Hofner 50TH Anniversary Bass

bugman · Post by **bugman** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:10 pm

Is anyone here going to pony up the big $$ for the"limited Cavern bass" I'd love to have one but that much money would get me a couple of RICS and leftover to spend

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:30 pm

What about these so-called "Limited Editions" makes them worth the extra money?

Generally, it's just the added cost of a few additional (usually small) features, added to the additional advertising expense.

The rest comes under "excessive markup". Known as "fleece" or "pack".

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:06 pm

I just picked up a left-handed Club bass, and they made fewer of those than they will of the 50th Cavern re-issue, lol. I really like it alot.

bugman · Post by **bugman** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:55 pm

John, I've been tempted by those lefty Club basses as well. I've always played righty though I'm left handed and I'm not sure if I can successfully make the switch after all these years. Do you still have the 1957 Hofner bass? If I was able to raise the money for a 50Th anniversary bass I would have to give serious thought to yours. At least it is truly a limited edition.

bugman · Post by **bugman** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:58 pm

Also, aside from Musicground has anyone seen any stores with lefty Cavern basses?

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:19 pm

Anybody got a pic?

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:20 pm

Just read from the Hofner site that only 150 of the 50th anniversary basses were made.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:11 am

Geoff wrote: "..Do you still have the 1957 Hofner bass?...."

Yep, still in the vault.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:43 am

They could make 150, or 15, or 300, or...

It's all arbitrary, in the sense that no matter how many they make, the quality will be the same. There's nothing to make them intrinsically worth more than any others, except the falsely-created "limited edition" situation, which Hofner has established in order to maximize profits.

Rarity used to be a serendipitous occurrence. Now it's planned by marketing wonks.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:57 am

I agree with most of what Paul said, even my blueburst limited edition seems cheaply made.

The truly rare Hofner 500/1 is what I think (IIRC) was the 25th anniversary silver Beatle Bass which was grey/silver with gold hardware (again, IIRC). I saw and played one when they came out, I think it was around 1970-1974 timeframe, at a dealer's store.

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:21 am

I posted this once before, but here ya go Alisha!

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:31 am

The lettering, far from making it special, cheapens it. Isd it intended for collectors or players? If I'm playing, I won't see it, it's too small for observers, and only the naive cogniscenti give a gosh-darn, anyway.

If it's for collectors--what a waste!

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:48 am

Thanks Jeff

I'll stick with wanting a V62.

bassduke49 · Post by **bassduke49** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:25 pm

Yes, Gary, the silver ones are pretty rare. Then there are maybe three "prototypes" for the colored series that I've seen (two by photos). One was a red burst with deluxe neck trim and gold hardware, another with solid red finish, gold hardware, and standard trim, and the pièce de résistance, the super deluxe translucent cherry over birdseye maple front, sides, and back, MOP position markers, gold trim, etc. I own that one (below). They are well made, but not IMHO worth $2000 and up though.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:19 pm

Yeah, I know what you mean, Paul.

My blueburst came from the factory with gold hardware, supposedly only a few came that way.