Hofner - The Complete Violin Bass Story

First a special "THANKS" to Steve and Nick for taking the time to put this book together.This is the Bible for Hofner basses, no other ever written that I have can come close.Being a Beatles fan as well as owning a 61 Cavern, 62 500/1 and two 63 500/1's, and playing Beatles music with groups since 1965. I was totally shocked with all the coverage as well as so many pictures of the Hofner "Beatle" basses as well as other versions.Quite a few RARE pictures of vintage Hofner basses still in very mint condition published in this book.The book is so thick with so much information and pictures you won't want to put it down.A highly recommended "To Get" book if your a Hofner bass lover, as well as such an unreal price that a person would expect to pay double or more for such a book.

Hofner-The Complete Violin Bass Story is without a doubt the essential volume of work that fans, Hofner owners, and Beatle aficionados have been praying for. Steve Russell and Nick Wass have outdone themselves. The book traces all aspects of the Hofner violin bass from its genesis through to the present time.There is a fascinating factual account of the Hofner family history and their proud heritage.The photographs are luscious and vivid with gorgeous examples of the bass compiled from all over the world. These photographs alone justify adding this book to your collection. They are truly incredible.No aspect of the violin bass has been overlooked.In 1961 a young Paul McCartney's purchase of a violin bass ignited a passion that has not subsided to this day. Thanks to this wonderful work we can now fully appreciate all that there is to know about the most iconic instrument in the world.

As an owner of a 1966 Hofner 500/1 (purchased in Germany in August of 1968) I was happy to see such an in depth, detailed account of the Hofner bass guitar. Read it cover to cover the first day then used it to verify the vintage of my guitar. Thanks to the authors. I also have visited Steve Russell's Vintage Hofner website many times and have my 500/1 registered with him!

It is an interesting read, and a valuable reference tool.Contains a wealth of good pictures ,of the variations of this iconic bass.

Excellent book covering virtually the whole of the Violin Bass production era. Ordered from the UK as it wasn't available at that time from UK sellers.A must for anybody who like me is lucky enough to own six Violin Basses from an original 1964 Selmer marketed example through to Serial No 1957, one of the 60 exact copy McCartney Jubilee Basses released by Hofner after the Buck House concert; (not the blue bodied Chinese built version - although I have one of those as well)Arrived quickly in first rate condition

THis is possibly the most comprehensive Beatles' Bass book out there. Much more indepth and informative than the previous book by Joe Dunn or The Hofner Guitar~a history by Gordon Giltrap and Neville Martin. THis book is over 300 pages of facts, and photos. Includes charts on dating your Hofner. Special edition Hofner's, Japanese Hofner's, Spanish Hofner's, Selmer Etc. COmplete guide to pick-ups, head stocks, tailpieces and gears. THe book any Hofner bass owner or collector has been waiting for. Also includes info in Ignition and COntemporary Hofner guitars. Simply Fab!

I have to concur with a previous reviewer who called out the quality of the reprint of this book. I purchased this in early 2022 and the quality is truly shocking. The paper looks like they used it from a standard A4 pack of printing paper that you buy in a stationery shop. The print job looks like something my inkjet printer in the early 2000s did. Colours are super faded. If you had told me this book was printed by an actual publishing business (Hal Leonard Corporation), I wouldn't have believed you. It looks like a self-published book done in someone's garage. Hugely overpriced for what you are getting. Which is shame, because the actual contents are good.

Steve Russell's book compliles an acurate and factual History of one of the most famous bass guitar models of all times.With the backing of the Hofner company and hundreds of Hofner fans around the world and a true "Labor of love" Steve and Nick have delivered an easy book to read with wonderful pictures and amazing data.The price is very nice too, although I feel that the work deserved a hard cover.Thank you.

Recomiendo ampliamente el libro

Great bookIn the 38 years of playing bass I never thought I’d fall in love with the Hofner violin.So this book is invaluable for getting into the workings of this small German companynot just in the Big break thru years of the 60’s but also thru the 80’s and 90’s dry periodsPage stock feels a little home printerishbut the depth of knowledge is vastDefinitely better than watching everyone play Beatles numbers on YouTubeBook arrived quicker than expected

First of all I have to say, "What a bargain!". Less than half the price of any other listing available. Possibly a tiny tear in the cover may be the only reason I can see. Anyway, the book itself is great value regardless of the price. It covers the entire history of this iconic bass, from its early days pre-McCartney up until its publishing date some 5 years ago. Plenty of pics both colour and B&W of every model since its inception in 1955. The detail in the text is more than one could wish for in a book of this type, so I must highly recommend it to any Hofner (or McCartney) fans out there.

As a Paul McCartney fan from the early stages, I just had to have an Höfner bass as my first "real" instrument. I now own some 50+ guitars and basses.It is only since I have acquired this book that I understand the all the littlest difference betweeen models over the ages. I gained a lot of respect also for the people working at the Höfner as they saw this iconic bass evolved to what it is today.Through the "Violin Bass Story" I got a good glimpse of the times from 1955 'till today.As a music fan, a Beatles fan and a fan of everything nice, I can say that this book was missing in my Library. It should be part of yours too.Big thanks to Steve and Nick for having taken the time to write this book (and gather an impressive collection of photos).Thanks again! :-)

この書物には、自分と自分に協力してくれた人が、数少ない日本人として記録されている。だからHofner 500/1というベースギターに関しては何も言わない。だが、この書物が出版されるとき、ドイツのHofner社から協力を求められたから、日本人が1980年代に御社の製品に対して果たした役割を正しく記載してほしいとお願いした。それが十二分に理解され、大きく日本のことを扱ってもらえたのがうれしかった。各時代の製品を見る、または資料としても楽しめる内容であることは保証する。