$204,800
A Hofner left-handed violin bass with gold-plated hardware and no serial number, custom made for Sir Paul McCartney in 1964. Comes with its original Selmer tweed case. McCartney has used Hofner violin basses since 1961, both with The Beatles and throughout his solo career. The shape, look, and tone of this instrument are so synonymous with his music that the bass is affectionately known as the “Beatle Bass.” By the summer of 1963, The Beatles were fast establishing themselves as the biggest sensation in England, prompting wide interest in their music, live shows, records, haircuts, and guitars. Eager to share some of this incredible success, the Selmer London Company, UK distributor of Hofner guitars, quickly realized that McCartney was using a left-handed bass guitar made by the German manufacturer. In exchange for the use of promotional hang tags featuring The Beatles’ bass player, Selmer paid a small royalty to Brian Epstein’s company, and Hofner supplied a one-off custom-made Hofner bass for McCartney himself. The history of this instrument has been well documented in Andy Babiuk's book Beatles Gear: All the Fab Four's Instruments from Stage to Studio. The bass guitar was presented to McCartney in 1964 and was displayed at the London music trade show at the Russell Hotel. In mid-1965, it was then sold by a Bedfordshire music store to a young bassist. It eventually resurfaced years later in 1994 when it was purchased by an English guitar dealer, who, after extens
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2013-12-06
