After over 50 years, Paul McCartney’s missing Höfner bass has been found and returned to him.
On Wednesday, former member of The Beatles, Paul McCartney, announced that he has been reunited with his original Höfner bass guitar that he purchased in the early 1960s. The instrument was stolen in the 1970s.
Lost Bass project
Paul McCartney’s website released a statement confirming the return of his 1961 Höfner 500/1 bass guitar, which was stolen in 1972. The authenticity of the guitar has been verified by Höfner, and Paul expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who played a part in its return.
In 1961, McCartney purchased a left-handed Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass guitar while in Hamburg, Germany. This guitar was his main instrument during the beginning stages of The Beatles’ performances at Hamburg’s Top Ten Club and Liverpool’s Cavern Club, as well as on early recordings. He later received a new Höfner in 1963, which became his backup guitar.
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However, the bass was eventually lost and in 2023, three devoted Beatles enthusiasts embarked on a quest to retrieve it (to its former home).
On Thursday, it was reported that the item was retrieved and upon closer examination, its significance was recognized. It was promptly returned to Paul McCartney within a few days.
Although the 1961 Höfner had been absent for many years, McCartney continued to play the bass he acquired in 1963 for the duration of the Beatles’ time together. He stopped using this particular model in the 1970s, but resumed playing it in 1987, as reported by Guitar World.
According to Guitar World, McCartney stated that he had temporarily abandoned the activity and believed he had moved on from it. However, he picked it up again and has not regretted his decision since. He credited Elvis Costello for motivating him to revisit it.
McCartney continues to use the 1963 Höfner in live performances and studio recordings until present.
Jordan Freiman
Source: cbsnews.com