Introduced in 1954 and intended as a companion to the then-new Les Paul solidbody, the Gibson J-160E was one of the first mass production electrified steel string guitars. This model was discontinued in 1979, and is occasionally re-issued. One of the greatest contributors to the success of this model was a 1962 model’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, in the hands of one John Lennon. That was The Beatles first US performance, and made all their gear quite popular.
Beatles
We are fortunate to have received a very rare Hofner Rooftop Bass, a replica of the bass used by Paul McCartney for the Apple Corps Rooftop concert in January 1969 – which ended with a police raid. Built in Hagenau, Germany by Hofner luthier Thomas Stühlein, this special edition bass reproduces McCartney’s 1963 500/1 left hand Violin Bass, with light aging reflecting the six years of use during Beatles shows and recording sessions.
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MORE →Here’ s a new, old stock 2015 Hofner Gold Label Club Bass in solid red! The Club Bass is also known as the 500/2 – the 500/1 is the iconic violin shaped ‘Beatle Bass’. This is a ‘Gold Label’ model, one of a limited edition in custom colour. These models are built at the primary Hofner plant in Hagenau, Bavaria and are not always easy to find available for sale.
The Hofner 500/1 was for some years one of the most recognizable instruments in the world because of its use by Paul McCartney, during The Beatles and in his solo career. Introduced in 1956, the Hofner 500/1 and its close relatives quickly caught on in the European market, partly on their own merits and partly because imported US made instruments were difficult to get and very expensive.
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MORE →Here’s a real beauty – From April 2009 and in very good, all original condition, a Rickenbacker 360/12 in stunning FireGlo! The Rickenbacker 360/12 is an iconic guitar, and attracted top-flight attention from its first release. In fact the second example was gifted to George Harrison in 1964 by Francis C Hall, while the Beatles were in New York for their first US tour. The rest is history!
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