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.
When Ford was 14, his father bought him a Höfner 500/1 bass, which was a favorite instrument at the time because it was used by Paul McCartney. Ford admired McCartney and Lonnie Donegan equally; he was especially influenced by McCartney's unique bass playing on The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" and emulated this technique throughout his career.