This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2023
The Beatles “Holy Grail” Paul McCartney Played & Signed 1960s Hofner Bass Guitar.
Offered here is one of the greatest pieces of Beatles/Paul McCartney memorabilia ever offered for public sale; A Paul McCartney signed and played Hofner bass guitar from the collection of a Capitol Records executive. When McCartney was signing the Hofner for the executive he wrote "Paul McCartney, WOZ Here" a unique and one-of-a-kind inscription. This is the only signed Hofner with a photograph of Paul McCartney playing it that we have ever seen for auction.
Has there ever been a musician as closely associated with an instrument as Paul McCartney with his Höfner bass? You see a picture of McCartney, and you immediately associate him holding a Höfner... it’s almost as if he was born with it.
It all started in 1961 when Paul McCartney walked into a music shop in Hamburg, Germany and purchased his first bass guitar, a Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass. He would use it throughout his career in Hamburg. Then bring it back home to Liverpool, and use it throughout his time in The Cavern Club and across the UK.
This was the beginning of McCartney’s mega fame which turned him into the biggest musician of all-time.
Owning anything Hofner related to McCartney is gem worthy, but when you combine it with an original 1960’s Hofner Bass, that has been played and signed by him, with a photograph of him playing it? It makes this item a true one-of-a-kind specimen.
Provenance: This Hofner Bass comes from the collection of a Capitol Records executive.
A photograph accompanying this lot shows Paul McCartney playing the bass with a clear photo-match to the signature on the body of the guitar.
McCartney has signed the body of the guitar, “Paul McCartney WOZ here”.
Important to note this is a right-handed Hofner Bass which is strummed for a left handed guitar player, the tuning pegs and pick ups are not original to the 1960's.
Comes with original guitar case where it is labeled " Hofner Beatle 42503 10/24/90" in marker.
Good condition.
Authentication: Frank Caiazzo Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.
Update: Paul McCartney and his manager have contacted Gotta Have Rock and Roll regarding this guitar and they confirmed that Paul signed this vintage Hofner bass and played the guitar at Capital Records, in Los Angeles. Paul and his manager confirmed that it is only one of a few Hofner basses that Paul has signed.