Höfner 185 – The Versatile All-Rounder

Offered for sale is a beautiful, fully restored and well-preserved Höfner 185 short-scale bass from 1966 in the classic Redburst finish. Equipped with the renowned Franz Pix 511b "Nova Sonic" staple pickups, the bass delivers the warm, powerful and unmistakable 185 tone that has made this model so highly regarded to this day. Thanks to its balanced tonal character, the 185 is a true all-rounder that feels equally at home in virtually any style of music – a vintage bass that can still hold its own against the great classics.

Built in 1966, the bass naturally shows the usual age-related signs of use on the finish, hardware and plastic parts. Following its restoration, the original finish once again displays a beautiful gloss across both the body and neck, while retaining the lacquer checking, small dings and honest wear that are characteristic of a vintage instrument. The original white celluloid pickguard also shines beautifully again and remains in very good condition.

One coil of the neck pickup has been completely rewound by me. My rewinds are carried out uncompromisingly to the original specifications, using the same type of magnet wire, identical tape and crepe paper materials, the original winding direction, the correct number of turns and the original assembly techniques. The result is an authentic vintage tone with no audible difference compared to an original factory pickup.

The entire electronics are original and function perfectly. All switches, potentiometers and both pickups operate exactly as they should. The neck is straight, professionally adjusted and still offers plenty of truss rod adjustment.

The bass has undergone a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration. The finish was thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and professionally polished to a high gloss. All tuning machines were completely disassembled, cleaned, polished and freshly lubricated. The entire electronic system was cleaned, inspected and checked, including proper grounding. Every individual component was removed, carefully cleaned, inspected and polished. The fingerboard and frets were cleaned, dressed, conditioned and oiled. Finally, the bass was professionally set up and accurately intonated, making it a joy to play while ensuring it is in outstanding technical condition.

In short: unpack it, plug it in and start playing – this Höfner 185 is ready for many more decades on stage or as the highlight of a premium vintage collection.

• 30″ / 76cm Shortscale
• Pot Dates: 500K 16 (CW1 1966)
• 2x famous Höfner Franz Pix 511 „Nova Sonic“ staple pickups (Humbucker)
• Solid double-cutaway body in redburst paint
• black nitro painted maple neck
• rosewood fretboard, 21 frets
• Perloid dot inlays
• Big control panel: 2x Volume , Rhythmn/Solo Switch, Bass On & Treble On Switch
• Height adjustable bridge
• New Pyramid Nickel Roundwound strings 040-100
• Weight: 2,6 kg

Please look closely at the pictures and ask as many questions as possible if something is unclear. Prefer a few more questions than to have the surprise afterwards. The shipment is securely packed. You are welcome to take a look at my website for insights, I will show you how I pack and ship by using pictures. There are also other high-resolution pictures here.