Hofner HCT 500/1 Contemporary Series Violin Bass Sunburst 2006

This second hand bass is in great condition

The Hofner Violin Bass is one of the most iconic electric bass designs in music history, forever associated with Paul McCartney of The Beatles. Originally designed in 1955 by Walter Höfner, the violin-shaped body gave it a unique aesthetic and chambered tone. The HCT-500/1 “Contemporary” series, launched to bridge the gap between the high-end German models and the budget Ignition line, provides vintage styling with modern playability and upgraded features.

The 2006 version sits among the earlier runs of this series and has since earned a reputation as a reliable “workhorse” violin bass—perfect for those who want tone and style without the price tag of a handmade German original.

Construction & Materials

• Top: Laminated spruce

• Back & Sides: Flame maple (arched)

• Neck: Three-piece maple/beech/maple

• Fingerboard: Rosewood or jatoba, 22 frets

• Finish: Gloss vintage sunburst

• Bridge: Floating rosewood with adjustable saddles

• Body: Semi-hollow with a center sustain block

The addition of a center block is one of the key differences between the HCT and fully hollow German models. It helps reduce feedback, adds sustain, and enhances the bass's versatility in amplified settings—making it gig-friendly and more tonally robust.

 Sound & Tonal Character

Despite its small size and light weight, the HCT-500/1 delivers a warm, woody thump that is instantly recognisable. The midrange is sweet and round, with a defined but soft-edged attack. Thanks to the center block, the tone is punchier and tighter than traditional fully hollow basses, which often produce more airy, “boomy” lows.

Tonal Summary:

• With roundwounds: Slightly more modern, crisp and articulate.

• With flatwounds: Smooth, vintage “thud” ideal for Beatles covers, Motown, or jazz.

The control system is traditional Höfner: two volume knobs and three slider switches for pickup selection and a rhythm/solo voicing shift. It may take time to get used to compared to typical blend/tone setups, but once you’ve dialled in your settings, it rewards you with personality-rich tones that stand out in a mix.

Playability

One of the most appreciated aspects of the HCT-500/1 is its short scale (30”) and slim neck, which make it extremely easy to play. The scale length contributes to the slightly rubbery, vintage-like tone while making fast passages, slides, and complex chords less fatiguing for players with smaller hands.

• Neck profile: Fast and comfortable; not too chunky, ideal for melodic lines.

• Action: With a good setup, it’s low and playable all across the fretboard.

• Light Weight: Making it perfect for long gigs or players with back/shoulder issues.

 Hardware & Build Quality

HCT's build quality is very solid for its price range. It was assembled with German electronics and hardware. 

Who Is It For?

This bass is a great fit for:

• Fans of vintage and retro aesthetics

• Players looking for a lightweight, ergonomic bass

• Beatles enthusiasts and classic pop/rock performers

• Studio musicians wanting a unique tonal flavour

• Guitarists transitioning to bass (easy learning curve)

The Hofner HCT-500/1 Contemporary Violin Bass (2006) is more than a nostalgic novelty—it's a serious instrument capable of producing beautiful, vintage-informed tones in a modern package. With light weight, excellent playability, and an undeniably classic look, it's an ideal choice for players who appreciate retro sounds but want reliability and performance.