The one constant about the Hofners out of Germany is they are all handmade as demonstrated in the video.
As anyone who has tried them you definitly get that feeling. I have 7 various (German made) Hofners starting from1964. I have a 500/1 (1994 limited edition of 20, not sure why it was labeled as limited edition except perhaps the fact that it was a flat back and for the finish which was I guess exactly like the very early 60'sfinishes), a 5000/1, a 500/2 (Club) 2002 version, a 500/2 (violin varnish and 'cavern' spacing) and a '58 500/1 50th anniversary version (Mr. Dieter Fischer's final Hofner. He'd been there from the inception of the 500/1series). It was great to see his (old but deft) hands doing some carving in the video. I will say that I prefer the ' 58 because you have seperate vol.& tone controls for each pickup as opposed to the panel switch system on all the others. I have a 1964 500/5(President) and a 1966 500/2 both with the seperate controls. I do prefer the Club models from the standpoint of the single cutaway which makes it easier when sitting down. On all of them you can tell the handmade aspect. Somewhat delicate little things, require a different approach in attack than most other basses but big bass sound. My daughter and wife gave me a Kala ( ukulele sized bass) which overlaps the Hofner sound.
