Real Vintage 1963 Hofner 500/1 bass VS Reissue V62

[@MichaelSokil]

these videos are phenomenal! never realized those differences between the reissue and the vintage hofners. great job, as always!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks, Michael!

[@randallpinkfloyd]

yeah, michael is right, until you make a video showing the differences, people like me will probably never know about them

[@donbradman334]

Two of my favourite Beatles KZbinrs in one comment thread! Have learned to play so many of their songs from both of your videos :)

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

The vintage has a richer, fuller sound, but they both sound good. And I wish that when guitar manufacturers make a "reissue" they would make them damn accurate, they always change something! And they ALL do this! Yes Gibson, even YOU!

[@sampopkin]

Amazing video Perry! The vintage is a little tighter and brighter sounding

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks! Yes it is tighter and has a little edge of treble that cuts through the mix better.

[@uberbeast113]

I'll bet they installed higher output pickups, to appeal to a broader range of players who maybe want some modern tones and a bit less plunk. (Rickenbacker have done similar with their 6 strings. ) A lot of KZbinrs demonstrating the violin bass are using roundwounds, which seems to me to defy the point of owning such a quirky and characterful guitar.

[@profile2047]

It’s interesting. I have a reissue 63 relic and mine is more like the vintage one here. Little brighter, which I wasn’t sure was accurate. The pickups definitely aren’t hot. But there are so many reasons for sound differences. String age (and pyramids can vary in gauge and sound a lot I’ve noticed), pickup hieght, and maybe specific differences in the wood, density and what not. Hofners of even the same year can sound quite different acoustically.

[@jrh11254]

Bought a 500/1V62 back in 2012. Wonderful little bass!

[@hpblack1953]

Some years back I owned a 1962 500/1 RI. It was light, had that great upright bass sound. That said, I could never get used to the baseball bat neck. Further the neck had no side dot markers (I added them) and the string spacing was fine for pick or thumb but not finger playing. I sold it for a modest profit with no regrets. Nice video with some generally missed nuances between the basses. Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison.

[@savenijemartinlegaltax3099]

You are making vids on the Casino and the Hofner I have always wanted to make. Love it!

[@kristyskirt9015]

First great playing. This sould send BASS players to the music store. OH Dear, I play flute, guitar and dabble with BASS. Problem with This $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Thnks for the cool demo. Your touch shows a Good Heart behind the playing. Best Kristy

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you! And thank you for watching!

[@Rhythmix-Records]

Hi Perry. I'd just like to say thank you for your videos. I aim to recreate Beatle songs as best as I can on my channel so knowing what amps and settings they used makes it a lot easier for me. You also helped me when you ran through the waves Abbey Road collection on an earlier video of yours. Keep it up!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you for your comment! I appreciate your watching too!

[@uberbeast113]

You know about Andy Babuick's glorious book "The Beatles Gear" (the expanded 2nd edition is the one to grab)

[@Rhythmix-Records]

@@uberbeast113 Thank you, I shall take a look at that!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Hey dude I just checked out your channel and subscribed. You do a great job not only doing straight covers but you also add your own thing to it! Liked your version when you sing something...(your mom did a great job too) and your SGT. Pepper cover. Great work!

[@Rhythmix-Records]

Thank you Perry. It really means a lot as a somewhat inexperienced producer and musician to hear this praise from you. I mean your 'Day Tripper' guitar tone cover and tutorial is some of the most outstanding work that I've ever seen on this platform in regards to Beatle recreation.@@perrystanleyNumber9

[@jameswallace5967]

Great video! I always wondered about this as I have a V62 reissue. Thanks so much!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks for watching!

[@gatisgaujenieks4285]

Thanks for the comparison! I own a 65' Club bass and I love it, I had a reissue 500/1 before that, but when I tried the vintage Club, I snatched it up straight away! Sold the reissue and never looked back:) Minor correction in terminology, that is an output jack, not an input jack:) All the best to you!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Output jack… correct! Lol! I think the club bass is really cool! Thank you for watching!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Both basses had pyramid strings with the green winding for the sound comparison! Forgot to mention this , sorry!

[@profile2047]

Thanks, I enjoy your videos. And do you happen to know the ages of the strings?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

@@profile2047 not off hand. The gauge that usually goes on Hofners.

[@profile2047]

@@perrystanleyNumber9 Gotcha thanks.

[@wherenextcolumbus666]

Hey man, just wanted to tell you I thought the song was pretty good. The bass lines actually helped bring it together. Was that you playing drums as well?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

@@wherenextcolumbus666 Thanks. Drum machine in this song!

[@creature_nz]

Great comparison on the Hofner basses and great song man! Awesome talent!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@nickday3541]

I would think the darker colour on the vintage would be just natural age.🤔 Love my lefty Contemporary. Love to see/ hear you do a review of the 61 Hof. As always, GREAT review & love your videos! 👍

[@uberbeast113]

Imo I think it's not the age because the vintage sounds louder and more powerful and if anything pickups get a little quieter and mellow with age. I'm not sure why there's such an obvious difference in tone...I mean...it is very obvious isn't it. Some EQ would probably help the newer Hofner, but really, I'm surprised. In comparison the vintage sounds almost active circuitry!

[@TwoBeats]

Awesome Video Perry!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you!

[@catherinemirra9463]

Awesome Perry🙌🏻🙌🏻✌️🌹Loved dedication to your Mom♥️

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks,Cathy!

[@MegaSmitty51]

I have a '64 (according to the pots) solid body Hofner bass guitar. Don't remember the model number but it looks like a Strat body. Got it in '68 for $15. I was 17 and stupid and I butchered it. Glad to see from your notes that the staple pickups can be rewound. Now I'm considering a total rebuild for this old workhorse. I know replacement parts can be found. I need a few. This was originally fire engine red with a solid mahogany body and maple neck. It had maple caps on the front and back of the body (not anymore). I'd love to get it completely restored as close to stock as I can get it. Thanx for this post.🎸

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Good luck in your restoration!

[@mikemcconville2495]

Perry, great stuff as always. I really like the song and that bass line.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment! And thanks for watching!

[@StefanEmmons92]

I had a 62 Mersey that was stunning and generally sounded great but the B (7th Fret) on E string was dead and it drove me crazy. It was a place I often played and I began to hear it all the time, especially in recording it, so I sold it on. They all have a dead spot on the Hefner's.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

So this happened to me twice... Both times it turned out to be a dead string. Once on the vintage Hofner and once on a guitar string. It's a strange thing because it only affects one fret or so. Because I knew of it happening on guitar with flat wounds, I replaced the string (the E string also) and everything was perfect again! Both Hofner's I have play perfectly.

[@uberbeast113]

Man I just found your channel and watched the Day Tripper guitar video. Bloody fantastic. I'm a 53 Yr old musician and went through a phase in the early 90s doing "mini covers" (shortened) of Beatles stuff with my Tascam 4 track cassette and various guitars, Boss Dr660 drum machine, cheap plasticky keyboard and beloved Moog Rogue. Man we could chat some Beatles! Those abbey Rd plug ins you have look v interesting. I am rebuilding my recording set up and half of me veering to hardware eg an old digital 8/16 track and rack FX, other half thinks software makes better sense (if I can get it to feel intuitive ie the creative process). The Beatles always had really interesting guitar tones imo...you nailed that plucky nasal day Tripper sound on your gretsch! One of my favourite tones is the guitar solo on Fixing A Hole and wonder how it was achieved. And the gnarly overdriven Paperback Writer tone... must dash before this video ends and I lose my comment...all the best from Cambridge

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Hi Cambridge! Thank you so much for your comment! I record with a combination of hardware and software. It will probably be the subject of a vid in the future. Also There will be a new vid dealing with Paperback writer with a real UL730 that I recently bought. If you haven't already check out the 1965 Casino plays The Beatles video. It deals with recording and getting some tones from 1966-1969. Thanks for watching!

[@uberbeast113]

@@perrystanleyNumber9 very much anticipate watching some more. I love being surprised, and, perhaps having a little too much faith in my "magic ear" went for years believing all the trebly bass parts on White Album was the Rick. Got a surprise to learn macca was using a Fender Jazz, then a further shock to learn of the Fender XII...especially on Helter-skelter Skelter, because I heard scooped mids I assumed Rickenbacker all this time. Intriguing and somehow enchanting to learn that most of Please please Me album is the two Gibson J160s...lovely warm rich guitar sound. I could waffle for hours (trying to penetrate the murk of Back in the Ussr...is that Lennon playing an 8 string bass??)...an overdriven fretless 6 string on Happiness is a Warm Gun (solo in 3/4 time)...weirdness not for the sole sake of being weird, but immaculate taste... Best regards from Phil wot lives in Cambridge

[@btlmania64]

Great player, great musician and fantastic gear !! Love the song ! Gordon Ramsay rocks !!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@Desaulnierspf]

Nice video , it was quite interesting.I just chatted with the german tech that worked on Paul Mccartney's bass at hofner a few years ago. Just like yours the rythm switch use a 330k resistor inline , normaly it is 100k, i can't find the info when that was factory standard and when that got changed.Also the treble on resistor is 15n instead of 10n.He said something special, it seams Mccartney got the capacitor and resistor from the Bass on switch disconected so it dont filters highs, like it normally do.I don't know when that was made or if it happened by accident because the capacitor is still conected to ground on one side and to the resistor or the other side but the resistor his hanging free.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@ianr02]

I really like the dynamics of your track - was surprised. Does sound a bit better without vocals though...

[@sylviojr]

You are a Beatles bible. Thank you much for all your great videos.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@lg4360]

Another great video Perry. Love seeing your new BOP set! You need to do a video on that! I have a vintage and a 62 reissue as well. I also think my reissue is very well done. I'm pretty sure these have the original nitrocellulose vs. ploy finish. I believe the "Artist" series has the poly finish. I'm still looking for another guitar for my collection; a J-160e. Loved your video on yours! Great work on your song! I'm still old school analog but hope to explore the digital world in the near future. Your song reminds me a bit like The Blues Before and After by The Smithereens. As always, thanks for the video!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you so much for your comment!

[@lg4360]

@@perrystanleyNumber9 Thank YOU for putting the time and effort to share your amazing collection!

[@DronePsyche]

Had no idea Chef Ramsey played a Hofner 500/1!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

😂He doesn’t, but I do!

[@Sekaoh]

I'm not sure if even Ramsey would try, considering how much I've heard of the difficulties in trying to put on the hofner strap.

[@cliffords2315]

Very good, you know how to get the sound out of the Hofner, alot of it is the player,

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@richbailey8174]

That was real cool thanks. I still can't get over the prices for new ones. You see the same thing with Rick's...because they are "Beatles" guitars they jack the prices. When Paul bought his first one it was cheap..

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I know, right? But it is probably the most recognized instrument in the world because of the Beatles. Rickenbackers are even higher in price. The 325 models are more than an average les Paul!

[@richbailey8174]

I owned a 325 for a while and wound up not really liking it other than for the sound so I traded it in. I really like the sound of Hofners but never owned one because I am primarily a guitarist.@@perrystanleyNumber9

[@gregoryfeo6837]

Nice work Perry! Cheers, G xo

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks, Greg!

[@donbradman334]

Great video, Perry. I think it's a crime you don't have more subscribers! I have a 63 reissue Hofner 500/1 from 2005 and it sounds like your reissue model. Was surprised how great the vintage Hofner sounded! Do you think the pickup location has something to do with it?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you! I don't think the pickup placement would matter unless both pickups were on. I had the typical configuration of two down one up on the basses, so it should be just the bass pickup as far as I know. (The treble switch was off. ) I really appreciate your comment and thanks for watching!

[@savenijemartinlegaltax3099]

I now own a vintage 65 Hofner and I too prefer the vintage neck. it is thinner and easier to play. Also the edges seem more rounded than those from a reissue. I would like Hofner to be more precise with their vintage spec and closer to the real thing. I mean the basses are still out there, and it should be easy to copy those specs. I have to admit though that the reissue seem more solid and less prone to neck problems. But maybe that´s just my personal impression.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I'm not sure why it took Hofner so long to make a Mac spec bass that was more precise, but they have gotten a lot closer in recent years.

[@gdholmfirth]

Good job! I have to say the sound difference to me was slight. Maybe you could feel it more than I could hear it, since you were right there and playing.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

No , I agree with you! It is slight, but the vintage has more midrange added and I like that. They both get the job done. Thanks for watching!

[@briancornish5857]

The Vintage Wins! 👍🏆

[@pickersgrip]

Enjoyed this!!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks for watching!

[@IamMagPie]

Wow! I'm so happy I subscribed to this channel. That way KZbin notifies me when there are new videos. I really enjoyed the comparison between the two basses. I think the 1963-bass sounds the best. I have a V'62 and a V'64. I prefer the latter because of the much slimmer neck. And it has white binding on the neck with landmarks. On the V'62 it's easier to lose track of which fret is which. The song at the end is really great. So catchy and well performed. And the cartoon-like video looks perfect too. The whole thing shows massive talent.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank you! Believe me, I am happy you subscribed to this channel! I know what you are talking about losing track without fret markers on the side. I put on little removable dots on the reissue so I don't lose my way! I can go by lacquer checks on the vintage but it definitely is a little harder than when you have side dots! Thanks again for commenting and watching! It means a lot to me!

[@joevecchio4687]

I have a reissue Came with labella flats Hofner hard shell case I love it Paid 419.00 total from Sweetwater Can’t say anything negative about it

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Not the same bass . You have the Hofner ignition which is made to look like a Beatle bass, but it has different specs to the German reissues. The pickups are different, and so is much of the hardware and materials. There is a reason why it costs $419.00, but if you like it and it works for you that’s all that matters! Make great music!

[@TechnicalDifficulties]

Hello father

[@fab4647]

Great song Perry!! Multi talented as well! I used to have a 1967 500/1 with the bar style pickups. I was young and had to get rid of it cause I wanted a Rickenbacker 4001. Totally different sound and honestly would prefer the Hofner back 😢and the 4001 weighs a ton compared to the Hofner. I just prefer the hollow bass sound you can only get from a Hofner. Love the video as well 😊

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks! I have two ricks as well . Never performed with them, only used in the studio. There aren't many basses as light as the Hofner! Thanks for watching and for your kind comments!

[@uberbeast113]

They sure do sound different don't they. I'm sure you'd miss the Rick if you swapped back. That is one slinky beautiful neck to play. I read that McCartney was pleased with the improvement in intonation, and that figures when you notice him suddenly making great melodic use of the frets much higher up the neck than he attempted on the Hofner (isolated bass track from Get Back reveals open A string quite flat played alongside A on the D at 7th fret. I don't know if that was actually an intonation issue or a laissez faire attitude to tuning. Personally, I love the bright punchy ringing sustain of a Rick. My only issue is that I always feel I gotta use a pick with them, as they feel strangely unsuited to finger style. I can't help but wonder if it has something to do with the lacquered fingerboard. The fella who sold me my custom Squire Jazz bass showed me his beautiful and rather unusual Ricky bass. The body was a deep dark stained natural wood, and the wonderful giraffe like neck was unlaquered and also very dark, like rosewood or maybe ebony. It was a delight to play, punchy like a Ricky should be, but also a lot darker and warmer sounding. It was a beast. Btw I never owned a Ricky...I had a Hondo II copy with a pronounced bow in the neck and action so uncomfortably high I used to put a capo on the second fret and detune the strings a full tone to relieve some of the tension. Anyhoo... :)

[@WayBackNowLetsGo]

The vintage has more bright because of the drying wood and and finish. What are the weight differences? You a great player because of this a better display. I like the other guy but he's not really a player like you. Great Job!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I don’t have the proper kind of scale to determine the weights between the two, but they really aren't too different.Nothing I noticed anyhow. Thanks for watching!

[@DanThomasUK]

So the question is, which of their other reissues, if any, gets things like the logo and pickup spacing right?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Some reissues made for the Japanese market address issues like those. Especially the pickup spacing.one such model , no longer made as far as I know was called “The World History “ model

[@DanThomasUK]

@@perrystanleyNumber9 thank you. I did a search after I posted my comment and it looks like the 60th anniversary model from the end of 2023 gets it right? It’s also about twice the price of a Mersey so 4/5k

[@mrpeel3239]

Were there any significant differences in the strap attachments?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

There is only a strap button option on the reissues. McCartney used a dog clip on the tailpiece and wrapped the other end around where the neck meets the body. People add strap buttons if they want.

[@dave-chick]

Awesome! Perry

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks, David!

[@localbod]

Great video and very informative. FYI, Mersey is pronounced Merzee.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@trd4life302]

Great vid Perry! Can you enlighten me? Are reissues suppose to be as close or near close to the originals in specs, dimensions, spacings, electronics? How come there are so many differences in materials , blueprint and such? For example, the jack outputs locations are nowhere close to the vintage. What am I missing here? 😅

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I don't know why Hofner has had so many variations over the years. One would think if you had one of the most famous musicians in the world you would make one that literally had his specs. However , they do seem to cater to the Japanese market, and have offered models that were more specific to the little specs that Beatle fans care about. For example there is a Hofner bass model that was sold to the Japanese market called 'World History'.It apparently had the vintage spacing of the pickups and I think even the jack placement of McCartney's. A lot of people don't know all the little details about the differences I point out in the video , or just don't care as long as it generally looks and sounds like Paul's bass. It is still difficult to find a new one that has a burst sprayed just like the vintage ones. Either the color isn't quite right or the spray doesn't go deep enough into the center of the bass. I actually think their staff only started learning more about proper specs in the 90's, as they had release a "special "bass called the 20/40 that was supposed to be just like McCartney's but they got it wrong because they put a fat neck on like his 61 bass! I have one of these too, and though it is a great sounding instrument , the neck is like a baseball bat and they spray of the burst is just along the edges. As far as materials , I think like many manufacturers they use what is cheapest and will make them money. At least overall the basses sound close and look close at first glance. I was surprised that the bridge string guides were different sizes , but I wouldn't have noticed it until I had the 63 to compare it to.They also now make some of the basses with the washer, so you have go to the Hofner website or reverb and see what is what to get the closest to a vintage one . The reissue I have is really a fine instrument. I like the vintage a little better in terms of sound and neck shape, but it really is a great bass. If you check about the Hofner World History model on the net you'll see what is supposed to offer over normal reissues. Also the relic ones seems really cool and look more look old vintage hoofers, Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@vayabroder729]

The vintage has a little more balls to the sound but the sound is very similar. Nice song too.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@subschool5]

you are so cool!!!! thank you

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thank YOU!

[@60guitarzan]

The re-issue WILL darken over time! I purchased one around 2005/2006, & it was very blonde! Now, it's as dark as McCartney's!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I think you got lucky. I have one from the late 90's and it hasn't changed a bit.

[@johnlennon1049]

Vintage has more bottom. I like that.

[@nunoharris]

Hi. Whats the brand of strings that you have on both basses? Thanks

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Pyramid

[@staypress]

I have a 65 and I prefer the deeper tone personally.Both examples are a bit tinny for me.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Probably the amp setting. The 63 and 65 staple pickups should be the same.

[@qddk9545]

It may sound that a very bad idea to a connoisseur, but it could have been fun to compare to the Harley Benton clone, that is reported to sound quite good, for very few money.

[@vitorlopes2064]

👌

[@alfredcreighton3862]

Great tune!!👍 Love it!!!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@joestarr05]

What a difference. I love the vintage more. Was it hard to come by?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Looking everyday for a while and then finally pulling the trigger on the right one. Not so easy to find anymore . I love playing it, and I love its sound.

[@Jpw824]

I know which Hofner I liked better 😊

[@josephlichnovsky7886]

Both Basses are Real Hofners

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

True, but only one is a real 63. The other is a replication of that year.

[@paulneeds]

What strings are on the instruments?

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Both basses had pyramid strings with the green winding .

[@Mike-hr6jz]

The reissue is a little muffled. Overall, the vantage is better my opinion.

[@Goodafternoongoodeveningandgn]

Around what price should I be paying for a decent used one

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Keep scanning Reverb I would think $1600 is a really good buy for a reissue, but depending on the bass $2000 and higher is more normal for the German made versions. The contemporary and ignition versions are about $300-800 , and the depending on the year , the Vintage ones seem to go from about 4-10 thousand dollars.

[@therealpalo001]

The Vintage Hofner pickups sound louder.

[@JP5466]

The real one has more punch and less mud, especially on the low end.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I ageee!

[@minstrelofMir]

i have an early 64 i think,,pot codes sep63 )393) selmer back of the head stamp 399 its just like yours in the vid 3 peice neck singel tunners and logo inside (unlike other 64"S) it seems more 63 than 64 but the facebook group wont have that lol

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

no binding on the neck?

[@NelsonMontana1234]

You seem to be playing the vintage a bit harder.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

It may seem so but I don’t think so. I just played the part .

[@nobody_gtk]

lol that song is actually good

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Thanks!

[@isaiah.fabela]

first

[@thomasvinelli]

Fine , wonderful but the pricing these days is absolutely a rip off. That includes Gibson and Fender also. I’m not a fan of the china Hofners. I love the German Hofner but will never own one

[@aleneaguayo6471]

That’s literally Paul McCartney bass I think Paul McCartney owned that

[@WayBackNowLetsGo]

lol

[@eephour7221]

Why are you blocking this video on other websites? Do you work for KZbin? Lame ad-man.

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Not really sure what you are talking about. If a video of mine is blocked on other sites it's not intentional. What lame ad are you referring to?

[@steennordberg-nielsen3012]

Why cant you pronounce the name correctly: Höfner!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

I’m sure your correct, but the only time I have ever heard it pronounced that way is from Germans.Even McCartney just says Hofner!

[@MrKenstar2]

Cheesiest video

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Well I do the best I can and I’m still learning. Can’t please everyone. Thanks for watching!

[@ВойтылаДынкин]

Тухлее звука, чем у Хофнера, трудно найти....

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

Da!

[@perrystanleyNumber9]

да!