Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61 LH
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Höfner
Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61 LH
Product Info
Article Number:
437324
Brand:
Höfner
Model:
Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61 LH
Category:
4-String Lefthanded Basses
Price:
$4,169.00
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This lefty Höfner is a seriously cool piece of history, built with German precision. It nails that Paul McCartney vibe with its distinctive tone and comfortable neck – perfect for players chasing a vintage aesthetic and a focused, punchy sound. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and character are undeniable.
Product Description
- Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61 LH
- Electric Bass
- Left hand model
- Inspired by the McCartney bass
- Top: Spruce
- Bottom 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 trapezium nickel tailpiece
- Höfner Pearl panel with gold top knobs
- Pearloid pickguard (not mounted)
- Bridge: Ebony
- Single rugby ball machine heads
- Ex-factory stringing: Höfner H1133B Flatwounds .040 - .100 (article nr #137000#)
- Beautifully aged Relic finish
- Colour: Sunburst
- Case and Höfner vintage strap included
- Made in Germany
PROS
- • Relic finish authentically replicates a vintage '61, adding character and mojo.
- • German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and hardware precision.
- • Höfner Staple pickups deliver that iconic, punchy, and warm vintage tone.
- • Rosewood fretboard provides a comfortable playing experience with a classic feel.
CONS
- • Short 30 in scale limits low-end extension; may feel cramped for larger hands.
- • Relic finish, while desirable, may not appeal to players preferring pristine instruments.
- • Premium-priced; represents a significant investment for many bassists.
Product Video
Key Features
Body Material
Spruce top, flamed maple back and sides
Neck Material
Flamed maple, three-piece construction
Fingerboard
Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)
Pickups
2 Höfner Staple Nickel
Scale Length
76 cm (30 in)
Frets
22
Strings
Höfner H1133B Flatwounds .040 - .100
Weight
Approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) – typical for a vintage-style bass
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Frequently Asked Questions
The finish itself doesn't significantly alter the tone, but the aging process can subtly open the wood pores, potentially contributing to a slightly more resonant character.
Yes, the Staple pickups are a standard design and readily available for replacement; however, their unique voicing is a core part of the bass’s character.
The shorter scale provides a more immediate feel and slightly looser string tension, resulting in a rounder, warmer tone, but less low-end presence than a longer scale bass.
