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Brand profile · Germany, est. 1887

Karl Höfner

Karl Höfner is a venerable German instrument maker with a rich history rooted in pre-war craftsmanship. Initially known for their iconic bass guitars favored by The Beatles, the brand has steadily expanded its offerings to encompass a comprehensive range of stringed instruments. Today, Karl Höfner maintains a strong reputation for producing reliable, traditionally styled instruments suitable for both students and experienced players.

Höfner 500/1 Bass (Beatles Bass)Solid Body Double BassesTraditional Cello ModelsStudent Violin SeriesConsistent Craftsmanship
1887founded
Germanycountry
35products in stock
$123–$8,429price range

Karl Höfner in the charts

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

All 35 Karl Höfner products

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

Karl Höfner H225-FR-V Francesco Ruggieri

Acoustic Violins

$5,278€4,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/5 DM Cello 4/4

Acoustic Cellos

$3,702€3,290Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/2A-C Cello 4/4

Acoustic Cellos

$3,252€2,890Check ↗

Karl Höfner H5 V Violine 1/4

1/4 Violins

$123€109Check ↗

Karl Höfner H5G Violin 1/4

1/4 Violins

$258€229Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/3A-C Cello 4/4

Acoustic Cellos

$4,490€3,990Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/3A-C Cello 4/4

Acoustic Cellos

$4,490€3,990Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-V Violin 1/4

1/4 Violins

$673€598Check ↗

Karl Höfner H225-GG-V Guarneri del Gesu

Acoustic Violins

$5,278€4,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H225-TB-V Tommaso Balestieri

Acoustic Violins

$5,278€4,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H225-CB-V Carlo Bergonzi

Acoustic Violins

$5,278€4,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H7-V Violin 4/4

Acoustic Violins

$560€498Check ↗

Karl Höfner H216 AS Violin 4/4

Acoustic Violins

$1,227€1,090Check ↗

Karl Höfner H5/7-B4/4 Orchestra Bass 4/4

Solid Double Basses

$8,429€7,490Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/2-C 4/4 Cello

Acoustic Cellos

$3,027€2,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H4/2A-C Cello 7/8

Acoustic Cellos

$4,006€3,560Check ↗

Karl Höfner H5-C Cello 4/4

Acoustic Cellos

$1,902€1,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11A-VA Viola 16,5"

Acoustic Violas

$898€798Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-V Violin 1/2

1/2 Violins

$673€598Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11A-VA Viola 15"

Acoustic Violas

$898€798Check ↗

Karl Höfner H9-V Violin 4/4

Acoustic Violins

$673€598Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 13"

Acoustic Violas

$785€698Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-VA Viola 16"

Acoustic Violas

$785€698Check ↗

Karl Höfner H225-BG-V G.B. Guadagnini

Acoustic Violins

$5,278€4,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner H7-V Violin Set 1/4

1/4 Violins

$560€498Check ↗

Karl Höfner H68HV-V Violin 4/4

Acoustic Violins

$1,068€949Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-V Violin 4/4

Acoustic Violins

$898€798Check ↗

Karl Höfner H7-V Violin 3/4

3/4 and 7/8 Violins

$560€498Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11-V Violin 3/4

3/4 and 7/8 Violins

$673€598Check ↗

Karl Höfner H11A-VA Viola 15,5"

Acoustic Violas

$898€798Check ↗

Karl Höfner H68HV-VA 15" Viola

Acoustic Violas

$1,011€898Check ↗

Karl Höfner H68HV-VA 16,5" Viola

Acoustic Violas

$1,011€898Check ↗

Karl Höfner Concert Viola Set 16"

Acoustic Violas

$1,902€1,690Check ↗

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 16 "

Acoustic Violas

$1,440€1,280Check ↗

Karl Höfner Concertino Viola Set 13"

Acoustic Violas

$1,440€1,280Check ↗

Karl Höfner, honestly

What Karl Höfner does well
  • Excellent value for the build quality
  • Traditional designs appeal to many players
  • Wide range caters to diverse skill levels
  • Durable construction for lasting use
What to watch for
  • Can lack the nuanced tone of higher-end instruments
  • Aesthetic designs are somewhat conservative
  • Limited innovation in recent years
  • Some find the finish a bit basic

Questions about Karl Höfner

Where are Karl Höfner instruments made?

While the brand originated in Germany, production has shifted over the years. Currently, instruments are primarily manufactured in Eastern Europe under close supervision to maintain quality standards.

Are Karl Höfner instruments suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The brand's student violin and cello lines offer an accessible entry point for aspiring string players, providing a solid foundation for learning.

How do Karl Höfner double basses compare to other solid body basses?

Höfner’s solid body basses offer a distinct, punchy tone often favored for rock and pop, and are known for their robust construction and comfortable playability, although they may lack the resonance of traditional acoustic basses.

 Check price ↗