Hofner Just Filed For Bankruptcy

How could an instrument be more famous than to constantly be on stage with The Beatles for so many years? Well, it could be stolen and then found 50 years later. That would do it. I love answering rhetorical questions while reminding everyone of the iconic “Violin Bass” that Paul McCarney always seem to have in his hands.

That was the Hofner 500/1 bass guitar, designed by Walter Hofner in 1955. Sir Paul bought one in 1961 for $45.

The company was founded by Karl Höfner in 1887. Hofner was bought, sold and traded a few times over the years. World War II was an earthquake for most German companies.

Hofner made a large variety of instruments over the years. It sold a lot of Verithin semi-hollow electrics, but the association with Paul McCartney will always stick in everyone’s mind. He still plays one today.

Sadly, last week, December, 11, 2025, Hofner filed for Bankruptcy.

For collectors, it will be a new dividing line. Is that a pre-2025 Hofner?

^{We have videos of nearly 100 instruments.}

^{Not one is a Hofner bass. We can show you a cool story of a Rickenbacker.}

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Queen’s Brian May Guitar

The guitar we all heard on Queen’s hits through the ‘70s and ‘80s

is called The Red Special. Gibson? Fender? Another brand?

Nope. It was built by Brian May himself with the help of Harold, his father.

At the time, Brian couldn’t afford a major brand guitar.

He got mahogany from an old fireplace mantle. He made an oak fingerboard.

He made neck inlays with mother of pearl buttons. The sound of Queen began

as a father/son project and that guitar stayed with him on stage and in studio.

Last week, Brian gave a special gift to his old friend, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath..

He had a replica of The Red Special made for his left-handed buddy.

Now there are two one-of-a-kind guitars, a right handed and a left handed.

That pair would be the ultimate collector set played by two of the greatest.

Brian May Queen's Guitar

^{The Red Special used to be a fireplace mantle.}

^{Here’s on we found that used to be a pig sty:}

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Joe Satriani and Steve Vai

The coolest guitars that get the most attention are the ones that have been in the hands of legendary players. The thought that you could play the very same instrument is appealing to so many.

Two legends are going on tour this Spring. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have a few dates on the East Coast, followed by a West coast run, then up through the Midwest. Those tickets go on sale today.

Satriani has been nominated for a Grammy 15 times. Vai started his career by taking lessons from Satriani.

Vai has 3 Grammys.

Steve Vai

^{We met a luthier that caught Steve Vai’s attention. He even signed the masterpiece guitar.}

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