A woman named Cathy Guest, who returned Paul McCartney’s long-lost bass guitar, missing for over half a century, is hopeful for a reward, as she revealed in a recent interview with the Sun.
Guest discovered the invaluable Hofner 500/1 electric bass guitar, which belonged to her late husband Hadyn, in her loft in Hastings, East Sussex. Unaware of its significant history and value, it had been a part of their home for two decades. The instrument, stolen in 1972 and at one point exchanged for ‘a few pints,’ is now estimated to be worth £10 million. She noted:
“My husband inherited it when another family member died and he’d had if for years. He had no idea where it came from. He was a keen musician and used to play all the guitars at home, including Paul’s bass. We both loved music, and I still go to gigs every weekend. I spoke to the security there, and that’s how it all got started.”
Verification Process
Cathy continued, disclosing the rest of the story:
“His people sent me pictures of the instrument they were looking for, and I sent back pictures of the one I had. They confirmed it was the actual bass they were looking for. After that, they send somebody round to pick it up.”
Reward Agreement
Guest mentioned that McCartney’s team had agreed to give a reward for bringing back the guitar, which he first bought for £30 in Hamburg in 1961, adding:
“I’ve still got the offer open with them, and I’ve taken advice. It’s part of rock and roll history, and it’s not like they’re a small band.”
The guitar became famous for its role in Beatles songs like ‘She Loves You’ and ‘All My Loving,’ helping to start Beatlemania. The recovery was facilitated by the Lost Bass Project, which launched a public appeal last year that caught Cathy’s attention. After verifying the bass with McCartney’s team through photos, it was officially returned last year, a fact only announced recently. McCartney also said he was very thankful to everyone who helped.
