Höfner
Since 1887 until today, Höfner is one of the leading makers of stringed instruments offering a varied selection of guitars and basses in classic and unique shapes. Due to their iconic design, many of Höfner's creations are instantly recognizable by sight alone, and those that use a more standard shape can still be discerned by the impeccable quality of their sound.
Höfner is best known for their bass guitars, particularly the violin-shaped style that was initially made popular by Paul McCartney. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this electric bass design, Höfner released the Contemporary Series, which combines a vintage appearance with a modern sustain block on the inside to create a sound that's as classic as the instruments' looks.
You can also find traditional hollow body bass designs in the Club Bass models; these have a rich, woody sound that's perfectly suited for '60s and '70s-style rock. As well, if you're a frequent traveler, you can't miss the Höfner Shorty Electric Bass. Combining a full-scale length with a uniquely compact body, this bass lets you take your music anywhere without a problem. The cousin to the Shorty bass is the Höfner Shorty Electric Travel Guitar, which follows the same principle of putting a full-scale neck on a miniature body.
Apart from that portable instrument, Höfner's specialty for guitarists is the classical acoustic guitar. They make a number of these, from cedar-topped models with laurel, mahogany and rosewood bodies to a special hybrid guitar with spruce and cedar together on top. Höfner's classical guitars are well-suited to novice and professional players alike.
With Höfner In your collection, you'll quickly understand what made this luthier the biggest maker of stringed instruments in their native Western Europe. Well-built and great-sounding, Höfner's guitars and basses live up to their reputation with ease.
Archtop bass at an affordable price. Inspired by the original Hofner Verithin bass from the 1960s the new Hofner Contemporary version of the Verythin Bass offers you an archtop bass with vintage look and sound at an affordable price. The short scale of 30" makes this electric bass guitar easy to play and handle while the centre block gives modern deep bass sounds and helps to eliminate feedback. Fitted with original Hofner 'Staple-Top' pick-ups, tone and volume controls.
The long scale version of the 500/7. This is the 500/8 long scale (34") version of the ever famous Höfner Verythin 500/7 short scale bass. Specially created for those users who appreciate the slim body and light weight of the Verythin but want to continue to play on a long scale neck this bass gives you the best of both worlds.The Verythin is of course famous for its ultra slim body, which at just 1.25" is the thinnest around. But the thin body is deceptive, these basses deliver a full resonating bass that easily cuts through the band.The all maple body is fitted with two Höfner full size humbucking pickups that have real punch, producing good highs and terrific lows. Full control is provided with two volume and two tone controls.Finished in a subtle sunburst dark cherry transparent finish the Verything Long Scale bass is a class leader.
Today, just like yesterday. The Höfner Club Bass H500/2 was designed after the original 500/2 model from 1965 and actually is built to this day using the exact same materials and techniques. Funny enough, the body shape of the Club Bass was already in use for nearly a decade on Höfner electric guitars. Höfner shares that they designed the Club Bass as an alternative bass players who like the Höfner sound yet did not want to look like Paul McCartney. We must agree, the H500/2 does share the same characteristics with the H500/1 Violin model, though it does have a bit deeper tone.Craftsmanship wise it is a one well made beauty! From the wood choice to the finish and playability, it is a magnificent bass.
All the way from Liverpool. The Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass was designed by Walter Hofner and launched at the Frankfurt Music Messe in 1956. It has since gone on to become one of the most recongisable electric bass guitars in the music world in terms of both looks and sound.The Hofner 500/1 'Cavern' Violin Bass takes it's name from the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. Opened in 1957 this Club was one of the most important small clubs in Europe for bands trying to make it big in the Beatboom era. In 1960 the first beat night session was held featuring Rory Storm and the Hurricanes with Ringo Starr on drums and by mid 1961 the Merseybeat scene was in full flow with the Beatles and the Cavern Club centre stage.Inspired by the original 1961 model which was purchased by Paul McCartney in Hamburg. Fully hollow body. Original '61 Neck profile. Also available in left-handed version.
Get your hands on a legend. Taking a lead from their 70s Violin Bass models the Ignition Violin Bass guitars from Hofner let you get your hands on one of the world's iconic guitars. In contrast to the HCT model this version has a fully hollow body and of course comes with the famous Hofner control panel, wooden bridge and Hofner style tailpiece. The Hofner Ignition Violin bass comes at the perfect price point for players requiring the classic Hofner sound on a budget.
With 1965 in mind... The Hofner Club Bass is inspired by the original Hofner 1965 model. With its cutaway body design it provides ease of playability and delivers a true vintage sound with full deep bass tones from its fully hollow body and "Staple" pickups. The top is now in selected Flame Maple making this a truly desirable instrument. Produced in an antique brown sunburst that compliments the nickel hardware. Also available in a left handed (LH) version.
The more affordable version of a legendary bass. The Ignition (HI) series offers you the chance to own a piece of history even on a tight budget. This model has a fully hollow body combined with Höfner 70's style 'staple' pick-ups to give the authentic Höfner sound. It is of course fitted with the famous Höfner control panel, this has on/off for each pick-up, solo/rhythm switch and individual volume controls. Lightweight and with its short scale (30") neck it is a pleasure to play, even for hours without getting back-ache and fatigue.This bass comes at the perfect price point for players requiring the classic Höfner sound on a budget.
Back to the '50s with the H500/18. In the 1950's - 1960's Höfner some great large bodied Hollow Bass guitars like the H500/3, President and more...These big and unique basses inspired Höfner to create the H500/18. With 17 inches hollow body, spruce top, flamed maple body and no centre block this beauty produces a deep and dry tone which will immediately take you back in time.Despite what you may think, when it comes to playability this bass is like butter! Yes it is big bodied, but it is also a short scale bass, light weighted and it's nut is 1,65 inches.Just like the H500/1, the Höfner H500/18 uses a pair of "Staple" 510B pickups and is handmade in Germany.
It's time to go back in time to the 50's booming huge basses with the Höfner Federal Bass H500/15. The Federal bass is a true classic. With it's 16" wide body and 5" depth it is big and boomy, exactly how one would expect it to be. Playing it feels like playing a Contrabass sideways, just pluck those strings and go crazy playing some Elvis. But Elvis aside, it is actually quite a versatile bass, as long as you do not plan to fuzz it up full gain, which can sound cool but will cause some feedbacks.Arched Spruce top, Maple back&sides, Two iconic toaster pickups and killer looks. True rock'n'roll.
Höfner shorty bass is a great companion to the travelling bass player! Taking a bass guitar on the road can be tricky, bass guitars are bigger than most guitars. Höfner makes it easy for bass players to take a bass on the road with the Höfner Shorty Bass guitar. It is smaller, has one pickup, 4 strings and it's light so you will not break your back carrying it around.
Paul McCartney inspired. Inspired by a bass built to special order in August 1963 for Paul McCartney. Unbound neck, 2 on a strip tuners and 2 piece neck. Also available in left-handed (L) version. Incl. Höfner Vintage strap and case.
One of the most recognisable bass guitars since 1956. The Hofner 500/1 violin bass was designed by Walter Hofner and launched at the Frankfurt Music Messe in 1956. It has since gone on to become one of the most recognisable electric bass guitars in the music world in terms of both looks and sound.The Hofner 500/1 standard model has the slim profile neck. White celluloid neck binding distinguishes it from the other German made Hofner violin basses. The light weight of the fully hollow body will be appreciated after a long nights playing. Also available in left-handed (L) version at no additional cost.