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Höfner files for insolvency

#61
This is Talk_BASS, so everyone is focussing on violin basses here - but let's not forget, basses were just one department at Höfner, archtop guitars (also not exceedingly popular these days), and especially classical instruments (violins, nylon string guitars,...) were a major part of their business...
 
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#62
I love my Club Bass... It's such a wonderful bass. I didn't get on with the shape of the violin bass, so I chose the Club.
I suspect someone is going to buy them. Maybe Warwick/Framus? Expect new prices to skyrocket if that happens.
I remember shortly before Boosey and Hawkes bought them years ago, you could walk into Geo Heinl music in downtown Toronto and buy a German one for about $1000. Once B&H bought them the prices nearly doubled.
 
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#63
I have a Verythin CT bass that I absolutely love. Build quality is top notch and it’s beautiful. I hope they can find their footing again.
 

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#65
Bad news. 😢
I really like my ignition cavern bass. Thought one day I might get a black club bass also.
The hand built ones are a bit too expensive, true.
I have also other more high end basses as Spector, Guild, also nice. Bit more versatile true too 😉
 

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#67
Naviiin said:
I'd love a Höfner, but my amateur self can't justify buying one. A violin never seemed like a #1 to me, more like a bass you buy after you've got your P/J/Stingray bases covered and are looking into specialist sounds.

That wooden bridge also seems like a pain? If they did a proper Contemporary Violin with VVT controls, one pickup in the sweet spot and a tune-o-matic style bridge I'd definitely consider one. Like Guild: that Starfire I with the single P pickup is something Hofner should've done ages ago.
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i am confused by these types of responses, THEY MAKE MORE THAN 1 TYPE OF BASS!! also the wooden bridge knocks, take it to a competent luthier or do it yourself, and it's set and forget. the intonation on mine is great, no issues.

it seems people who don't own hofners love to complain about their "issues" meanwhile the people playing them don't have said issues. it reminds me of the rickenbacker hate on TB as well, very unwarranted.
 
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#69
LAST_C said:
I think they need to reinvent themselves. The violin bass is not a popular bass and, there are other companies that offer a similar model for less money.

They need to release new, modern models. This bankruptcy proves they cannot rely solely on the "Beatle Bass".
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I think people want them, they just can’t justify the cost of a German Hofner. In Canada a 500/1 is around $5,000 Cdn.
 
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#71
From Paul McCartney.com site:
"It is very sad to see Höfner go out of business. They have been making instruments for over 100 years, and I bought my first Höfner bass in the sixties. I have loved it ever since. It’s a wonderful instrument to play: lightweight, and it encourages me to play quite freely. It also offers pleasing variations in tone that I enjoy. So, commiserations to everyone at Höfner, and thank you for all your help over the years - Paul"
 
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#74
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#75
dlmarquez said:
see this thread:
Johnny Alien

Thread 'Höfner files for insolvency'

I know nothing about how these things proceed in Europe but its sad news regardless. (apologies if this was posted before. I did a search but saw nothing)

guitar-player.com

Gitarrenhersteller Höfner beantragt Insolvenz

Zwischenzeitige Lieferschwierigkeiten hatten es schon erahnen lassen, dass bei der Karl Höfner GmbH und Co. KG mit Sitz in Baiersdorf bei Erlangen nicht mehr a
guitar-player.com guitar-player.com
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I did a search for bankruptcy.
 
#79
From their Facebook page:

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
 

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