Höfner - - Electric bass guitar - Germany

Höfner Violin Bass “Kit” – West Germany – 1983–1988 – Rare Vintage Instrument
For sale is an exceptional Höfner Violin Bass from the so-called “Höfner Kit” series, made in West Germany between 1983 and 1988.
The so-called Höfner Kits were instrument kits based on selected Höfner models. Among them was also a kit version inspired by the famous Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass. These kits were supplied without a finished paint job and could therefore be individually completed and customised by their owners.
One characteristic feature of these kit instruments is the bolt-on neck construction.
The identification of this instrument as a Höfner Kit is based on a professional assessment by Christoph Kellner of the specialist magazine “Gitarre & Bass”, a highly experienced expert in historical guitars and basses.
This bass features a very distinctive and individual brown-gold glitter finish together with a large pearloid pickguard bearing the Höfner logo. The classic Höfner-style electronics include two pickups, controls and the switches Treble, Bass, Rhythm and Solo.
The instrument also bears the marking “Made in West Germany”.
Condition and technical inspection
Before being offered for sale, the bass was professionally serviced and technically inspected.
The electronics were also opened, checked and tested. The pickups, controls and switches were inspected for proper function.
The only known technical issue is that the hex socket of the truss rod adjustment nut is somewhat worn or rounded. This point is mentioned openly and transparently.
The detailed photographs show the actual condition of the instrument as well as parts of the opened electronics and internal construction. They form part of the description and should be carefully examined for your own assessment.
Overall, the bass is in used vintage condition with age-related and normal signs of use, including scratches, wear and patina.
A rare and unusual Höfner collector's instrument which clearly stands out from standard production models due to its history as a kit instrument, its West German origin and its individual glitter finish.
Manufacturer: Höfner
Type: Violin Bass / Höfner Kit
Version: in the style of the Höfner 500/1
Period: 1983–1988
Origin: West Germany
Construction: bolt-on neck
Strings: 4
Pickups: 2
Finish: individual brown-gold glitter finish
Condition: used / vintage / professionally technically inspected
A personal word about my instruments
With this instrument, I am beginning a new approach to my auctions.
In the future, I intend to offer predominantly technically inspected instruments that are described to the best of my knowledge and belief.
When buying an instrument online, it is often very difficult to decide from photographs alone whether an instrument is truly usable, playable or technically problematic. Photographs can show a great deal, but they cannot show everything.
My aim is therefore to develop honest, transparent and long-term trustworthy transactions and to give buyers the best possible basis for making their decision.
At a time when, in my personal opinion, fundamental values such as honesty, responsibility and reliability are sometimes neglected, I have decided to make this approach to selling my instruments something of a personal mission.
My guiding principle is:
“As precise as necessary, not as precise as possible.”
Not every instrument can or should undergo a complete restoration. The economic factor naturally also plays an important role. However, known defects should not be concealed.
My goal is to have every instrument inspected, described and offered to the best of my knowledge and belief.
For me, this also means that the price of an instrument may reflect the actual work that has been invested in it.
Every person who has contributed knowledge, experience, time and craftsmanship to an instrument should also be fairly compensated for that work.
Technical inspection, servicing, care and an honest assessment of condition all have a real value. For this reason, the prices of my inspected instruments may differ from those of untested examples.
The buyer is not only purchasing an instrument, but also benefits from the time invested, the technical inspection and the most transparent possible description of its actual condition.
It gives me great pleasure to present the first instrument offered at auction under this sales philosophy.
I hope that, in this way, I can build long-term trust and offer instruments that find their next owner with honesty, responsibility and respect for the instrument itself.
Questions about your own instruments are also welcome
Owners of their own instruments are also welcome to contact me if they would like a professional or informed initial assessment of their instrument.
Based on photographs and the information available, I will try to identify and assess the instrument as carefully and honestly as possible.
Please note that this is not an official expert appraisal or certified valuation, but rather an assessment given to the best of my knowledge and belief.
In the case of unusual or difficult-to-identify instruments, I also try, where possible, to draw on the knowledge and exchange of experienced specialists.
Questions are always welcome and will be answered with great care and honesty.
Sold to the best of my knowledge and belief.
The photographs show the actual instrument being offered.
Carefully packed and insured shipping.