I think I just scored another one... this time a '63

[doombass]

So now Höfner are doing a relic - H500/1-RLC-63-0. Basically Macca-spec with "secret varnish". I can assure you that every good violin maker knows the "secret".
http://www.hofner.com/news/news/view/label/Violin%20Bass%20-%20%27Relic%27%20/

No matter what I or anyone else think of the concept, that's one of the most convincing relic jobs I've ever seen.

[Chris P.]

It looks so good!

[ilan]

The Hofner rack

[Dave W]

So now Höfner are doing a relic - H500/1-RLC-63-0. Basically Macca-spec with "secret varnish". I can assure you that every good violin maker knows the "secret".
http://www.hofner.com/news/news/view/label/Violin%20Bass%20-%20%27Relic%27%20/

As long as the "secret" formula doesn't involve Heather Mills' bodily fluids, I suppose it's okay.

[ilan]

As long as the "secret" formula doesn't involve Heather Mills' bodily fluids, I suppose it's okay.

It starts with oil-based lacquer. Then the usual distressing and all kinds of dirt and pigments. But the important thing is oil-based lacquer.

[westen44]

There is more interesting stuff about Hofners here than on the Hofner forum itself.  Not that it isn't good, too.  But among other things, it focuses way too much on guitars for me. 

*I'm speaking of fan-based forums, not anything official. 

[ilan]

There are facebook groups focusing on Hofner basses. In the Vintage Höfner Basses group there was a heated discussion over what turned out to be a real factory black '61 500/1, close diamond pickups like McCartney's first bass.

[westen44]

Unfortunately, I had too many problems with FB.  I left it long ago.