Searching for Macca's missing bass

Chris P. · August 02, 2019, 02:57:54 AM

https://www.hofner-guitars.com/lost-bass

Höfner and Macca started a campaign together to find the missing '61.

Dave W · August 02, 2019, 05:11:43 PM

Chances are slim. If it still exists, the person who has it might not know what he has. You never know, though.

amptech · August 03, 2019, 12:45:46 AM

I'd ask Geddy Lee first!

Chris P. · November 07, 2023, 01:58:19 AM

For some weeks there was a lot to do about this. I was even called by Dutch national radio and I did an interview for the radio news on two channels, talking about the missing bass. This was early September. After that it went a bit quiet again.

There is some news though: the bass wasn't stolen in '69, as everybody thought, but in '72 in Notting Hill: https://thelostbass.com/news

I'm always positive, but realistic too. I agree with Dave: a small chance it will be returned.

uwe · November 09, 2023, 03:45:56 AM

It either doesn't exist anymore or the person owning it has no financial pressure to ever release it no matter how much he is offered.

I don't believe in the "attic treasure" theory. Raiders of the Lost Arc.

Alanko · November 13, 2023, 02:22:22 PM

I reckon Mal Evan's accidentally crushed it while moving an amp or organ, given the habit of scattering guitars all over the floor seen in the Get Back footage. He probably quietly took it home and burned it, or put it in the Abbey Road bins.

I also think the missing bass is a bit nasty looking. Anybody else?

Chris P. · February 17, 2024, 03:42:57 AM

Well it's back. I knew it on october but I had to keep it secret:) At that time I had an interview with Nick Wass about the whereabouts, getiing it back, and authenticate it. I posted it in English and Dutch. Here's the English one.

https://www.debassist.nl/muzieknieuws/artikel/2-29077/paul-mccartneys-first-hfner-is-back

Basvarken · February 17, 2024, 04:59:11 AM

It's an amazing story.
I'm surprised the bass actually still exists.

Dave W · February 17, 2024, 06:53:26 AM

Quote from: Chris P. on February 17, 2024, 03:42:57 AM
Well it's back. I knew it on october but I had to keep it secret:) At that time I had an interview with Nick Wass about the whereabouts, getiing it back, and authenticate it. I posted it in English and Dutch. Here's the English one.

https://www.debassist.nl/muzieknieuws/artikel/2-29077/paul-mccartneys-first-hfner-is-back

Great interview, Chris!

Alanko · February 17, 2024, 08:02:04 AM

Amazing story. I'm quite taken with how mundane it all is! The bass wasn't stolen by a Canadian art collector and buried under a swimming pool, just tucked away in an attic for decades.

Chris P. · February 17, 2024, 08:12:27 AM

First I have to say I had lots of fun posting here and on social media answers like: 'They will never find it!' on any post about The Lost Bass, while I knew it was back

It is a great story and almost a disappointment it wasn't in a vault in China, at a private collector's in Abu Dabhi, owned by a friend of Joe Bonamassa, what Alanko says about being buried under a swimming pool, or whatever, haha. The bass didn't made many miles.

I was honoured Nick Wass trusted me and told me the whole story back in October 2023. As Basvarken mentioned on social media: names are known now. Nick promised to give no names and I promised Nick to wrote it as he told me - and he is a great story teller! So I keep it as it is without any names.

And thanks, guys!!

gearHed289 · February 17, 2024, 10:30:07 AM

Thanks for sharing this Chris. Paul was the first bass player i was really aware of back in the mid/late 70s.

godofthunder · February 19, 2024, 05:56:11 PM

What a great end to the story ! Makes me really happy. Great article Chris!

BTL · February 19, 2024, 06:58:42 PM

I need to set aside some time to read this...thanks for posting!

Chris P. · February 20, 2024, 01:26:12 AM

Thanks guys! Nick Wass is the expert who co-wrote the 500/1 book, he also helped 'building' Macca's #2: and old bass that had to sound as much as Macca's original, and he was asked by Macca to find the bass. I am the only person he told all the nerdy bass facts to, so I'm quite proud of this worldwide scoop.