Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE S w/Bag
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$489€439Check ↗
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 – $2,340Best Höfner 4-String semi-acoustic basses
12 models$445 – $3,668Best Höfner semiacoustic guitars
11 models$495 – $3,891Best Höfner 4-String lefthanded basses
9 models$445 – $4,013Best Höfner short scale basses
7 models$244 – $3,668Best Höfner alternative design guitars
6 models$177 – $211
53 models$300 – $2,340Best Höfner 4-String semi-acoustic basses
12 models$445 – $3,668Best Höfner semiacoustic guitars
11 models$495 – $3,891Best Höfner 4-String lefthanded basses
9 models$445 – $4,013Best Höfner short scale basses
7 models$244 – $3,668Best Höfner alternative design guitars
6 models$177 – $211
All 163 Höfner products
Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 4 of 4.
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE S w/
Höfner Shorty Bass BK
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$222€199Check ↗
Höfner Verythin Relic Violin Varnish
Semiacoustic Guitars
$3,243€2,899Check ↗
Höfner Verythin Bass-HCT-500/7 SB
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$835€749Check ↗
Höfner HF13-C Classical Bundle w/ GB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$407€365Check ↗
Höfner H512N-FL PU Frame
Pickup Frames
$12€11Check ↗
Höfner H514/B4-N Humbucker
Humbucker Pickups
$132€118Check ↗
Höfner H514/N4-N Humbucker
Humbucker Pickups
$132€118Check ↗
Höfner H500/2-CV Club
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses
$3,668€3,290Check ↗
Höfner HF-13-S Bundle w/ GB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$362€325Check ↗
Höfner HF-13 Bundle w/ GB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$367€329Check ↗
Höfner H518 - Toaster Pick-Up
Single Coil Pickups
$122€109Check ↗
Höfner HF13-L Classical Bundle w/ GB
Lefthanded Classical Guitars
$423€379Check ↗
Höfner H517-GB Black Bar Pick-Up
Single Coil Pickups
$110€99Check ↗
Höfner HZ23 Bundle w/ GB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$407€365Check ↗
Höfner HZ25 Bundle w/ Gig Bag
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$478€429Check ↗
Höfner HCT-Leader Bundle w/ Gig Bag
Double Cut Guitars
$568€509Check ↗
Höfner Ignition Beatles Bass V Bundle
4-String Lefthanded Basses
$545€489Check ↗
Höfner HCT-508 Pickup Set
Humbucker Pickups
$88€79Check ↗
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.