1968 Hofner 500/8BZ Verithin Bass w/Fuzz - Natural Finish

For your consideration, a 1968 Hofner 500/8BZ Verithin Bass with Fuzz. This is a seriously rare Hofner variant and one we have been excited to spend time with. While researching this finish and configuration, we kept running across mentions that only a tiny handful were built, often quoted in the 10 to 12 range, though we were not able to verify an exact production total. Exact numbers aside, it is clearly a scarce model. We have been chasing old Hofners for a long time, and these just do not surface very often.

Condition-wise, we want to be clear about what it is. Like many Hofners from this era, this one has had some neck and truss rod drama along the way. The original truss rod nut broke at some point, and the rod was partially rethreaded to accept a replacement adjustment nut. The neck still has a little bit of bow to it, and while it is playable as it sits, we have not tried to push the adjustment any further. We are leaving that next layer of dialing-in to the next owner.

The electronics were originally all stock. The built-in Bass Boost and Bass Fuzz circuits were not functioning properly when it arrived, so we replaced the resistors and capacitors that had drifted out of spec. The fuzz circuit is now working, but the boost still does not. We did not dig any deeper there. With the onboard effects switched off, the electronics are working as they should, and the bass is an absolute blast to play.

A very rare, very cool old Hofner with just the right amount of weirdness.

Available for a test drive in our Jamestown, Kentucky showroom, and we ship worldwide. Let us know if you have any questions.

A scan of the original Hofner advertisement for this model is in the photo section for your reference.