hofner 500/1 beatles bass

[gaz68]

hi can anyone give me a clue as to how much this hofner bass is worth all i know is that the pot numbers are 443 and there are scratches no deep ones and no cracks that i can see and that its been in the family for at least 30 years









thanks in advance for any help gary

[VintAxe]

Hi Gary.

Your pot code indicates the 44th week of 1963. However, given that your bass has the raised plastic logo, I would say it was probably built in 1964.

Here is a page devoted to dating the 500/1:


The Blue Book suggests a value of $2,400 for a 500/1 in Excellent (90%) condition. More important than cosmetics on these basses is whether or not the neck is good and intonation close. They are notorious for twisted/bowed necks and poor intonation. If the neck on yours is great, you could probably look toward a $3,000 value.

[gaz68]

thanks for your help vintaxe its much appreciated, as far as i can tell the neck looks fine.
i am going to get a friend to put strings on and test it before advertising the guitar as id rather it went to somebody who can use/enjoy it rather than just sit in a cupboard where iot could get damaged.
thanks again