When he was 14, his father bought him a Höfner 500/1 bass, a guitar that was particularly popular at the time because it was used by Paul McCartney. Ford’s two idols were McCartney and Lonnie Donegan; Ford was most inspired by McCartney’s ‘popping’ bass on The Beatles’ "With a Little Help from My Friends" and used that same technique throughout his career.
At the age of 14, Ford received a Höfner 500/1 bass as a gift from his father, a guitar that was highly sought after at the time due to its association with Paul McCartney. Ford’s two biggest influences were McCartney and Lonnie Donegan; he was particularly inspired by McCartney's distinctive bass playing on The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" and incorporated this style into his own music.