Staple Nickel (close spacing)
Scale Length
76 cm (30 in)
Frets
22
Strings
Höfner H1133B Flatwound .040 - .100
Weight
Approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The finish itself doesn't drastically alter the tone, but the aging process can subtly open the wood pores, potentially enhancing resonance slightly.
They lean towards a warmer, rounder tone with a characteristic vintage edge – not overly bright, but still articulate.
The shorter scale makes it easier to navigate for players with smaller hands or those preferring a quicker feel, but it sacrifices some low-end extension.
