It’s one of the most recognisable instruments in rock history: the Höfner 500/1 violin bass, the “Beatle bass” Paul McCartney played on the band’s early recordings. So when Höfner filed for bankruptcy, a lot of musicians held their breath.
The good news came in June 2026: Höfner has been saved. And at Guitar Summit 2026 in September, its stand was one of the busiest at the show.
What Happened?
Höfner, the German maker of guitars, basses and string instruments, filed for bankruptcy in December 2025. The company pointed to a difficult trading period, made worse by US import tariffs.
In June 2026 it was announced that GEWA Music had taken over the business, with Thomann, Europe’s largest music retailer, as a major shareholder in the deal.
What Changes?
According to Guitar World’s reporting:
- 24 employees have been kept on
- Violin production continues
- Some woodworking (the “white wood” stage, before finishing) has been outsourced
- The iconic 500/1 violin bass stays in production
- Thomann handles distribution in Europe, while GEWA handles the rest of the world
Industry specialist Nick Wass said “it is good news. Better than I expected”, while noting that questions remain about where instruments will be made in future and which models will continue.
Why It Matters
Höfner has been making instruments since 1887 and is one of the last historic German guitar makers. Beyond the Beatle bass, it built archtops and electric guitars that shaped European rock and roll in the 1950s and 60s. Losing it would have meant losing a real piece of guitar history.
There’s also a wider point. With Thomann involved in rescuing Höfner and in a legal fight with Fender over the Stratocaster shape (see our Fender update), the big European retailer is becoming a major force in the industry, not just a shop.
Own a Höfner?
Violin basses are light, short-scale and full of character, but they’re also delicate instruments with hollow bodies and floating bridges. If yours needs new strings, a setup or a bit of care after years in a case, we’re happy to help. For other basses, Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky strings are a reliable all-rounder.
GuitarBuddy is based in Zandvoort and works with players in Haarlem, Aerdenhout and Amsterdam. See our setup and repair services.
