A genuine piece of British beat-era history, the Höfner 500/5 President is forever linked to Stuart Sutcliffe, the Beatles’ original bassist, who famously played one during the band’s early Hamburg days. This 1963 example carries that same unmistakable vintage character and craftsmanship.
Finished in a beautiful natural/blonde finish with a flamed maple top and back, this fully hollow archtop bass is genuinely light and resonant, offering a warm, woody tone that solid body basses simply can’t match. It features a maple neck with a comfortable medium “C” profile, a 1⅝” nut width, and a 30” short scale — making it wonderfully easy to play, especially for players coming from guitar.
Loaded with a pair of Höfner’s original “staple” humbucking pickups and the classic control panel with individual volume/tone controls and rhythm/solo switching, it delivers that smooth, thumpy, vintage tone so closely tied to early ’60s beat and rock ‘n’ roll. Finished with a striking tortoiseshell pickguard, f-holes, and the ornate flower-inlaid headstock, this is a beautiful, historically significant instrument as much as it is a great player.
A rare opportunity for collectors and vintage bass enthusiasts alike — genuine 1960s Höfner craftsmanship with real “Cavern Club” pedigree.
