Höfner
Since 1887
Höfner was established in 1887 when Karl Höfner sold his first violins in Schönbach, then Europe's center for stringed instrument making. The company expanded into guitars in the 1930s, but it was the 500/1 Violin Bass—designed by Walter Höfner in 1955 and made immortal by Paul McCartney's use with The Beatles—that transformed a German instrument workshop into a global icon. Today, Höfner produces guitars, basses, and string instruments across Premium (German-made), Contemporary, and Ignition tiers, with the Violin Bass and Verythin guitar remaining their most distinctive offerings. The 'Beatles Bass' is arguably the most recognizable bass guitar shape in music history.
139
Years in Business
5M+
Guitars Sold
$25M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Höfner Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Höfner guitars.
Höfner Price Overview
Höfner covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$680
+4% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,100
Active listings
Sold This Month
220
+3% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$8,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Höfner Timeline
Karl Höfner's First Violins
Karl Höfner sold his first violins in Schönbach, establishing the workshop that would grow into a major European instrument maker.
Sons Join the Business
Josef and Walter Höfner joined after World War I, expanding into export markets across Europe and the Americas.
Guitar Production Begins
Began producing steel-strung archtop guitars called 'Schlaggitarren,' entering the guitar market alongside their string instrument production.
Postwar Expansion
Relocated to Bubenreuth, West Germany after WWII. Expanded guitar production significantly as the company rebuilt in a new location.
500/1 Violin Bass Debuts
Walter Höfner's 500/1 Violin Bass debuted at the Frankfurt Music Fair—a hollow-body bass with a distinctive violin-shaped body that would change music history.
Paul McCartney Discovers Höfner
Paul McCartney purchased a left-handed 500/1 in Hamburg for approximately £30—attracted by its symmetrical shape and affordable price compared to Fender.
Beatlemania Explodes Demand
The Beatles' global success made the 500/1 the most recognizable bass guitar in the world. Höfner struggled to meet massive demand.
McCartney Reissue Program
Launched official Paul McCartney reissue basses, recreating his 1961 and 1963 instruments with period-accurate specifications.
Ignition Series Launch
Introduced the Ignition series—affordable entry-level versions of classic Höfner designs including the Violin Bass.
Contemporary Series Refresh
Updated the Contemporary series with modern appointments while maintaining classic Höfner aesthetics and construction methods.
Complete Höfner Product Lineup
Höfner: From Karl Höfner's violins to Paul McCartney's bass—crafting instruments since 1887
Premium / German-Made
Handcrafted in Germany with traditional methods
McCartney-spec reissue at ~$3,500-$5,000
1963-spec premium at ~$3,000-$4,500
German-made semi-hollow at ~$2,500-$2,750
Shorter scale variant at ~$3,000+
Contemporary Series
Mid-range with modern appointments
Contemporary Violin Bass at ~$949
Contemporary semi-hollow at ~$799
Semi-hollow guitar at ~$699
Ignition Series
Entry-level Höfner experience
Affordable Beatles Bass at ~$319-$399
Budget short-scale at ~$349
Entry semi-hollow guitar at ~$365
Verythin Guitar Series
Ultra-thin semi-hollow electrics
1.25" depth, handcrafted at ~$2,750
Mid-range semi-hollow at ~$799
Entry semi-hollow at ~$365
Vintage / Collectible
Pre-owned historical instruments
Vintage Beatles Bass—$3,000-$8,000+
Archtop collectible
Semi-acoustic archtop
Solid-body vintage electric
"Höfner: From Karl Höfner's violins to Paul McCartney's bass—crafting instruments since 1887"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
500/1 Violin Bass Guide
Three Tiers of Beatles Bass
Ignition ($319-$399) for the look and basic tone. Contemporary ($949) for serious playing with sustain block. Premium ($3,500+) for German handcraft and period-accurate specs. All capture the Höfner character
The McCartney Factor
Paul McCartney's use makes the 500/1 the most culturally significant bass guitar ever made. This drives prices and collector interest at every tier—Beatles association is permanent
Short Scale Advantage
The 30" scale length makes the Violin Bass extremely comfortable—lighter string tension, easier reach, and a warm, thumpy tone distinct from long-scale basses. Not a limitation—a feature
Verythin Guitar Guide
Ultra-Slim Semi-Hollow
At just 1.25" depth, the Verythin is one of the slimmest semi-hollow guitars available. Feedback resistance of a solid-body with semi-hollow warmth and resonance
Three Quality Tiers
Ignition ($365) for entry, Contemporary ($799) for gigging, Classic ($2,750) for German craftsmanship. All share the distinctive Verythin profile and Höfner humbuckers
Unique Tonal Character
Höfner humbuckers have a warmth and airiness different from Gibson or Gretsch semi-hollows. Less aggressive, more sophisticated—suited for jazz, blues, and British Invasion tones
Vintage Höfner Guide
1960s Originals
1960s 500/1 basses in good condition command $3,000-$8,000+. Left-handed models (McCartney spec) are especially valuable. Original pickups and hardware are critical to value
German vs Asian Origin
Vintage Höfners were made in Germany (Bubenreuth). Modern Ignition models are Asian-made. Verify origin for any guitar claimed as vintage—check serial numbers and construction details
Condition Sensitivity
Höfner's hollow construction means vintage instruments are susceptible to cracks, warping, and binding separation. Inspect thoroughly—structural repairs on hollow bodies are expensive and value-reducing