Brand profile · Germany, est. 1946

Höfner

Höfner, a name synonymous with iconic bass guitars, boasts a rich history rooted in German craftsmanship. Established post-World War II, the brand initially produced violins and other stringed instruments before gaining global recognition for its distinctive, often quirky, designs. Today, Höfner maintains a reputation for providing accessible, quality instruments with a unique aesthetic appeal, particularly within the bass guitar world.

Violin Bass (500/1 series)Club Bass seriesShortscale bassesUnique body shapes & designsAccessible pricing

1946founded

Germanycountry

163products in stock

$11–$4,226price range

Höfner in the charts

Every chart where Höfner has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.

Best Höfner 4/4 size classical guitars
53 models$300 – $2,340 Best Höfner 4-String semi-acoustic basses
12 models$445 – $3,668 Best Höfner semiacoustic guitars
11 models$495 – $3,891 Best Höfner 4-String lefthanded basses
9 models$445 – $4,013 Best Höfner short scale basses
7 models$244 – $3,668 Best Höfner alternative design guitars
6 models$177 – $211

All 163 Höfner products

Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 1 of 4.

Höfner H500/1-61-0 Beatles CavernBass

Miscellaneous Basses

$3,344€2,999Check ↗

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass BK SE

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$445€399Check ↗

Höfner H500/1 Artist Violin Bass BK

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$2,340€2,099Check ↗

Höfner Ignition SE

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$445€399Check ↗

Höfner H500/1-64-0 Violin Bass

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$3,668€3,290Check ↗

Höfner H500/2-AR-0 Artist Club Bass

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$2,219€1,990Check ↗

Höfner H500/2-AR-BK Artist Club Bass

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$2,219€1,990Check ↗

Höfner Shorty BL

Alternative Design Guitars

$188€169Check ↗

Höfner Shorty R

Alternative Design Guitars

$177€159Check ↗

Höfner Shorty BK

Alternative Design Guitars

$177€159Check ↗

Höfner HM65-F-S Senorita w/GigBag

7/8 Size Classical Guitars

$1,036€929Check ↗

Höfner HM65-F-S Senorita

7/8 Size Classical Guitars

$1,002€899Check ↗

Höfner Meister Steelstring HA-MS87-GL

Master / Masterclass Guitars

$3,111€2,790Check ↗

Höfner Ignition SB

Short Scale Basses

$389€349Check ↗

Höfner HF13-C Classical

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$378€339Check ↗

Höfner HCT-500/2-SB Club-Bass

Miscellaneous Basses

$891€799Check ↗

Höfner Verythin Bass HCT-500-7 BK

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$835€749Check ↗

Höfner HM89-0 Master Classic Guitar

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$2,107€1,890Check ↗

Höfner HF-13-S

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$333€299Check ↗

Höfner HF-13

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$333€299Check ↗

Höfner HF18 Classical w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$578€518Check ↗

Höfner HLE-AF23 Alpenfichte / Bergahorn

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$495€444Check ↗

Höfner HCT-500/2-BK Club-Bass

Miscellaneous Basses

$891€799Check ↗

Höfner HLE-AF23 Alpenfichte/Be w/GB

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$534€479Check ↗

Höfner HF16 Classical w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$545€489Check ↗

Höfner HF-13-3/4

3/4 Size Classical Guitars

$333€299Check ↗

Höfner HF16 Classical

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$501€449Check ↗

Höfner HF18 Classical

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$556€499Check ↗

Höfner HF15-L

Lefthanded Classical Guitars

$444€398Check ↗

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar Black

Shortscale Guitars

$221€198Check ↗

Höfner Shorty Violin Guitar

Shortscale Guitars

$221€198Check ↗

Höfner Club Bass Green Line

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$2,999€2,690Check ↗

Höfner HLE-PZ Limited Classic

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$534€479Check ↗

Höfner HM87-SE Master Classic Guitar

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$1,884€1,690Check ↗

Höfner Ignition VSB LH SE

4-String Lefthanded Basses

$445€399Check ↗

Höfner HM65-F /w Gigbag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$1,025€919Check ↗

Höfner HGL14 Green Line w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$913€819Check ↗

Höfner HGL8 Green Line w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$701€629Check ↗

Höfner HGL9 Green Line w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$821€736Check ↗

Höfner HGL5 Green Line w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$913€819Check ↗

Höfner HGL10 Green Line w/GigBag

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$746€669Check ↗

Höfner HGL10

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$724€649Check ↗

Höfner HGL8 Green Line

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$668€599Check ↗

Höfner HM65-F

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$1,002€899Check ↗

Höfner HF13-L Classical

Lefthanded Classical Guitars

$400€359Check ↗

Höfner HGL5 Green Line

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$891€799Check ↗

Höfner Ignition Cavern SE w/Bag

4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

$489€439Check ↗

Höfner HGL14 Green Line

4/4 Size Classical Guitars

$891€799Check ↗

Höfner, honestly

What Höfner does well

Excellent value for money
Distinctive, recognizable aesthetics
Comfortable shortscale options
Wide range of models available
Historically significant designs

What to watch for

Electronics can sometimes feel budget-oriented
Finish quality occasionally inconsistent
Can lack the prestige of higher-end brands
Some models feel dated
Limited innovation in recent years

Questions about Höfner

Where are Höfner instruments made?

While Höfner has a long history of German manufacturing, many instruments are now produced in Eastern Europe under the supervision of the original German design team, maintaining design integrity.

Are Höfner basses good for beginners?

Absolutely. The shortscale basses, in particular, are very approachable for younger players or those with smaller hands, and the overall affordability makes them a great entry point.

What is the significance of the 'Violin Bass' design?

The Violin Bass was initially designed to be a cost-effective alternative to Fender basses, utilizing readily available violin-making techniques and materials, resulting in its distinctive shape.