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While Paul McCartney enjoyed playing several Höfner violin basses throughout his career, his very first, a 1961 Höfner 500/1, held a special place. Sadly, this iconic instrument was lost for over five decades. Its last confirmed sighting came during the filming of The Beatles’ “Get Back” sessions in 1969, fueling rumours of its disappearance from Apple Studios in Savile Row around that time.
However, the bass remained in Paul’s possession until October 10, 1972, when it was stolen from a truck parked overnight. This marked the start of a 51-year disappearance.
In 2019 and 2023, Höfner launched online campaigns to trace the bass and get it back to Paul. Their efforts, combined with dedicated fans and investigators, finally bore fruit in 2023. The lost treasure was discovered abandoned in an attic, returned to Paul McCartney in September 2023, and announced in February 2024.
