Höfner Issues Statement on Insolvency Filing: “We Are Not Discontinuing Production”
We recently reported that Höfner had filed for bankruptcy. The makers of the Violin Bass have now issued a statement on Instagram to clarify their current position. The company is still operating and working to resolve its issues during a grace period granted under German law.
Read their complete statement here:
“Dear musicians, Höfner fans & friends,
Some of you may have already heard: our company has been going through a difficult period – especially since the introduction of the US tariffs – and filed for insolvency on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
We would like to clarify a few things: We are not discontinuing production, distribution or our media channels. In Germany, there is a three-month period before the actual insolvency procedure is opened. This period offers the opportunity to consolidate the company and restructure it for a better future.
Within this period, we will continue to build and sell our instruments and the Höfner team is doing its best to provide you with the support, service and warranties you expect.
We would like to express our appreciation to all of you who continue to support us even in these difficult times!
Thank You!
The team at Karl Höfner GmbH & Co. KG”
Höfner was founded in 1887 and built string instruments, refocusing on guitars and basses after moving its factory in 1950. Its most famous user is, of course, Paul McCartney of the Beatles, who used it on the band’s world-changing appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964.
We’re wishing the best to Höfner and all its employees!
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.
Do they need a private investor for this co5
As an owner of a 61′ club 50 and a 65′ verithin I am very saddened and disappointed to see this iconic brand in trouble. I am always amazed that the Höfner guitar line didn’t get the attention they deserved? Bert Weedon, who famously started most of our heroes off with “play in a day” played a Hofner, and all notable guitar greats Jimmy Page, Mark Knopfler, Peter Frampton… to name but a few initially started out on Höfner. Whilst they were not Gibsons or Fenders they still had amazing character and a unique feel and sound that completely set them apart from the previously named brands. I’m currently on the mooch for an original of their bigger bodied jazz models, I see these guitars and basses becoming quite collectable in the future and maybe then they will attain the notoriety they have deserved all along. Sadly.
Specialty manufacting needs both musicians and craftsman apprenticeships. Life job skills. Perso nal discipline for goals.
Little Richards bass player used violin shaped bass long before mcartny,??
Yup, that was a Gibson, like the one Jack Bruce used in Cream.
I have a 1960 Colorama with 2 ‘toaster’ pickups, a Galaxy (re-issue) and an old cello guitar with the original neck. Like so many others I started in the early 60’s and did my last gig in 2017.
For a great many years I earnt a living with the Colorama, and like many others, still use it to work songs out.
Hofner have a legacy to be proud of, even in the narrow spectrum of rock’n’roll guitars. Hofner, thank you for the music and the inspiration of a legion of guitarists
I bought a bass online that has “Hofner”on it $200, and is as nice as any beatle bass I’ve ever played. I hope it’s not just a copy because even if it’s better than a lot of basses I own as far as fit and finish. Send me a catalog and a list of dealers or can I buy from you? I know Tina plays some of your basses. I’d like to keep it in the family with my new studio equipment. Cheers