Another legendary brand has entered bankruptcy proceedings. Höfner, the guitar maker best known for the Violin Bass popularised by Paul McCartney, has filed for insolvency in Germany. The announcement was issued by the Fürth District Court in Bavaria.
According to the court filing, preliminary insolvency proceedings were ordered on December 10, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. in order to protect the company’s assets from further deterioration, as outlined under Section 21, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the German Insolvency Code.
A longtime former employee stated that the company has struggled financially for quite some time. Dr. Hubert Ampferl has been appointed as insolvency administrator and will oversee the process over the next three months, seeking potential investors and other solutions to address the company’s debts.
Karl Höfner GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1887 by Karl Höfner in Schönbach—now Luby in the Czech Republic—initially focusing on the production of string instruments. Following World War II, the company relocated to West Germany, where it gradually expanded. In the 1950s, Höfner achieved international recognition with the release of the 500/1 semi-hollow electric bass, famously nicknamed the “Beatle Bass” after Paul McCartney made it his instrument of choice.
This is not Höfner’s first major restructuring. In 1994, the company became part of the Boosey & Hawkes Group, during which its headquarters moved from Bubenreuth to Hagenau. It was sold again in 2003 to the Music Group, and later acquired by Klaus Schöller in 2004.
Statement from Höfner
“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”