The video below explains nicely the main differences between an early-1960s 500/1 and the changes that were made for the 1964 model year. In ’64, the neck went from fat to thin, neck binding was added, headstock logo changed and control panel size changed, among other things.
Here’s the video explaining the details:
Vintage collectors have reasons for wanting specific years of manufacture
Companies who make bass guitars will periodically make changes from model year to model year for any number of reasons. Sometimes the changes are subtle, but in the case of the ’63 vs. ’64 Hofner 500/1, the changes were fairly drastic, particularly with the neck shape.
The next time you hear a vintage electric bass guitar collector state that they will only collect certain years of a particular model, you can believe there are very specific reasons for it. The ’63-to-’64 comparison of a 500/1 is a good example of how much things can change in just one model year.
Nice, easy explanation, but says it all…
A one piece back to a two piece back?
As far as I know Paul’s 500/1 has a thin neck In fact my fully original 500/1 – all Macca Specs, dated late 1962 by the pots – has a 2 pieces thin neck.