Höfner Survives Bankruptcy as GEWA Takes Over Violin Bass Maker
In December, we reported that Höfner had filed for bankruptcy, putting the makers of the iconic Violin Bass in limbo. Now, it appears the brand will live on with new owners.
Höfner expert and insider Nick Wass shared online that the company has been purchased by GEWA, a German manufacturer and distributor, of which retailer Thomann has a large shareholding.
“They intend to keep on producing violins, but Höfner will no longer handle what is called the white wood. They will also keep producing the 500/1 bass,” he’s quoted by Guitar World. “24 production staff have been retained.
Thomann will handle all European distribution while GEWA will deal with the rest of the world.”
“White wood” refers to raw, uncut lumber, meaning Höfner will be procuring already processed wood to create their basses.
YouTuber KDH reached out to Thomann and got more info:
Wass says he doesn’t have further information on Höfner’s future, but for now the brand will survive.
“But I would say it is good news,” he concludes. “Better than I expected.”
We’ll keep you updated with more details as they become available.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
