The Höfner 182 bass was introduced in 1961/62 as part of Höfner’s effort to broaden its lineup of solid-body instruments, which were gaining momentum in the early 1960s as electric music styles evolved. 
Unlike the more famous Höfner violin bass—most famously associated with Paul McCartney—the 182 features a solid-body construction, placing it in a different tonal and aesthetic category. This distinction gave it a unique place in the Höfner catalog and appealed to players looking for something a bit different from the iconic hollow-body look and sound.
 
The Höfner 182 sports a straightforward yet functional design, showcasing a double-cutaway body that allows for easier access to the upper frets, a feature especially appreciated by more adventurous bassists. Typically crafted from solid maple, the body contributes to the instrument’s punchy and articulate tone. The bolt-on neck construction, also typical of the era, adds to the crisp attack and makes servicing and setup easier.
 
One of the notable features of the 182 is its use of the same electronics and pickups as the renowned violin bass. This particular example is fitted with the desirable Höfner 511B “staple” pickups, which were introduced in early 1963. These pickups are known for their clear, warm tone and are considered superior by many vintage enthusiasts. The 511Bs were eventually replaced in early 1967 by the “blade” style pickups, making this instrument a desirable find for collectors and players alike.
 
While the 182 model didn’t reach the same iconic status as its hollow-bodied sibling, it garnered a loyal following, especially in Europe. Its solid construction, ease of playability, and reliable electronics made it a practical choice for working musicians. Höfner’s craftsmanship and reputation for quality helped solidify its place in the European market.
 
This particular Höfner 182 is in excellent condition and features the decal-style headstock logo used until early 1964, before being replaced with the raised plastic version. It carries a serial number—7911—stamped on the top edge of the headstock, indicating it was originally sold in the Netherlands. The number is consistent with those assigned by Van Wouw, Höfner’s Dutch distributor from the mid-1950s to early 1980s. Unlike the UK’s Selmer system, Van Wouw used a unified serial number system for all Höfner models.
Fully correlated records are not available now, but it is known to bear 4 digit from about 1500 in 1960 to about 9000 in 1966.
 
It comes with a modern gig bag for safe transport and storage, making it a practical vintage option for today's players.
 
Specs:
Model: 182
Type: Shortscale bass
Year: 1965
Pickups: 511B “staple” pickups
Electronic date : "165" meaning 16th week of 1965 
Serial: 7911
Case: Recent gig bag