A five-year search by the instrument's maker, aided by a couple of journalists, helped reunite the former Beatle with the instrument. The search turned up the distinctive 1961 Höfner electric violin-shaped violin estimated to be worth $12.6 million.
McCartney bought the bass for about £30 ($37) in 1961 when the Beatles were developing their skills during a series of performances in Hamburg, Germany. The instrument was played on the Beatles' first two albums and appeared on hits such as Love Me Do and Twist and Shout.