Nice '64 Hofner Senator on ebay

Denis · March 14, 2014, 08:36:54 PM

That is one pretty bass, no question about it.

ilan · March 15, 2014, 02:53:44 PM

Another point of reference to the Senator's price... I have won this blonde 1960 Höfner 500/3 today, including original case, for $848:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121288842097?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

My max bid was $1,250. Glad it ended at much less. Now the wait...

The bridge base looks too thin, so I won't be surprised if the bass will need a neck reset to correct the angle. And a teacup knob.

Pilgrim · March 15, 2014, 03:00:42 PM

Looks just beautiful!

saltymonkey · March 15, 2014, 03:15:07 PM

Congrats. Looks sweet. Hope you're wrong about the reset!

saltymonkey · March 15, 2014, 03:20:29 PM

Entwistle's Club Bass also for sale.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1966-Hofner-Bass-Owned-by-John-Entwistle-/181049340171?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a2761b10b

ilan · March 17, 2014, 04:00:59 AM

The '64 Senator was relisted, now with a $1,000 starting bid (no reserve) and $1,300 BIN price...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hofner-Senator-Bass-Guitar-Circa-1964-/151255973045?pt=Guitar&hash=item23378efcb5

Dave W · March 17, 2014, 09:37:46 AM

Quote from: ilan on March 17, 2014, 04:00:59 AM
The '64 Senator was relisted, now with a $1,000 starting bid (no reserve) and $1,300 BIN price...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hofner-Senator-Bass-Guitar-Circa-1964-/151255973045?pt=Guitar&hash=item23378efcb5

Okay, that's the fifth different price. I don't care how good his feedback is, I would never deal with him.

chromium · March 17, 2014, 09:41:34 AM

Congrats on that Senator! Gorgeous bass.

ilan · March 17, 2014, 01:35:19 PM

Thanx... I assume you mean the blonde 500/3. I have learned that they are not officially Senators, although they are almost identical.

The 500/3's were Selmer import models (hope I'm not mistaken). They were never sold to the US, according to Nick Wass, co-author of The Complete Violin Bass Story. The 500/3 was replaced by the Senator bass in 1964.

Chris P. · March 19, 2014, 10:39:59 AM

I love the new Federal bass!!!

Dave W · March 19, 2014, 06:19:59 PM

He's changed it again! Now $950 opening (no reserve), $1250 BIN. That's the sixth different price.

chromium · March 19, 2014, 06:28:56 PM

Quote from: Dave W on March 19, 2014, 06:19:59 PM
He's changed it again! Now $950 opening (no reserve), $1250 BIN. That's the sixth different price.

This auction is almost as entertaining as the stock market!

ilan · March 20, 2014, 05:03:58 AM

In the meantime my 500/3 has arrived. With the neck broken off the body. There was a past amateur neck reset attempt, I think. And a shaved bridge base that needs to be replaced. I contacted the seller. I assume it was damaged in transit (FedEx). But it can be fixed, no problem. I have an excellent luthier (violin maker, specializes in uprights, and an outstanding bass player) and he can make it right.

The seller responded:
"Sorry to here that the package is damaged I packed it with loads of bubble wrap to try and support the neck for transit. I can't open the photos can you send them in a way I can view them. I did insure the package so I will have to make a claim to the parcel co "

chromium · March 20, 2014, 08:52:22 AM

Sorry to see that- hope it gets sorted to your satisfaction. (...and hope he actually shipped it in a box?!)

It does look repairable at least...

Pilgrim · March 20, 2014, 10:21:30 AM

Disappointing, but from those photos it looks like the neck separated from the body kinda clean...hopefully minimal damage. I wonder if it was trying to let go when it was shipped?