1966 Hofner 185 Artist Bass Sunburst

Introduced in late 1962 as the main two pickup bass for the UK market, it replaced the Hofner “Solid Bass” which was actually the European market Hofner 182 model. The Artist bass was called the 185 model by Hofner in Europe.

The “offset-waist” body design and large strip fret markers made it a very attractive instrument. 

 

This all original beauty sounds great. Real vintage vibe. Original case as well, although the case handle is basically now held together with string and is missing a swath of tolex on the front. 

Controls

Electronics

General

Body

Fretboard

Neck