Early December 2025
Höfner files for bankruptcy in Germany
Last updated on December 23, 2025
Early December 2025
Last updated on December 23, 2025
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In early December 2025, Höfner, the German instrument maker best known for producing the Höfner 500/1 violin bass played by Paul McCartney since the early 1960s, filed for insolvency in Germany.
On December 18, Paul McCartney issued a public statement expressing his sadness at the news, paying tribute to Höfner’s craftsmanship and legacy, and acknowledging the role the company and its iconic bass had played in his musical life.
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 McCartney – From paulmccartney.com, December 18, 2025
From No Treble, December 16, 2025:
Another iconic brand has filed for bankruptcy. Höfner, which makes the Violin Bass made famous by Paul McCartney, has filed for insolvency in Germany. The official announcement came from the Fürth District Court in Bavaria.
“To safeguard the debtor’s assets from adverse changes (§ 21 para. 1 and 2 of the German Insolvency Code), preliminary insolvency proceedings will be ordered on December 10, 2025, at 5:05 p.m.,” the filing states.
The company has been dealing with financial issues for some time, according to a longtime former employee. Höfner has been appointed an insolvency administrator, Dr. Hubert Ampferl, who will try to rectify the debts over the next three months by finding investors and other solutions.
Karl Höfner GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1887 by Karl Höfner in the town of Schönbach, which is now Luby in the Czech Republic. They began by building string instruments. After World War II, they were forced to move to West Germany. The factory expanded over several years, and in the 1950s they gained worldwide fame with the Höfner 500/1 semi-hollow electric bass, which garnered the nickname the “Beatle Bass” after McCartney adopted the instrument.
This isn’t the first restructuring for the company. In 1994, it became part of the Boosey & Hawkes Group, during which time it moved its headquarters from Bubenreuth to Hagenau. In 2003, it was sold again to the Music Group, and finally to Klaus Schöller in 2004.
From Höfner on Instagram, December 17, 2025:
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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