Höfner, Maker Of Paul McCartney’s Iconic Violin Bass, Files For Bankruptcy

German instrument company Höfner has filed for bankruptcy after more than 100 years in business. An insolvency administrator will attempt to resolve debts over three months. Höfner is famous for creating Paul McCartney’s iconic violin bass guitar, the 500/1 model. McCartney responded on Instagram: “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.” Founded by Karl Höfner in 1887 in Schönbach, the company relocated to West Germany in 1950. Last year, McCartney’s stolen Höfner bass from the first two Beatles albums was recovered after 52 years. (Story URL)