London, England – Paul McCartney’s long-lost 1961 electric Höfner bass guitar, estimated to be worth 10 million pounds ($12.6 million), has been found after being missing for half a century. McCartney’s search for the iconic instrument, which was instrumental in The Beatles’ rise to fame, was aided by journalist Scott Jones and Höfner executive Nick Wass.
McCartney originally purchased the bass for just 30 pounds ($37) in 1961 during The Beatles’ residency in Hamburg, Germany. The bass was used on the band’s first two records and featured on hits such as “Love Me Do,” “Twist and Shout,” and “She Loves You.” Due to McCartney’s left-handedness, the symmetrical design of the bass appealed to him, and he quickly grew fond of it.
The mystery of the missing bass began to unravel when journalist Scott Jones, inspired by a glowing stage performance by McCartney at the Glastonbury Festival in 2022, decided to investigate the whereabouts of the instrument. Jones and his wife, Naomi, delved into the search, eventually receiving a breakthrough email from sound engineer Ian Horne, who revealed that the bass had been stolen from his van in London in 1972.
The journey to find the bass took a surprising turn when a person contacted the researchers claiming that their father had stolen the bass, eventually passing it on to the owner of a local pub. Ultimately, the bass ended up in the hands of the Guest family, who had unknowingly inherited the prized instrument. After a series of events, including the tragic passing of family members, the bass was finally returned to McCartney in December. McCartney expressed his gratitude for the efforts that led to the recovery of his beloved bass.
The significance of the bass is immeasurable, not only as a valuable instrument but as a symbol of The Beatles’ cultural impact. Its reunion with McCartney serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the band and its members. With the bass now back in McCartney’s possession, the story of its disappearance and eventual recovery adds another chapter to The Beatles’ iconic history.