Paul McCartney was often seen with his
left-hand
Höfner 500/1 violin bass, and players wanted a piece of that action, but
without the high price tag of the Höfner. This Teisco-built bass was the answer.
The Beatles would split up a couple of years after this bass was first offered,
but it looks like Sears sold plenty in that time.
Click for catalog listings
The 1495 was Sears answer to the Höfner 'Beatle Bass'
that was in demand due to the enormous popularity of the Fab Four. Double
pickups, hollow body, nifty scroll headstock and a cool look helped make this
Japanese import (based on the Teisco FB-2) a success. Transitioning over its
life from a Silvertone-branded instrument to the SR 'Space Dot,' there were a
few variations to this instrument (including a rare 1496 model) that you'll see in the
photo gallery.
Introduced:
Fall / Winter 1968
Retired:
1971
