The memory after 48 years is still as clear as a bell; dad taking me to the local music store to buy my first bass guitar. This is attempt number 4 at an instrument that speaks to me (the others were band rentals and drum sticks). Dad of course very tentative of the purchase but nonetheless ready.
I found a Violin-shaped kind of bass, but not a Hofner- it was a Kent, coupled with an Ampeg Porrtaflex 12” Amp. Not bad (great amp) but the bass was okay and I assumed was sufficient for a beginner.