Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 63
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
This Höfner 500/1 Relic 63 is a seriously cool bass for those chasing that classic Beatles vibe. The relic finish is spot-on, and the Staple Nickel pickups deliver the goods – warm, punchy, and instantly recognizable. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but for the right player wanting a piece of history, it’s hard to beat.
Product Description
- Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 63
- E-Bass
- Inspired by the McCartney bass
- Top: spruce
- Back and sides: Flamed Maple
- Two-piece neck: Flamed Maple
- Fretboard: rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
- Black / white / black binding on the top and bottom
- Neck thickness on the 1st fret: 21 mm
- Neck thickness on the on the 12th fret: 24 mm
- Scale: 76 cm (30 ")
- Nut width: 42 mm
- 22 Frets
- Pickup: 2 Höfner Staple Nickel
- Höfner Trapeze nickel tailpiece
- Höfner pearl panel with gold top knobs
- Pearloid pickguard (not assembled)
- Ebony bridge
- Strip nickel machine heads
- Factory stringing: Höfner H1133B flat wound .040 - .100 (item #137000#)
- Beautifully aged relic finish
- Colour: Sunburst
- Including suitcase and Höfner vintage strap
- Made in Germany
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with pleasing sustain.
- • Relic finish authentically replicates a vintage instrument's character and charm.
- • German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and long-term reliability.
- • Höfner Staple Nickel pickups provide that iconic, warm, and punchy McCartney growl.
CONS
- • The shorter scale length (30 in) might feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- • The aged relic finish isn’t for everyone – some prefer a pristine look.
- • The limited pickup options restrict versatility for more modern playing styles.
Product Video
Key Features
Body Material
Spruce top, Flamed Maple back and sides
Neck Material
Flamed Maple, two-piece construction
Fingerboard
Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia)
Pickups
2 Höfner Staple Nickel
Scale Length
76 cm (30 in)
Frets
22
Strings
Höfner H1133B flat wound .040 - .100
Weight
Approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) – typical for a violin bass
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Frequently Asked Questions
The finish itself doesn't change the sound, but the aging process can subtly affect the wood's resonance over time – it's more about aesthetics and feel.
The 30 in scale will feel shorter, so the neck feels quicker and easier to navigate, but it takes a little getting used to if you're accustomed to a 34 in scale.
Yes, they are attached with screws and can be swapped out for customization, though finding exact replacements might be challenging due to the vintage-inspired design.
