If you are having a Hard Day's Night, this Hofner Violin bass can Help you to Let It Be.

Modelled after one of the several violin basses made famous by Sir Paul McCartney, this instrument features the traditional appointments of a fully hollow body, small machine-heads, trapeze tailpiece and that highly distinctive control panel.

Although this bass excels at the Merseybeat tones, it is far more versatile than its image may suggest and its shorter scale and hollow body means it is really not difficult to Carry That Weight.

The 500/1 Violin Bass was first shown to the public at the Frankfurt Muiskmesse in 1956. It has been in continuous production ever since. Designed by Walter Höfner as an alternative to the upright double bass it fulfilled this aim and much more. It leapt to worldwide fame when Paul McCartney was seen playing one with The Beatles in the early 1960s. Today the 500/1 is offered in a number of models from the budget Ignition version through to the handmade German built re-issues and specials. Its short scale (30in) and ultra lightweight has found favour with many professionals over the years.

The sound of a Violin Bass is unlike any other bass. When used with flatwound strings it produces a distinctive deep and penetrating thud not unlike an upright double bass. This sound can be used to emulate those pop sounds of the 1960s or slightly overdriven in a modern rock band to provide a deep driving bass. It is also commonly used today in studios for recording bass lines for dance music. It has also seen increasing use in reggae bands where a deep driving bass is always wanted. Despite being one of the smallest basses available it easily produces massive bass lines and is remarkably versatile.