Former Beatle Paul McCartney is reunited with his old bass after more than 50 years. The instrument, dubbed the “Beatle bass”, on which Sir Paul recorded the legendary British band’s first two albums, among other things, had been missing since 1972 – presumably stolen. The 81-year-old was “incredibly grateful” to those who helped find the Höfner 500/1 bass guitar, his spokesman said that night.
The “most important bass in history” was believed to have been stolen from a van in London’s Notting Hill district. The German manufacturer’s “Lost Bass Project” received dozens of tips in the search for the instrument. One said the bass had been sold to a landlord in the area. The instrument was then passed on and ended up in the attic of a terraced house in southern England. It was said that last year, after the increased public attention, the owner noticed what was lying around.
The bass is complete and in its original guitar case, but needs a reconditioning so it can be played again. “Following the launch of the Lost Bass Project last year, Paul’s Höfner 500/1 bass, which had been stolen in 1972, was returned,” McCartney’s official website said. The instrument, which McCartney bought in Hamburg in 1961 for 30 pounds, was authenticated by the manufacturer.
