Christian Benker

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
Former Manager
Company Name
Hofner String Instruments

Christian Benker has been an influential leader in the German musical instrument manufacturing industry. With fresh ideas and marketing skills he helped Hofner reinvent itself during the 1950s and 60s. Christian worked alongside Mr. Hofner, the inventor of the widely popular Beatle bass and Mr. Hofner’s daughter, Gerhilde, who Christian would later marry. The couple worked together to keep the company growing and producing innovative projects. Christian served as president of the German Musical Instrument Association, following the term of industry icon and Christian’s close friend, Horst Link.