Weekly Top 10: Höfner Addresses Insolvency, SansAmp Classic Returns, and a Lost Big Muff Circuit Resurfaces

This week, No Treble broke the news that Höfner had filed for insolvency. The maker of the iconic 500/1, aka the Violin Bass, has been dealing with financial issues. They since released a statement on their situation, explaining that US tariffs had created an even more difficult period. However, as they replied to Paul McCartney’s post, they’re “not dead yet.”

“We are not discontinuing production, distribution or our media channels,” they explain. “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.”

In other news, Tech 21 has announced a reissue of the SansAmp Classic. First introduced 37 years ago, the pedal was put on hiatus in 2016, save for a limited run in 2021. The all-analog pedal has eight Character switches and three input options for lots of tonal variety. It will be shipping in late January to early February 2026.

JHS Pedals and Electro-Harmonix have teamed up to introduce a long-lost circuit: the Big Muff 2. It was discovered as JHS founder Josh Scott was researching for a book on EHX, 50 years after the circuit was designed. “It was there we discovered it: a loose sheet of paper with a hand-drawn schematic labeled ‘BIG MUFF USING (2 DUAL OP AMPS),'” they explain. “This wasn’t just another circuit. It was Bob Myer’s own attempt to reimagine the original transistorized Big Muff circuit using the new cutting-edge Op-Amp technology that had emerged later in the 1970s.”

Other top stories include our Bass of the Week (the Oroboro Guitars Cobra 4), Behringer’s take on a classic pedal, and grooves by Jack Bruce, Pino Palladino, and more. Scroll on to get caught up on everything in the bass world.

1. Höfner Issues Statement on Insolvency Filing: “We Are Not Discontinuing Production”

Höfner has issued a statement clarifying its insolvency filing, confirming production, sales, and customer support will continue during a restructuring period.

2. The SansAmp Classic Returns: Tech 21 Revives Its Foundational Pedal in 2026

Tech 21 will reintroduce the SansAmp Classic for a limited run in 2026, reviving the original all-analog pedal that helped define direct bass tone.

3. JHS and Electro-Harmonix Unearth the “Lost” Big Muff 2, With Massive Low End for Bass

The “Lost” Big Muff returns as JHS and Electro-Harmonix unveil the Big Muff 2, a newly discovered Op-Amp fuzz with huge bass response.

4. Bass of the Week: Oroboro Guitars’ Cobra 4 Blends Celluloid Craftsmanship With a Modern V Design

Oroboro Guitars’ Cobra 4 is a headless, multi-scale V-style bass with celluloid accents, Lace Aluma pickups, and a striking custom aesthetic.

5. Watch Jack Bruce on Fretless Warwick in a Newly Resurfaced 1991 Take on “Smiles and Grins”

Jack Bruce’s fretless Warwick tone stands out at Jazzgipfel supported by his Trace Elliot and Hartke rig offering a clear view of his phrasing and commanding presence.

6. “Reflection” A Trio with Two 6 String Basses and Synth Finds a New Sound in Nature

Reflection brings two 6 string bassists together with RO1 on synth for a layered and melodic trio piece that highlights texture, space and a modern bass driven sound.

7. Behringer Introduces the Meatball Envelope Filter With Expression Control and Effects Loop

Behringer has unveiled the Meatball, a fully analog envelope filter based on a classic with extensive controls, dual expression inputs, and an onboard effects loop.

8. Learn Descending Triads on Bass With a Groove-Based Chord Tone Exercise

Learn how to practice descending triads on bass using chord tones, fretboard shapes, and a groove-based exercise in the key of D.

9. Pino Palladino Brings Fretless Mastery to “That Was a Dream” with Blake Mills

Pino brings an easy fretless feel to this quiet duo performance with Blake Mills offering a clear look at his touch tone and space in a live setting. (158 characters)

10. “Take Five” Reimagined: Ellen Alaverdyan Handles the Groove and the Melody with Gregg Bissonette

Ellen Alaverdyan handles melody and groove in a smooth Take Five performance with Gregg Bissonette adding lift and color for a tight and charming take on the classic tune.