Paul McCartney’s lengthy misplaced bass, the well-known Hofner 500/1, has lastly been returned to the Beatle after being lacking for over 50 years.
“Following the launch of last year’s Lost Bass project, Paul’s 1961 Hofner 500/1 bass guitar, which was stolen in 1972, has been returned,” a press release on McCartney’s web site reads. “The guitar has been authenticated by Hofner and Paul is incredibly grateful to all those involved.”
McCartney initially bought the instrument in Hamburg, Germany, in 1961, utilizing it typically for reside performances within the early ’60s in addition to on the Beatles’ first few albums.
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“For about £30 [$37.79 USD], I found this Hofner violin bass,” McCartney stated to The Guardian in 2023 when the search was launched. “And to me, as a result of I used to be left-handed, it appeared much less daft as a result of it was symmetrical. I obtained into that. And as soon as I purchased it, I fell in love with it.”
McCartney continued using it until the band’s breakup — it was last seen during sessions for Let It Be.
Found Safe and Sound
That is, until now. During investigations, the Lost Bass project received tips indicating that a robbery had taken place in the Notting Hill area of London in October of 1972. From there, they were able to track down not only who originally stole the instrument, but to whom it was then sold and so on. Eventually, it was discovered in the attic of a man living in Sussex.
“The bass is full and nonetheless with its unique case,” the Lost Bass Project wrote on their website. “It will want some repairs to make it playable once more, however a workforce of execs can simply carry these out.”
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Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci
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