In a remarkable turn of events, Paul McCartney’s long-lost original bass guitar has been found and returned after being stolen over five decades ago. The left-handed Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass, believed to have been stolen during The Beatles’ recording of their final album “Let It Be” in 1969, was discovered through a crowdsourcing campaign known as The Lost Bass Project.
Purchased by McCartney for a mere $37 in 1961, the iconic instrument is now estimated to be worth a staggering $12.6 million. This bass guitar was McCartney’s primary instrument during The Beatles’ rise to fame, featuring on hits like “Love Me Do” and “Twist and Shout.”
The remarkable discovery of the stolen guitar came about when a journalist and Höfner executive teamed up to track down the missing instrument at McCartney’s request. The Lost Bass Project received a tip that ultimately led them to a family who had unknowingly possessed the stolen guitar for years.
In a heartwarming turn of events, the bass was returned to McCartney in December and officially authenticated in 2022. The return of this iconic instrument is being hailed as a milestone in musical history and a fitting conclusion to a long-standing mystery that has captivated fans for decades.
This incredible story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of The Beatles’ music and the enduring legacy of their groundbreaking sound. McCartney’s original bass guitar has now been rightfully restored to its place in music history, bringing a sense of closure to a decades-old mystery.
