Sonor Founder Johannes Link
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. The history of Sonor mirrors the excitement of historical and entrepreneurial challenges, in the same way that rhythm is linked to musical creativity and complexity. But throughout all the decades of Sonor history there remains one underlying theme: an uncompromising commitment to quality and dedicated craftsmanship.

Weissenfels on the Saale
In 1875 Johannes Link, a trained wood turner and tanner, started a small workshop for simple military drums and drum heads in Weißenfels an der Saale in East Germany. From these modest beginnings developed a flourishing business, which at the turn of the century already offered a comprehensive range of percussion instruments. In 1907 the Sonor trademark was registered with the Imperial Patent Office. Around 1925 Sonor had 145 employees and was one of the largest businesses of its kind.

Kenny Clarkin the 50's
After the end of World War II the East German Government expropriated the Link Family and Sonor became a state owned enterprise. But already in 1946 a new company was established by the son of the founder, Otto Link, and his son Horst. This time the location was Aue in Westphalia/West Germany. Today Sonor has evolved into a modern enterprise with its focus on the international markets.

Ultimate sound quality and precision craftsmanship: Sonor Artist Series snare drums
For decades Sonor has supported the constant improvement of percussion instruments on a scientific level. The close cooperation with research institutes, renowned musicologists and leading artists builds the basis for these efforts. Several groundbreaking developments were made possible by these mutual activities. An example is the optimization of the resonance properties of drum shells. In the area of mallet instruments, vibraphones, metallophones and glockenspiels Sonor has introduced major improvements in quality standards. Also concert and marching percussion instruments have seen considerable further developments.