Paul McCartney and his Basses

[bassplayer8953]

I could never understand why McCartney went back to his Hofner, which is a mediocre instrument. I always thought of the Rickenbacker as his "real" bass. But if it's true that he later played a Jazz Bass, well, he should have stuck with that.

Personally I'd think that Paul knows what he wants from his instrument, and he get it. A Hofner being "a mediocre instrument" is an opinion, one he obviously does not share. Paul could undoubtedly obtain any bass he desired, from any builder (and probably free) so if it's a Hofner he desires to play, who are we to second guess him?

 

[ShoeManiac]

I could never understand why McCartney went back to his Hofner, which is a mediocre instrument. I always thought of the Rickenbacker as his "real" bass. But if it's true that he later played a Jazz Bass, well, he should have stuck with that.

He likes it. I think that's a big part of it.

The Hofner was pretty much retired until the late 1980's when Paul McCartney teamed up with Elvis Costello for some songwriting/performing. They got around to recording an Elvis Costello song called "Veronica" that features Macca on bass, and Elvis Costello said that he thought that part would sound great on the Hofner 500/1. McCartney initially objected, saying that it had real problems staying in tune, etc. But they got his Hofner fixed up at Mandolin Brothers in New York, and it wound up playing much better. As a result the Hofner wound up on that Elvis Costello record, and it seems that Paul rediscovered how much he loved playing that bass. The light weight and the short scale made it very easy for him to play that instrument live. The Hofner also wound up being featured on some songs on Paul's Flowers In The Dirt album that also featured some collaborations with Elvis Costello. One of the notable tracks featuring the Hofner was "My brave face". Although there were other tunes on the record that were played on a Wal 5 string like "Rough ride" and "Figure of 8".

And you know what else? Macca is very much concious of image, too. And I think he recognizes just how much he is personally identified with that Hofner violin bass.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

McCartney had said that if you went to see Charlie Chaplin, and he didn't have his Little Tramp outfit and cane, you'd feel disappointed. That's why he plays his Hofner; you expect to see him with it.
And how does his Hofner sound, in his hands? Legendary.

 

[ShoeManiac]

He likes it. I think that's a big part of it.

The Hofner was pretty much retired until the late 1980's when Paul McCartney teamed up with Elvis Costello for some songwriting/performing. They got around to recording an Elvis Costello song called "Veronica" that features Macca on bass, and Elvis Costello said that he thought that part would sound great on the Hofner 500/1. McCartney initially objected, saying that it had real problems staying in tune, etc. But they got his Hofner fixed up at Mandolin Brothers in New York, and it wound up playing much better. As a result the Hofner wound up on that Elvis Costello record, and it seems that Paul rediscovered how much he loved playing that bass. The light weight and the short scale made it very easy for him to play that instrument live. The Hofner also wound up being featured on some songs on Paul's Flowers In The Dirt album that also featured some collaborations with Elvis Costello. One of the notable tracks featuring the Hofner was "My brave face". Although there were other tunes on the record that were played on a Wal 5 string like "Rough ride" and "Figure of 8".

And you know what else? Macca is very much concious of image, too. And I think he recognizes just how much he is personally identified with that Hofner violin bass.

Another thing to keep in mind about this timeframe when McCartney started using his Hofner again. He started a world tour that ran from 1989-1990. It was his first world tour in about 10 years, and really it was the first time in his career following the breakup of The Beatles that he REALLY dug into Beatles material for a tour. On tours in the 70's he would only play one or two Beatles songs in a live show. "Yesterday" was one of the more common songs for him to play during that era, and it seems to have been a choice largely because he had sole songwriting credit for that tune. And he notably broke out some Beatles songs for his Live Aid appearance in the 80's, but that was a one-off. But in the 1989-1990 tour he really broke out A LOT of Beatles material. I guess he seemed to be at peace with that part of his career at that point in time, and I think because of that he felt like using the Hofner bass live was a good thing to do.

 

[Skokiaan]

Another thing to keep in mind about this timeframe when McCartney started using his Hofner again. He started a world tour that ran from 1989-1990. It was his first world tour in about 10 years, and really it was the first time in his career following the breakup of The Beatles that he REALLY dug into Beatles material for a tour. On tours in the 70's he would only play one or two Beatles songs in a live show. "Yesterday" was one of the more common songs for him to play during that era, and it seems to have been a choice largely because he had sole songwriting credit for that tune. And he notably broke out some Beatles songs for his Live Aid appearance in the 80's, but that was a one-off. But in the 1989-1990 tour he really broke out A LOT of Beatles material. I guess he seemed to be at peace with that part of his career at that point in time, and I think because of that he felt like using the Hofner bass live was a good thing to do.

1972-73 Wings tours - No Beatles songs
1975/76 Wings world tour - five Beatles songs: Lady Madonna, The Long and Winding Road, I've Just Seen a Face, Blackbird, Yesterday
1979 Wings UK tour - four Beatles songs: Got to Get You Into My Life, The Fool on the Hill, Let It Be, Yesterday
Live Aid, 1985 - He only performed one song: Let It Be
1989/90 solo world tour - His shows are 50% or more Beatles songs, which has remained the trend ever since.

 

[Aberdumbie]

I havent read all the posts. I see some have mentioned it. I cannot see how fifty years later whomever stole Pauls 61 Hofner has maintained anonymity. I sure hope that someday this historic bass shows up and isn't hidden away in some attic someplace deteriorating away.

 

[Bass Growler]

If it hasn't already....
The same thing can be said about any stolen music gear, like Metallica's Marshall amps and drums that were stolen along with their trailer in 1984. Never found again.

On topic, I think it's cool he still plays such an old instrument. In my book that has to be quality.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Opinions vary as to whether the bass, which was purchased in Hamburg, was custom-made left-handed for Paul.

Not likely. Paul said in an interview he couldn't afford a Fender and the Hofner was all he could afford. IIRC, he paid it off in installments.

 

[Korladis]

He got it fixed, it sounds excellent, and its very light which helps him still play shows with full energy at 74.

Having tried a Hofner, while they're not for me, they are very, very light weight in comparison to most other basses. I've even heard of young bands recording with Les Pauls and playing SGs live because of the weight difference. Especially if you're doing a long, high energy set at McCartney's age, a light weight bass is probably a big help.

He likes it. I think that's a big part of it.

The Hofner was pretty much retired until the late 1980's when Paul McCartney teamed up with Elvis Costello for some songwriting/performing. They got around to recording an Elvis Costello song called "Veronica" that features Macca on bass, and Elvis Costello said that he thought that part would sound great on the Hofner 500/1. McCartney initially objected, saying that it had real problems staying in tune, etc. But they got his Hofner fixed up at Mandolin Brothers in New York, and it wound up playing much better. As a result the Hofner wound up on that Elvis Costello record, and it seems that Paul rediscovered how much he loved playing that bass. The light weight and the short scale made it very easy for him to play that instrument live. The Hofner also wound up being featured on some songs on Paul's Flowers In The Dirt album that also featured some collaborations with Elvis Costello. One of the notable tracks featuring the Hofner was "My brave face". Although there were other tunes on the record that were played on a Wal 5 string like "Rough ride" and "Figure of 8".

And you know what else? Macca is very much concious of image, too. And I think he recognizes just how much he is personally identified with that Hofner violin bass.

Yep. And I have to believe that Mandolin Brothers and also whoever does his setups now probably is very conscious of the fact that they're setting up instruments for Sir Paul McCartney. These days, that little Hofner is probably one of the best set up basses in the world, I would guess.

Even when he had switched to mainly using the Rickenbacker in the studio, he still mainly used the Hofner live, for a variety of reasons.

 

[ICM]

I saw McCartney live recently and noticed his hofner had some decent buckle rash on the back.
I have never seen a photo of the back of his bass, I wish I could have taken one but it only showed up on the big LED screen for a split second. I could tell it was the original one from the fretboard grain. Seeing not only my favorite musician, but my favorite bass live was truly a surreal and unbelievable experience.
To some it may just be chipped paint on the back of an old bass but for me that was a huge discovery that I'll never forget. (Especially considering that I'm on a constant hunt for new photos of Paul's basses) If anyone hasn't seen him live but wants to, I seriously recommend it; it will be something you will never forget.

 

[Andrew Post]

He likes it. I think that's a big part of it.

The Hofner was pretty much retired until the late 1980's when Paul McCartney teamed up with Elvis Costello for some songwriting/performing. They got around to recording an Elvis Costello song called "Veronica" that features Macca on bass, and Elvis Costello said that he thought that part would sound great on the Hofner 500/1. McCartney initially objected, saying that it had real problems staying in tune, etc. But they got his Hofner fixed up at Mandolin Brothers in New York, and it wound up playing much better. As a result the Hofner wound up on that Elvis Costello record, and it seems that Paul rediscovered how much he loved playing that bass. The light weight and the short scale made it very easy for him to play that instrument live. The Hofner also wound up being featured on some songs on Paul's Flowers In The Dirt album that also featured some collaborations with Elvis Costello. One of the notable tracks featuring the Hofner was "My brave face". Although there were other tunes on the record that were played on a Wal 5 string like "Rough ride" and "Figure of 8".

And you know what else? Macca is very much concious of image, too. And I think he recognizes just how much he is personally identified with that Hofner violin bass.

Enough already with the Hofner. I get the fact that McCartney is conscious of image. But let me ask you this: Would you rather have a Jazz Bass (I mean a good one) or a Hofner Beatle Bass?

 

[ShoeManiac]

Enough already with the Hofner. I get the fact that McCartney is conscious of image. But let me ask you this: Would you rather have a Jazz Bass (I mean a good one) or a Hofner Beatle Bass?

They're very different sounds, obviously. And I think a lot of it depends on what you would want or need in an instrument. The Hofner has a very different tonal character based on at least three elements: the short scale, the hollowbody, and the pickups. McCarrtney seems to fly around on the Hofner with incredible ease, and I think that's due in large part to the scale length. Just watch him noodling on the Hofner in the 'Let it be' film. And because of the construction of that bass I think you also get a shortened note decay with the Hofner. It almost sounds like there's a mute in place, but that's most likely due to some palm muting.

And TBH, I *REALLY* like Sir Paul's tone with the Jazz bass on the White Album. It fit the production aesthetic of those songs on the White Album. And when I've performed some Beatles songs live, I've done it with a Jazz bass. And if I had to make an either/or sort of choice, I might opt for a Jazz bass over a Hofner. But that's my choice. And everyone has the option to make their own choices.

 

[Skokiaan]

PMac used the ugliest basses ever made. Why anyone would own an ugly, wimpy toned Hofner is beyond me.

A. He bought it because it was the only affordable bass available left handed.
B. He likes it. There is no more important reason than this.

Whenever somebody asks me which is a good bass my answer is always the same: "The one that you like." Aside from a few basic requirements (staying in tune, intonates properly, etc.), all that matters is that you like your bass, that it plays the way you like it and sounds the way you like it. Paul likes his Hofner. That's all that matters.

 

[Jloch86]

A. He bought it because it was the only affordable bass available left handed.
B. He likes it. There is no more important reason than this.

Whenever somebody asks me which is a good bass my answer is always the same: "The one that you like." Aside from a few basic requirements (staying in tune, intonates properly, etc.), all that matters is that you like your bass. That is plays the way you like it and sounds the way you like it. Paul likes his Hofner. That's all that matters.

Ok. What is your opinion of a Hofner then? Do you honestly think that thing looks good on stage?

 

[Korladis]

Enough already with the Hofner. I get the fact that McCartney is conscious of image. But let me ask you this: Would you rather have a Jazz Bass (I mean a good one) or a Hofner Beatle Bass?

A good Hofner against a good Jazz Bass? Is "neither" an option? Otherwise, the Hofner.

 

[Jloch86]

Enough already with the Hofner. I get the fact that McCartney is conscious of image. But let me ask you this: Would you rather have a Jazz Bass (I mean a good one) or a Hofner Beatle Bass?

THANK YOU!

 

[Korladis]

Ok. What is your opinion of a Hofner then? Do you honestly think that thing looks good on stage?

Calling any bass "ugly" except one that belongs to you is against the forum rules on talkbass.

 

[Skokiaan]

Ok. What is your opinion of a Hofner then? Do you honestly think that thing looks good on stage?

Looks great in Paul's hands. When anybody else plays one it makes me think of Paul.

I owned a 1970s Hofner for a while. It was a fun bass. There are times I wish I'd kept it.

 

[Stevorebob]

PMac used the ugliest basses ever made. Why anyone would own an ugly, wimpy toned Hofner is beyond me.

Careful, or you might hurt Sir Paul's feelings. I've heard that this topic is deeply troubling for him. It pains him all the way to the bank and the RRHOF. Sad thing.

 

[edmidlifecrisis]

I saw the 89/90 tour twice, as close as I get to a religous experience. I recently played a real Hofner for the first time, I thought it was pretty nice, I would get one if I could.

As far as lost basses go, Jack Casady just got his original customized Guild Starfire back, it went missing in 1969 after he played it at Woodstock. He got it back this year and it is being restored. So you never know!!!!