Höfner, a prominent guitar and bass brand known for producing Paul McCartney's iconic violin bass, has filed for bankruptcy in Germany, as indicated by a recent filing in the Fürth District Court in Bavaria. The court has ordered provisional insolvency administration for Karl Höfner GmbH & Co, effective December 10, with an appointed administrator tasked with managing the company's debts over the next three months.

Founded in 1887 by Karl Höfner in Schönbach, then part of the Austria-Hungarian Empire and now located in the Czech Republic, the company grew to become a significant supplier of stringed instruments. Its operations were curtailed during World War II when its facilities were repurposed for the German military. Following the war, the expulsion of Germans from Czechoslovakia led Höfner to relocate to West Germany, where it established a new factory in Bubenreuth in 1950.

Throughout the 1950s to the 1970s, Höfner expanded its production capabilities. In 1994, the company was acquired by the Boosey & Hawkes group, which facilitated further growth. However, in 2003, Boosey & Hawkes sold its musical instrument division, including Höfner, to the Music Group as part of a rescue buyout. Subsequently, in December 2004, Höfner was sold to Klaus Schöller, the long-time general manager, and his wife, Ulrike Schrimpff, who served as finance director.

Höfner has produced a variety of instruments over its long history, including the popular Verithin semi-hollow electric guitar. However, the 500/1 bass guitar, also known as the Violin Bass, has become synonymous with the brand, largely due to its association with Paul McCartney, who prominently featured it during his time with the Beatles. The instrument remains McCartney's signature bass, and its legacy continues to influence musicians worldwide. Notably, McCartney's original 500/1 bass was stolen in 1972 and was later recovered in an attic in Suffolk after nearly five decades of searching.

Guitar.com has reached out to Höfner for further details regarding the bankruptcy filing but has not received a response at the time of publication. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.