Hofner Beatle vs. Club vs. Senator basses

[beefandbones]

I've got a reissue Club bass and I love it! Sounds fantastic and is a treat to play.

[jps]

Well, there is a '67/68ish 500/1 at a local store here; it plays great but has major finish checking all over the bass. The guy wants $1350.00. What do you think?

[antipodean]

Well, there is a '67/68ish 500/1 at a local store here; it plays great but has major finish checking all over the bass. The guy wants $1350.00. What do you think?

Jeff,

Checking is pretty common for '60s instruments - both my original finish '60s guitars have some pretty amazing checking going on - I think it enhances their vibe. Mind you, I'm talking about such instruments as a Bass VI and a Ventures guitar, so my taste may be questionable.

At the ask, you would be getting a vintage instrument for the price of a used RI. If you are happy that there are no structural issues, it sounds like a bargain. Given that everyone charges a whole lot extra for artificially aged guitars these days, it's probably even more of a bargain. If you want something pristine, maybe an RI is the go at that price.

[jps]

I'm not concerned about pristine, so I may go back and give it another once over, this coming weekend.

[greg_feo]

Club..mine has no center-block, totally hollow. Most of the Beatle Basses had a center block unless they were really old...

For the record...
All vintage 56-2008- German Made Hofners... 500/1 (Violinbody), 500/2 (Club), 500/5 (333 or Stus....)
'Beatle' basses, Vintage, all Made in Germany , do not have a center block.

...are all totally Hollow.

Sorry it did not happen...

If you email me I may have one (downsizing) you like!~

[brammy]

for those with a more modest budget..... I'm VERY happy with my Eastwood Club bass, especially since I put on TI Jazz Flats. Sounds great.

[1965]

I've got a reissue Club bass and I love it! Sounds fantastic and is a treat to play.

Me too! Here it is with its friend the 350v63

[admin]

Wes: A great photograph. Thanks.

[1965]

Thanks Peter. Here's one I posted in another thread, but now it's in color. I love the Club bass, I was really happy to come across it on Craigslist a few months ago. I think that the body shape is so nice because a singlecut but it's not huge like a Senator. It's a lot more practical than a violin bass, and in my opinion more attractive as well. It just feels great when you're playing it, truly a wonderful instrument.

[jps]

Very nice set, Wes!

[sloop_john_b]

Very nice set, Wes!

+1! The Club is an excellent bass.