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New hunt for missing Beatles bass guitar

45 Comments
By Joe JACKSON

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Just listen for the sound of gentle weeping.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I have a copy of that model Hofner Bass guitar in my collection, and it is left handed.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Another proof that it's not the instrument but the player. That bass was basically a cheaply made, low-end one (really, nothing very special about it and its sound) and Paul used it to completely re-shape how bass is to be played in rock music.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Another proof that it's not the instrument but the player.

It's a bit of both. A good musician can bring the best out of a crappy instrument, and a good instrument can make a poor artist sound better.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It's one of the worst bass guitars to play, Paul made it his own, but overall, that is a bass that you couldn't give to me for free even if you tried.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Sir Paul chose the Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass for its symmetrical body shape, as he plays left-handed, and it would not appear so unusual on stage...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Estimated to be worth more than £10 million.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

*Sir Paul chose the Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass for its symmetrical body shape, as he plays left-handed, and it would not appear so unusual on stage...*

It was decent at the time and McCartney bought it when companies in those days made only right-handed guitars and basses, this was a custom made one, but it definitely gave him the sound that we all know from the Beatles and those iconic classic hits, but the base itself is just garbage in reality, it doesn’t have enough growl and because it’s hollow it just is not punchy, that’s the reason why you don’t see a lot of people buying them, and it definitely wouldn’t sound is great in today’s music.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

They were starting to fly a lot then and it got lost in the luggage game.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

"The guitar is now valued at least £10 million ($1,25,88,000) or even more. Wass said: "The lost bass needs to be valued more like a Van Gogh or a Picasso than just an instrument. Other than Beethoven's piano, no instrument on earth can be compared to McCartney's original Höfner. But the true value is in its history."

https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-lost-bass-project-global-search-launched-for-paul-mccartneys-favourite-hofner-electric-bass-guitar-632011

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Certainly the Beatles songs have an unequivocal place in popular music culture.

If Paul McCartney original Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass is taking center stage in a collection.

Unless thelostbass.com are fully prepared to face a legion of lawyers, then be prepared to arrange the financial backing necessary to persuade the owner to sell.

McCartney is rumored to be notoriously tight, stingy.

With negative consequences.

If the fight for control of Northern Songs is anything to go by.

The Beatles and ATV fight for the control of Northern Songs

https://www.the-paulmccartney-project.com/1969/04/the-beatles-and-atv-fight-for-northern-songs/

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"The guitar is now valued at least £10 million ($1,25,88,000) or even more. Wass said: "The lost bass needs to be valued more like a Van Gogh or a Picasso than just an instrument. Other than Beethoven's piano, no instrument on earth can be compared to McCartney's original Höfner. But the true value is in its history."

Utter BS! If people want to be suckered into paying THAT much for crapola instrument, so be it. It can be an artistic piece given who its former owner was, but the instrument itself? Garbage.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass in question value can only be determined at auction or the point of sale.

The Intrinsic value for such an item will depend on how much a buyer determines the rarity and uniqueness of Beatles memorabilia.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

itsonlyrocknroll

McCartney is rumored to be notoriously tight, stingy.

I know McCartney is very generous behind the scenes.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

did you miss?

But the true value is in its history.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I saw McCartney recently said he likes the Hofner Bass because it has a good sound.

I’d listen to McCartney on the subject of bass guitars

0 ( +1 / -1 )

wallace

Indeed, Paul Macartney has supported a number of causes dedicated to humanitarian work.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Love the guy, was just glad when he ditched that bass.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

itsonlyrocknroll

There is also the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Institute_for_Performing_Arts

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Wallace no raspberries from me over Paul Macartney charity work.

My nosiness and intrigue is the whole saga/era of the Beatles break up and subsequent fight over control of Northern songs.

Review of the link posted, long read, but fascinatingly intuitive.

If this so called hunt for missing Beatles bass guitar is fruitful will Paul McCartney dig deep to regain ownership of quote............

"The lost bass needs to be valued more like a Van Gogh or a Picasso than just an instrument. Other than Beethoven’s piano, no instrument on earth can be compared to McCartney’s original Höfner"*

Not particularly subtle negotiating stance/tactic.

A tad excessive.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"The lost bass needs to be valued more like a Van Gogh or a Picasso than just an instrument. Other than Beethoven’s piano, no instrument on earth can be compared to McCartney’s original Höfner"*

Not particularly subtle negotiating stance/tactic. 

A tad excessive.

Yup.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I know McCartney is very generous behind the scenes.

It's behind the scenes, so you don't know.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

gcFd1

   I know McCartney is very generous behind the scenes.

> It's behind the scenes, so you don't know.

Except I do. I know some of the projects and people he supported.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Except I do. I know some of the projects and people he supported.

For example?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

bass4funk

   Except I do. I know some of the projects and people he supported.

For example?

I am not going to post private details.

John Lennon when he was alive was also very generous to our community.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

That picture is of his last tour in Japan. Halloween before Covid kicked in. It was a great show.

https://www.navyblue-sound.jp/product/432

There is an interview where Sir Paul jokes that he hopes the guitar is on the wall of Transylvania-type castle and is only showed to the most distinguishing of people.

I've yet to see it me.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I am not going to post private details.

ROFL, yeah, ok…

John Lennon when he was alive was also very generous to our community.

NYC?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Lennon was very active politically and made many private donations to causes he believed in. He also donated land for people to live on.

Lol, I see.

I guess living in OC and Germany you weren't part of anything going on.

Uhh, California, music scene, I grew up in it, Careful, don't snag yourself in a trap when it comes to music or the film industry, just don't open yourself up for embarrassment.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

And I grew up in the Beatles and Merseybeat scene.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

And I grew up in the Beatles and Merseybeat scene.

So tell me about the music scene, what exactly did you do? Had no idea you had in-depth knowledge about the industry.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

bass4funk

shows you don't know everything. The Beatles played in the bars in our streets. The Merseybeat was a very great music scene.  It was founded by Bill Harry, who was one of John Lennon's classmates at Liverpool Art College.

I also attended the Liverpool Art College.

There was the Cavern and the Jacaranda.

I guess you know very little about the early Beatles and also Merseybeat.

I have worked for many bands, famous and not-so-famous.

There was also "Lord Woodbine" who I knew. Whose real name was Harold Adolphus Phillip. Arrived on the HMT Empire Windrush ship.

Trinidadian Calypsonian Lord Woodbine & His Early Influence On John Lennon & Paul McCartney

https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/blog/around-london/trinidadian-calypsonian-lord-woodbine/

My family has many musicians. A brother in NY who is a full-time musician trained at the Liverpool College of Music. My youngest brother just arrived yesterday with the Roma Opera House where he has worked for 30 years. They will make performances of La Traviata (Verdi) at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and Tosca at the Kanagawa Kenmin Hall.

So you can tell about your involvement with Californian music and Hollywood.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

bass4funk

   I have worked for many bands, famous and not-so-famous.

> Doing what?

Lighting and sound control. Setting up the equipment and putting all the cables together. Other jobs at times. Sometimes making stage props. I am not a musician. Painting backdrops which I also did in the theater like the Young Vic in London.

 

   So you can tell about your involvement with Californian music and Hollywood.

> Once you answer my question.

So your turn then.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I was in the Rock and Roll Laundry Division station in Europe before it became a "thing".

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190409-the-mobile-laundry-that-caters-for-rock-stars

I got the soap service medals to prove it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Lighting and sound control.

Interesting, what lighting system did they use in those days?

Setting up the equipment and putting all the cables together.

I see

Other jobs at times. Sometimes making stage props. I am not a musician. Painting backdrops which I also did in the theater like the Young Vic in London.

I see

0 ( +2 / -2 )

bass4funk

you posted

 So you can tell about your involvement with Californian music and Hollywood.

> Once you answer my question.

I answered your question, but you didn't answer yours. Guess that was too much to expect from you.

So what do you know about the early Beatles and also Merseybeat?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

wallace and bass4funk, that's enough of this petty discussion.

Now, I will say that Paul McCartney‘s Rickenbacker 4001 is a fantastic instrument I Only One and that is the bass. I always thought suited him best great tone, built like a tank, but expensive as hell.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Where I lived in London for 25 years was very close to Abbey Road Studios, McCartney's St John's Wood house, and the recording studio of the late George Martin Air Studio in an old Dutch church. Before that, we made theater props there.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Went by Abby Road, never had the opportunity to go inside, the equivalent to that studio would be the PowerStation in NYC

https://powerstation.nyc/

I was fortunate enough visit this fantastic studio.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I thought said bass was pinched in 1963 but the article says 1969. How queer

Myself and Priscilla have traversed that Abbey Road zebra crossing. We took photos to show people. Did Sir Paul use that pinched bass on the Abbey Road album I wonder?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

last seen in London in 1969.

John Lennon's Gibson J-160E -- which he used to write "I Want To Hold Your Hand" -- disappeared during The Beatles' Christmas Show in 1963.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I think the George Martin Air Studio is better than Abbey Road. Much bigger and majestic.

The Powerstation NY wonderful wood interior like being inside a musical instrument.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

That happens sadly to a lot of musicians.

One of bass idols Jaco Pastorius had one of his Classic Fender Jazz bass stolen.

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2010/05/31/robert-trujillo-helps-pastorius-family-reclaim-jacos-bass-of-doom/

The “Bass of Doom” is Jaco’s 1962 Fender Jazz Bass that he used to record and perform up until the day it was stolen. It has a special place in the history of the bass guitar, not to mention music in general. The Bass of Doom is the same bass that Jaco famously ripped the frets out of with a butter knife, filled the gaps with Plastic Wood, and refinished the neck to convert it to a fretless. It is also the same bass that Jaco reportedly smashed after an argument in the mid ‘80s and was glued back together from over 15 pieces by his luthier, Kevin Kaufman.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Is the stolen bass the bass we see in the Get Back video, with the "bass man" sticker on it?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

And I grew up in the Beatles and Merseybeat scene.

In that case you must have inspired Mean Mr. Mustard.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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