Vintage Hofner Verithin Bass - Germany 1961

Here is a 1961 Hofner Verithin Bass, an early UK-market example of one of Hofner’s most forward-thinking electric bass designs. Introduced at the start of the decade, the Verithin marked a significant shift for Walter Höfner’s company, moving away from traditional archtop construction toward a slimmer, more modern semi-hollow electric instrument aimed at the emerging sounds of the 1960s.

This model features a laminated spruce top paired with bookmatched flamed maple veneers on the back, combining traditional tonewood construction with a striking visual presentation. The body is finished in a bold cherry red, a notable departure from earlier Hofner aesthetics and a colour choice clearly influenced by contemporary American designs such as the Gibson ES-style instruments of the period. Multi-ply binding runs along the body edges, with even the sound holes receiving single white binding for added detail.

One of the key structural innovations of the Verithin is its neck joint, which moves away from Hofner’s earlier cantilever-style construction. Instead, the neck is fully inset into the body heel and top, creating a more stable and modern connection. The neck itself is a three-piece maple/beech/maple construction with a rosewood fingerboard, combining stability with classic tonal warmth.

Visually, the headstock retains classic Hofner styling with the mother-of-pearl floral inlay and bold maker’s logo. The fingerboard features distinctive strip inlays combining tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl, reinforcing the model’s transitional design language as Hofner adapted to the evolving aesthetics of the 1960s electric music era.

Condition is excellent overall, showing only minimal signs of age-related wear. The frets retain plenty of life, the truss rod functions correctly, and the tuners are stable. The neck is particularly clean, with no major cosmetic or structural issues such as buckle rash, significant dings, or finish damage. It presents as a well-preserved vintage instrument with strong originality and character intact. 

Specifications: 

Year: 1960
Country: Germany
Model: Hofner Verithin Bass
Finish: Cherry red gloss
Body: Semi-hollow laminated spruce top with flamed maple veneer back and sides
Neck: 3-piece maple/beech/maple neck with inset neck joint
Fingerboard: Rosewood with tortoiseshell and pearl-style block inlays
Scale: Not specified
Pickups: Original Hofner pickups
Controls: 4 rotary controls
Bridge: Ebony replacement bridge
Tuners: Original-style open gear tuners
Case: Period-correct hard shell case