SONOR.
The Beat of Life.

About SONOR

Rhythm is the source

We’re born into this, quite literally. Rhythm is part of everyone’s daily life and it surely is what defines our daily work. It is the pulse that drives us, the steady beat that provides vitality and motion. Since 1875 we create instruments that speak straight to your heart. Since then, we’ve constantly evolved our instruments, our manufacturing, our sound – your rhythm.

We’re equally craftsmen, pacemakers und music lovers. That’s why the SONOR sound is more than the sum of our knowledge, commitment, and expertise. It’s a unique masterpiece captured in an instrument made to express what no other voice can say: This is YOUR beat of life.

SONOR Sound

The secrets behind the SONOR sound

There are a couple of secrets behind the SONOR sound. Some of them will be revealed. Like the Optimum Shell Technology (O.S.T.) which is a well-figured-out process that you can see and hear in all shells we make in our headquarters in Bad Berleburg – Aue, Germany. A process that has been constantly developed and refined since 1875.

Shell Size

Drum shells need to act as solid acoustic unities as the foundation to a great drum sound. For SONOR, it starts with the shell diameters, which are optimized to give the drum head the space to float freely, allowing unrestricted contact between the bearing edge and the drum head. This manufacturing process supports precise tuning and best vibration characteristics.

Shell Construction

In 1975, SONOR was the first drum brand to introduce a 45° bearing edge for maximum resonance and sustain. For us, developing the optimal drum is based on our exceptional manufacturing process that has evolved over the years. It's about our unique technique, how we hand-select the wood, and how we specially heat & press each drum shell. Together with many other details and our dedication, this makes the perfect SONOR drum. The result is a tension-free shell with tremendous durability.

The Total Acoustic Resonance (T.A.R.) mounting system

Vibration free mounting results in pure tone and warm sustain. Enhanced by the total acoustic resonance and advanced projection system, the drum enjoys sonic freedom and stays mechanically stable. The patented Acoustigate allows to fine-tune the sonic fingerprint by turning a dial. This results in a beautiful tone and unmatched projection.

The Dual Glide System

The strainer mechanism features a technically perfected snare wire engage-and-release system. Both the strainer and butt sides are equipped with a fast-release snare wire detach function. A fine-tune adjustment knob is employed on both sides. This results in stress free and convenient use at all times.

Spice

In combination with the passion and experience of our craftsmen, it turns every instrument into a masterpiece and creates the exceptional SONOR sound. So, the next time you’re sitting behind you SONOR kit, or listen to somebody else playing one, O.S.T. is right there.

SONOR Values

Handcrafted. Honed to you. Designed to inspire.

At SONOR we clearly commit ourselves to a few elementary values:

Craftmanship

Quality

Sound

SONOR People

The Passion. The Power. The Performance.

Since its foundation in 1875, the SONOR People has always been a different kind. We strive for innovation and the highest possible quality percussion instruments. Although times, methods, materials and lot of other things may have changed, the goal always stayed the same: Create unique sounding instruments with decades of experience.

Join the SONOR Tribe

Career

Want to join a team with ambitious goals and the spirit to achieve them in a cooperative way? Looking for an exciting and secure job in which you can optimally contribute your passion and commitment? Then join the SONOR People.

SONOR History

At first, there was rhythm

As is the art of bringing sound to life. Rhythm is part of our daily life. It is the pulse that drives us, the steady beat that provides vitality and motion. Percussion instruments are basic elements of our music culture. Discover our history.

1875

Johannes Link opened a work shop in Weißenfels on the river Saale manufacturing drumheads and simple military drums.

1888

Drum factory of Johannes Link in Weißenfels.

1907

The SONOR trademark is registered with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin.

1914

Johannes Link's son, Otto Link, assumes management of the firm after Johannes’ passing. Company expands with the addition of a sawmill and establishes a wholesale branch in Markneukirchen.

1925

SONORs 50th Anniversary
By 1925 SONOR had 145 employees and was one of the largest businesses of its kind.

1927

Maybe this was a bit before its time....

1946

After WW II - a new beginning in the former western part of Germany. Already in 1946 a new company was established by the son of the founder, Otto Link, and his son Horst.
The former barracks building in Aue, Westfalia converted for use as a tannery.

1952

There's a new kit in town.

1956

A new Logo.

1956

The 100-page catalogue published in 1956 already contained a complete range of drums.
Great jazz stars of that time like Kenny Clarke, Connie Kay and Lionel Hampton played SONOR.

1958

Orff Instruments at the World Expo in Brussels

1961

The first trademark with the two mallets designed by the well-known german graphic designer and typographer Otl Aicher

1965

A steady expansion in floor space to service the needs of SONORs growing global market.

1975

100th anniversary of the company with many famous drummers and a redesigned logo.

1980

The Classic "Link Era" Phonic Series

1982

Signature Series:
It is the ultimate for the perfectionest in every way: in sound, in design and in quality.

1993

The Jet Set with 24k gold plated hardware, being the most expensive drums for its time, created international buzz.

1994

SONOR registered as a word and figurative mark.

1994

Taking drum manufacturing to the next level: the era of customization is kicked off: The Designer Series.

2000

SONOR introduced the Delite Series which set the stage for its successor.

2006

The launch of SQ2 drums. One kit at a time built, no one like the other.

2012

A new generation of innovation. The Perfect Balance Pedal by JoJo Mayer.

2015

Celebrating our 140th anniversary and birth year of the vintage series, re-introducing the analogue sound into a digital world.

2017

Sonor introduces the SQ1 series, a new dimension in sound. Birch shells in combination with new innovative Sound Sustainer technology form the basis of a drum series with extraordinary sound characteristics.