BEATLES MAGAZINE: PAUL McCARTNEY SPEAKS OUT FOLLOWING NEWS OF HöFNER’s BANKRUPTCY FILING

Thursday, 18 December 2025

PAUL McCARTNEY SPEAKS OUT FOLLOWING NEWS OF HöFNER’s BANKRUPTCY FILING

"The historic German instrument manufacturer Höfner—renowned for crafting Paul McCartney’s legendary 'Beatle Bass'—officially filed for insolvency in Bavaria on December 10, 2025.

Despite facing severe financial hurdles and the appointment of an administrator to manage debts and seek out new investors, the company has indicated that production is not yet coming to a halt.

The news has sparked a wave of sadness throughout the music world, reaching McCartney himself; the former Beatle took to Instagram to lament the potential loss of a brand so deeply rooted in craftsmanship and the early history of the Fab Four.

Paul wrote:

"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

Established in 1887 by Karl Höfner, the company originally focused on violin craftsmanship before expanding into guitar production during the 1930s. It was in the 1950s that the firm developed its most iconic creation, the Violin Bass—an instrument that would later achieve legendary status as Paul McCartney’s primary choice throughout his career with the Beatles and as a solo artist. Having celebrated its 135th anniversary in 2022, the brand remains inextricably linked to that signature bass design.