The "Beatle" Basses - Paul McCartney's Gear - If Guitars Could Speak... #9

Many people don't know that there were, in fact, multiple Hofner violin-shaped basses owned by Paul. Here, we will delve into the history of the most iconic bass guitars in the history of music. Featuring Paul’s 1961 and 1963 Hofner basses, his 1964 Rickenbacker 4001 and a couple you probably didn’t know about! Enjoy!
Backing track:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.fi...
License: creativecommons...

[@sparkyjb488]

great ..pretty much nailed it.. ref the selmer presentation bass..best regards john bunning..

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Wow! How are you Mr. Bunning? Thanks for watching and I’m glad I got it right. Not often that the subject of my videos comments on the video!!

[@mcarp555]

The bass won't sell because the store in London that owns it keeps saying Paul used/played/recorded with it, when there's zero evidence of that. And they want way too much for it. Still a lovely model, however.

[@HofnerGuitars1887]

Thank you for this. The correct story about McCartney and his Höfner 500/1 basses. And thank you for mentioning our page on our website. Maybe, just maybe, one day we will find the "Lost Bass".

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

It’s out there somewhere! Thanks for the shout out, guys!

[@RedSpecialArchive]

It’s here!

[@stefanhoock1917]

Nice video, and thanks for sharing it here! There are two small things that might be added here - 1. McCartney's first Höfner 500/1 was NOT used on the 'A Hard Day's Night' album, as his second one had by that time (the album was recorded between January and June 1964) become his main bass, and 2. in 1964 his first 500/1 received a rather dramatic makeover, as the bass was refinished in London in a 3-tone sunburst finish, its pickups received a new custom-made frame to keep them in place and secured to the body, and the original control knobs were replaced as well.

[@leokimvideo]

Paul's Hofner with the Beatles playlist sticky taped on the side is one of the most valuable instruments, potentially priceless

[@delphinbringsby6768]

There are photos of him playing a Fender Jazz during the White Album sessions.

[@jazzman1954]

Better than the Hofner by miles!

[@Rog107]

@@jazzman1954 Yeah I had 1 63 Hofner for a short while. It didn't cut the mustard for me and I changed to a Precision, which I still have.

[@0000song0000]

@@Rog107 strings feel Slinky on the hofner

[@jazzman1954]

@@0000song0000 So, one thing in its favour at least

[@kkteutsch6416]

The one thing Fender Jazz Bass is better than Hofner is a lot of weight...

[@lauramildon-clews7850]

Hi, my name is Laurajane and I'm from New Zealand. The first guitar that I learned to play was a fender. That was in 1965, didn't like the fender at all, it was too heavy for me. I saw a Hoffner 500/1 in a music store in Auckland city. It was exactly what I wanted and I fell in love with it straight away. I still have the guitar and I still play it regularly as I play in a band. I have a collection of guitars and also play a lap steel guitar, the Hoffner is still my favorite, love your channel, brought back a lot of memories, thanks and best wishes Laurajane from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@staypuffman5469]

Nice! Paul also played a fender jazz bass during the later years, specifically the white album.

[@thesausage351]

Didn’t Paul play a Fender 6 string bass in the studio or was that John? Maybe on the white album?

[@salvey3737]

@@thesausage351 John and George mainly played the Fender 6 string bass around that time

[@thesausage351]

@@salvey3737 Yeah I realise it wasn’t a lefty so it wouldn’t be Paul playing.

[@bobgreen8142]

@@thesausage351 As I've heard it the Fender 6 bass was gifted to the Beatles.

[@camsprocket]

Yeppers and on Abbey Road the Jazz Bass was used... Also George Harrison had a right hand version of the Jazz bass as well that was also used on Abbey Road, and which there are pictures of Paul playing it as well. I'm surprised that Paul's Jazz Bass wasn't brought up in the video.

[@charleswilmot7612]

Do John Lennon’s 1958 Rickenbacker 325!

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Indeed, there's nothing like your first one. My first was an Ice Blue Watkins Rapier in the early 70's - a capable bass but no-one wanted them because the punitive import tax on American guitars had been dropped and everyone wanted Fenders. I sold it around 1982, when I got married, along with my '68 Fender P-bass. Then last year I was browsing online and saw an identical bass for sale. A completely original Watkins Rapier in Ice Blue ! Needless to say, it's mine now, and I love it. 😄

[@lineboss58]

McCartney is on record as having said that when he was picked as the new bassist, he got together as much cash as he could and went to a music store near by. He could not afford a Fender and only had enough to buy a Hofner, after which he became known as the guy with the violin bass.

[@timothysullysullivan2571]

He also picked the hofner b/c being symmetrical, it would look good played lefty. there weren't left handed model basses generally available, and he would have had to play a fender or other right hander upside down. which he felt would look 'daft' (goofy).

[@JamZorro]

@@timothysullysullivan2571 I get that... (Hendrix though, didn't give two shits about playing his guitars upside down)... To each their own, I guess 👍

[@Spaced92]

@@JamZorro Early Beatles were still in the guitar band era, so aesthetic and matching with the band (positioning, suits) mattered more.

[@JamZorro]

@@Spaced92 Yup... From leather jackets to beautifully tailored suits (it all worked for them) 👍

[@jayyoungmusic919]

@@timothysullysullivan2571 ha you’re right, so is the guy who originally commented

[@OzziePete1]

I've seen Paul in concert using the Hofner. It's a unique tone. due to its' construction specs. Small hollow body, short scale (30"), a neck pickup (unusual for a lot of basses). Used through his monstrous Mesa Engineering Bass rig, the sound of the Hofner doesn't thump through you like a Precision or Jazz bass. Instead it fills the room, with a 'whomp' type sound & it's something Paul has harnessed throughout his professional career. A Rickenbacker bass would be the exact opposite of that. I was quite taken by the sound of Hofner in concert, it's a fair bit different to the usual bass rig.

[@leftygeezer]

Good description!

[@OutnBacker]

A lot of hollow body basses sound like that. I love it. ANother less often talked about bass is the Epiphone Rumble Kat. With the right settings, it causes earthquakes.

[@OzziePete1]

@@OutnBacker I'd have to agree with you on that. I loved the sound, it was unique for me in such a big venue setting and with huge amplification. I wonder how they conquered the feedback issues that you would think would happen at such volume? A real eye opener as I thought a hollow bodied bass would be lost.

[@OutnBacker]

@@OzziePete1 Back around 1976, I played a Harmony hollow body bass before I got my Fender Tele bass. I had an Ampeg V$-B cabinet (2X 15 inch Lansings), powered by an Acoustic 150B head. I know - a Harmony - but some of them were pretty good, had good pots and pickups. we were kids, and my guitar player as an early techie, who reset the pickups. I used round wound strings. I can tell you that the combo had some kind of channel into another world. The head was very basic, but it had some punch. no fuzz feature, which was popular thern, but jeeez, that bass cut down walls. Push it a bit and you had Geedy Lees jazz bass. Normal jam level and it was a Rickie 4005. I loved it, but it was not well built and I switched to the Fender.

[@johndrowe5281]

I have played a ‘94 RI Höfner 500/1 for most of 30 years and never had it feedback. It is so light, I can see how Paul enjoyed playing it on tour. (sorry, but my reply got “mailed early“- I was not through.) Höfner with Pyramid Flatwounds = dulcet, mellifluous Beatle Paul McCartney sounds - the rest of course, is in your fingers and spirit!😊😉🥸 QUESTION : Did anyone else get to see him in the ‘91 tour when he pulled out the Wal bass on Peace in the Neighbourhood? The thunder produced shook my heart! Yes, I prefer watching and hearing him play the Höfner , but for that one song, he transformed an album cut and to an absolute showstopper! (I saw him at the Omni in Atlanta on that occasion). Cheers and God’s blessings be yours.🎸👨🏼‍⚕️🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@jamesdean8669]

Wow, refreshing to hear someone talking about Paul's bass's and getting it right! Kudos indeed! Oh, by the way heard his 61 might be in Ottawa, Ontario Canada..

[@itsthe773guero5]

great piece here sir......i am a proud owner of an ignition series b-bass,shes really changed my whole style and outlook as well because at heart im a stingray guy and slap is all i used to focus on.never dreamed that someday id be using a pick and actually be strumming and humming along......the hollow body and flatwounds took some getting used to but in the end i cherish this instrument

[@sonnyburnett8725]

I can recall a color photo of the Beatles giving a performance on stage under spot lights and behind Paul and George could be seen spare guitars, both George’s and Paul’s other bass. As an eleven y/o it was the first time I knew they had spares. Good times!

[@drewgodderis9000]

Thank you young man I have a prized 1967 500/1 … After I saw the Beatles on TV in 1964 I Announce to my parents I wanted to play bass guitar which they responded you already played clarinet you don’t need a bass guitar… Well I finally got my base at age 60 And I just love it it’s a chocolate burst….And I’m currently almost 70 so I just absolutely love it and mom and dad can’t tell me no anymore… lol good job on the video by the way

[@zeroman614]

Paul also played a 1966 Fender Jazz Bass on late Beatles recordings.

[@tracyblair3064]

He played a Jazz Bass on a number of tracks on the White Album and Abbey Road: 'Yer Blues', 'Glass Onion', 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', 'Sun King', and 'Mean Mr. Mustard.'

[@indywashere]

Are you sure about glass onion? It sounds very rickenbackerish to me. And if you compare it to the tone on Dear Prudence, which is a Rick, it’s almost spot on.

[@indywashere]

I take it back, I hear the Jazz VI on Glass Onion

[@docgonzales]

Tracy Blair didnt john play bass on glass onion.?

[@indywashere]

@@docgonzales possibly? But to me, it’s got Paul’s groove. Especially during the chorus.

[@peribot9226]

if I'm not mistaken while my guitar gently weeps was recorded on a jazz by paul, then overdubbed on a bass vi by either george or john

[@johnsain]

I have a Lefty 1979 Hofner 500-1,...and a Lefty 1975 Rickenbacker Fireglo 4001..... : )

[@timothysullysullivan2571]

it still astounds me how casual he is about his instruments. he likes and keeps them, yes- but he's not precious about them at all. john and george, like most players, were very particular and protective of their favorite guitars. one of paul's guitar techs said he almost had a heart attack the first live show he worked- at the end of the set as paul came offstage, he unexpectedly and casually tossed the 63 to him thru the air from 15 feet away. luckily he caught it....

[@peterharrison5833]

Love those old Hofner basses! Brings back memories...

[@arthurcholmes9388]

The Hofner wasn't very expensive back then...wow.. McCartney is a Genius

[@TheCream14]

Very nicely done. Just a small clarification. The '61 Hofner bass actually has a thick/full/rounded neck which remained the same through 1963. From 1964, the 500/1 had a flatter neck profile and not as 'chunky'. The '61 bass (also referred to as the "Cavern Bass") was refinished from a two-tone sunburst to a three-tone sunburst just before the Let in Be sessions.

[@apexjoe4769]

As a Beatles fan after all these years I didn't know that Paul's original Hofner bass was missing. Thanks for the video !

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Paul briefly played a Rosetti Solid 7 electric guitar onto which he put PIANO STRINGS! The stress slowly destroyed the guitar!

[@richardtaylor9702]

Excellent documentary

[@wolf6597]

For all friends of the Hofner Violin Bass...must listen to this: Chris Rea, CD 2003, Hofner Blue Notes !!!

[@artamussumatra6286]

I once owned a ‘62 Hofner, really nice fast action neck, with a rich woody tone like a big Dog House Bass. Super light too, great design, and player, no wonder Paul loves it. I sold it when I got into fretless playing, but I still kinda miss it. 😉

[@JamZorro]

Good stuff... Paul's Hofner bass was ICONIC

[@andrewweeks448]

love paul. great video!

[@jwl2469]

GREAT research, narration, photos and editing! I didn't know most of the detailed information. Thank you.

[@lucasoheyze4597]

I can't think of a reason why Hofner would make a one-off special order of a left-handed model in 1960, for an unknown 18 year old English guy playing on the Reeperbahn, that seems weird to me 🤔

[@malexder0082]

I bought a used Beatle Bass for $50 in 1967 in Mannheim, Germany when my family was stationed there. I sold it long ago. It would have been a great investment!

[@patmartin7507]

I saw Paul's Hofner at Knight Guitars, in New Haw.UK and it still had the set list for the Beatles last gig Sellotaped to it.

[@steve7onfire]

Great stuff mate! Finally someone who knows there Beatles gear. I’ve been a geek of it for years. From Darwin Australia 🍺 Subscribed 👍

[@michaelkoch1654]

Excellent article. One Small correction, I've seen him play several times and own a Hofner myself. His pickup settings as I have seen them are Bass PU on and SOLO switch on, not the RHYTHM setting.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Totally enjoyed your video. The narrative was excellent, well-written & researched, and your voice was pleasant to listen to. Subscribed. Kudos!

[@WIll-gn8oo]

this was great!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Thank you!

[@WIll-gn8oo]

The Guitar Historian I recently purchased the 63 500/1 and this really clarified the difference between the 61 and the 63

[@robertobrien2903]

There's a 1966 Jazz Bass that Fender gave him as well. Used on the White Album and heard rumors that it was the bass on Come Together...

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

Based on the tone, it’s more likely the Hofner.

[@mikenaykki2173]

Great story!👍👍😎

[@billbez7465]

Thank you. Excellent historical information

[@micksontheroad]

Great episode 👍

[@gsusgodschord3467]

Paul also used a Fender Jazz on the White Album.

[@Nanoci62]

Great job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@robertveerman8022]

6:21 - Paul was also photographed using a Fender Jazz Bass somewhere in 1966, so maybe used that too

[@richardsisk1770]

Excellent job. Thank you!

[@duane9830]

I love the pic with lennon with the buddy holly glasses.

[@chriscoleman6466]

I've got one...there so light..excellent instrument

[@ephrimvael]

Hi Chris, which model did you get? ..I'm thinking about buying one..any tips?

[@bradparker9664]

I saw McCartney at Denver's Pepsi Center on May 7, 2002. He opened with "Hello Goodbye" on the Hofner. I must say that seeing that bass up close was almost as thrilling as seeing the man himself.

[@perrythomasmusic3709]

Though I am a lead guitarist and a solo fingerstyle guitarist, I own and play some bass guitars. I know that the Hofner isn't really the best sounding bass out there, certainly much different than a Fender P bass, but I love playing it. I like the live sound of the bass, especially if you are covering a Beatle tune. Thanks for the video, very well done.

[@uberbeast113]

Depends how you define "best". You can hear outtakes from Beatles recording sessions where Paul is doodling on his 500/1 and with flatwounds the bass sounds awesomely distinctive, kind of sonorous like a double bass. I've also heard one played with roundwounds by a modern player, and it's completely different, very round and warm but with enough clarity and definition to solo in a melodic way...all the way up the board (so it looks like those intonation issues have been dealt with). I love my recently acquired custom Squier Jazz. It's still got old strings, and i dont yet have a decent bass amp (am mainly a guitarist too) so I worry it might not have the same quality of growl I could get from an overdriven Precision (a la JJ Burnell) but I fell in love with the sheer versatility of the Jazz after hearing Geddy Lee...and later The Killers. Buying a Ricky bass will be a sometime future indulgence. I love the crap out of them, but I find them not versatile. They have a very distinctive tone and I always find myself going for a plectrum whenever I pick one up. Horses for courses hey!

[@donwood9396]

There's one on display in The Cavern in Liverpool - was lucky enough to visit when in the UK a couple of years back ..

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

I visited the Cavern as well back in 2019 before all this crap. I have a million pictures and thought about doing a video but I struggled to not make it sound like an old man going through his family photos!

[@markfrost2707]

Three words says it all about rock bass playing and it's origins...."I Fine Fine"

[@aldito7586]

He's my hero. My bass playing all fav !

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

I’ve been a Beatles fan and gear / guitar geek since 1965, studying who played what and why and when, but I never noticed until today while watching this, that the violin bass has a “zero fret” after the nut.

[@Ndlanding]

Hofner 6-string guitars did too. It's a good and a bad thing at the same time.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

In 1969 (I believe) my parents bought me a bass. It was a Vox violin-style hollow body. I almost forgot about that. I didn't like the strange overtones I got from it so went to a long-scale, solid-body, which I felt solved all kinds of problems.

[@audiomez]

I have an Italian made Vox Violin like bass. Actually sounds good bowed. Has built in fuzz mode and a g tuner

[@rj2128]

Great presentation! Thank you.

[@johnnymartini4989]

I love that rickenbacker bass, I wish they used that same model for a guitar

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

I just wish it was cheaper 😫

[@hericlezzz]

Very Good

[@dreamerjazz352]

I'm obsessed with Hofner Basses! The look, the sound, the history and so on. It's my favorite bass and I'm so happy with my Hofner! It's baby blue, I don't know why exactly, but I always wanted the baby blue Hofner. It was a challenge to get it, but I finally did. I wonder what Paul would think of it lol, it's made in China, but it's still a Hofner. Anyways, nice video. I never exactly knew Paul still plays his 63 Hofner, because it looks different without the pickguard I guess. Which makes me wonder, what happened to the pickguard? I know it's not rocket science to take off, but I've always wonder why he doesn't have the pickguard anymore.

[@blueycarlton]

dreamerjazz352 There is film of a 1958? or 1959? Hofner bass. Johnny O'Keefe's backing band The DeeJays had one. This newly found 1959 film in pristine condition is in the process of fundraising to get it out on DVD. It would be interesting to find out how the Hofner found its way all the way to Australia The Hofners body can clearly be seen, slightly different to Paul's, this has 4 control knobs. There were only two songs from this concert that had been preserved "Shout" and a One More Time (?) Swanee River performed by Johnny O'Keefe/Delltones from the lost film 'Rock'n'Roll' (1959) Here is the link to the newly released song "Swanee River". kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnuvqYGDn72tmKc The other two songs can be seen here. The quality difference is outstanding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7TY4eGrsppY68 O'Keefe was the driving force behind Rock 'n' Roll in Australia. He appeared with most of the visiting early US rock acts blowing some off the stage with his abundant energy. He also wrote and produced as well compering his own TV shows.

[@chriss3838]

In 66, during their final live shows ,it got loose. Anyone with a German Hofner knows that nail that holds the pickguard(much like any hollow body archtop) into the neck can rattle loose. Paul simply then removed it. Whether he stored it away,lost it or threw it out is anyone's guess.

[@greatvanzini]

Very good vid. You are correct, Hofner went from thick to thin on their necks in 64, I think.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

Can you imagine the value of that original Hofner? 1) It’s Paul’s bass and 2) it’s the first left-handed produced Hofner. Crazy money!

[@JP-hs6ii]

The Rickenbacker bass was first used in the Rubber Soul Sessions. The first track it was used on was Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)

[@jacquescousteau217]

The first track Paul used the Rick on was Michelle …

[@JP-hs6ii]

@@jacquescousteau217 No, it wasn't. Read: The Beatles Recording Reference Manual: Volume 2 by Jerry Hammack he researched the Abbey Road (EMI Archives)

[@jacquescousteau217]

@@JP-hs6ii I’m using RTB by Kehew ,and Ryan. I’ve not read it in a while ,but quite certain it was Michelle on Rubber Soul . I’ll check …

[@PhreddCrintt]

Excellent.

[@drsgtpepper95]

I've had my B-Bass series Hofner for roughly 10 years now, I've wanted a genuine German hofner bass for a while but my B-Bass has become a prized possession over the years, not to mention my mom got it for me 🥺

[@frankjuster8726]

@bradleigh branscum i bought my b-bass series 3 years ago ( my first ) . it was strung with roundwound strings but was told to replace them with flatwounds to sound right . put a set of labella flats on it and made a big difference what a sound !

[@drsgtpepper95]

@@frankjuster8726 oh yeah man that's mandatory 🤣 gotta have La Bellas on it, over the years the white Pickgaurd and control panel on my bass have aged and look more authentic to a German hofner, I took the pickgaurd off a while ago and switched the knobs to teacups

[@chuckstenberg]

Nice informative presentation. Enjoyed it!

[@MetallicA29]

This was fantastic!

[@la-eddyrodriguez1884]

I’m not a Beatles fan my dad was but I love how this bass looks

[@delphinbringsby6768]

Really? You don't like ANYTHING they ever did?

[@la-eddyrodriguez1884]

@@delphinbringsby6768 😬nah

[@fshoaps]

@@la-eddyrodriguez1884 Get the fuck out of here then

[@la-eddyrodriguez1884]

@@fshoaps hahaha 🤣 bum ass

[@robd1329]

Are u gay???

[@G8GT364CI]

I would guarantee that the Bassman sticker was placed on the bass to make sure whatever studio tech set up his stuff plugged it into the Fender Bassman amp he was using at the time as it first seemed to appear on the roof top.

[@btherr]

Came for the bass. Stayed for the guitar history. Subbed for the Phillies hat.

[@Glicksman1]

The look of the Höfner violin "Beatle" bass was certainly startling to many musicians when McCartney made it so famous overnight in America. However, those who have played them, including Macca, understand their limitations and shortcomings as to tone, punch, and intonation. Still, they have a certain unique, resonant, woody sound that is what it is all about. That said, the bass sounds we hear on Beatles' recordings have little to nothing to do with the basic sound of that or any other instrument as they were, of course, highly processed regarding EQ, compression and such. This is also equally so with regard to the guitars, keyboards, vocals and everything that we hear on their and virtually all recordings. Still, I love the way this bass looks and feels to play. It's a historic, significant, and substantial part of the music and culture of those halcyon days.

[@sp1midholm]

Just one thing - "sellotape" is a common term in the UK, it's not specific to Paul, Otherwise, great video!

[@aboxofbroken8tracks983]

"Cellophane tape" was once a commonly used term in the U.S. I just assumed "Cellotape" is a British shortening of that. Today it's more commonly called "Scotch tape", after the name of the manufacturer.

[@scottandrewbrass1931]

Scotch tape and Sellotape aren't the same thing.

[@theju3939]

Not only in UK, in India also

[@Kalle72]

@@scottandrewbrass1931 Scotch tape is a brand name for 3M’s sellotape product.

[@xpeditededdie3788]

Very nice job. Thanks.

[@larseinar470]

The GUITAR historian: let’s talk bass, boyzzz!

[@Voicedude]

The only Macca bass that's truly important is the one he played on Rubber Soul. THAT is where it all changed.

[@quentinhuxley5010]

He also played a Yamaha bass in the late 70s early 80s.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

And a Wal 5 string in the early 90s

[@uberbeast113]

This Hofner bass got a few facts wrong: The 61 played on the first 2 albums. Hard Day's Night and after was the 63. The Rickenbacker made its debut on Rubber Soul, not Revolver. You can hear its awesome warm cutting power on If I Needed Someone especially in the middle 8s. There was another bass used by Macca with The Beatles. For a few songs on the White Album he rocked a Fender Jazz. Check out its massive overdriven sound as Macca throws out power chords in While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

[@redicendia1355]

paul also played a fender j-bass on stuff like the white album

[@comelymusicband]

Great video, thank you!

[@thomascranston8503]

How about the amps he used?

[@johnwhale8316]

Thanks.. Why no mention of the disappearance of the scratch/pick guard?

[@kcuhc84]

"I walked into Twikenham studios in 1968 an I took a violin shaped banjo. Didn't know it was valuable."

[@imannonymous7707]

Lol

[@nickday3541]

Lots of rumours about his 61 and have heard several say it's in Ottawa,Canada and was under " investigation". Hope someday it will be found but you never know. I am surprised that Hofner never retained any paperwork of Paul purchasing it as records would of almost certainly have been kept back then especially if it was the first "lefty" or at least, one of the first. Of course we've heard of the reports that it was actually a right handed which was converted but have my doubts especially as the headstock would of been facing the opposite direction. I have a Contemporary ( I'm also a lefty) and love it but could only imagine back in the early 60's gigging at clubs with it as it really does have a feel of being ( very) light as well as fragile. Now I'll have to see if you've got a video on John's Rickenbacker Capri. Now that too is a story in itself !

[@nickday3541]

L

[@guitarsofold100]

I have seen pictures of McCartney with a violin bass that has the black plastic covered pick ups as seen on the Sutcliff bass

[@labajadaman]

That black plastic was a repair to his original 1961 bass to hold the pickups in place. That’s the bass that later got stolen.

[@imannonymous7707]

Good research

[@pmvoice88]

I like my Hofner Club bass better. It's more comfortable and has less feedback issues.

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

Like the one played by the " Talkin' heads " ,if i'm not wrong. But is available for right handed only 😠....

[@TheMusicalElitist]

Well the bass has now been found and returned to Paul.

[@harrymallory7963]

The Beatles werent deported for burning a condom, they left because George was under age for working under German law, and reported to the authorities by the club owner for the Beatles breaking their contract and performing at another club. The condom incident was a reprisal when the guys left for England.

[@dan2050]

Paul and Pete Best were deported for the condom incident. George was deported for being underage and John was not deported.

[@thomaspappalardo7589]

George wasn’t deported, he could play before curfew but because most of their set was after hours, there was no point. The rest of the group continued with their plan to move to Peter Eckhorn’s club but Paul and Pete were arrested for the condom incident on an attempted arson charge, then deported. John was never deported.

[@jacobpullen6949]

Paul used a left handed fender jazz in parts on the white album.

[@nickwass9700]

Well done, at last, the correct facts. So many myths and legends that have been around for years and distorted the simple truth. Good vid.

[@davecostello560]

The Revolution bass looks different to the 61 bass - the sunburst finish looks much darker around the edges, but more clearly, the two close pickups look like they are set into a square black unit, rather than directly into the wooden body.

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Good eye! It is the same bass, but there was a repair as the top pickup was falling out and had to held in by tape. They added a custom black plastic pickup ring to shore them up.

[@brandonkew9122]

He also used a Fender Jazz bass on the White Album and Abby Road.

[@honeyfool007]

Probably the cutest and famous bass in the world

[@ROCKINGMAN]

I thought McCartney bought the Hofner because it happened to be the cheapest. Now Hofner re make them and they are too expensive. Luckily they do more afforadable ones. Always thought it stupid to stamp on your guitar, as you said they did to an earlier bass, or as some guitarists have done, set fire to them, after it has served you and produced wonderful sounds.

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

I miss my Hofner. Wish I had never sold it.

[@5150show]

Brilliant

[@timothyd9543]

Slight correction: He started using the Rickenbacker about halfway through the 'Rubber Soul' sessions.

[@MeTube3]

“Sellotape” as Paul called it is the leading brand for adhesive tape in UK, equivalent to Scotch tape - clear adhesive tape.

[@jacquescousteau217]

Paul played a Fender Jazz bass on the White Album,and possibly some of Abbey Road .

[@victoranchondo924]

Paul's the greatest bass player in the WORLD!!!

[@gertvanpeet3120]

The only reason he bought the hofner...the only lefthand bass on the market at that time!

[@bradpittiful7288]

i think it looks better with a pick guard...nice philles hat!