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[H2] 150 years
[H2] TRADITION QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP
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[H2] SONOR Drums
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[H2] SONOR Orff & Percussion
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[H2] SONOR Concert & Marching
btn-arrow Everything is rhythm, literally! And the first thing you feel in your life is a beat. Yes, you feel it! You feel the pulsating power of life, the beat of life, even before you can perceive it acoustically. Before you even realize that you hear it. But when you feel it, you know it's there. You know it moves you, drives you, keeps you alive. IS life! Read more For us, innovation and the highest possible quality of percussion instruments are what count. Times, methods, and materials change, but the goal remains the same: to create unique-sounding instruments with decades of experience. It is the origin of life, we are literally born into it. Since 1875, we have been building instruments that speak directly from our hearts and to yours. The SONOR Sound is more than the sum of our knowledge, commitment, and experience. It is a unique masterpiece, captured in an instrument created to express what no other voice can say: This is YOUR Beat of Life. THE BEAT OF LIFE. THE BEAT OF LIFE.

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

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. 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. Read more 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.
[H5] 1875
Johannes Link opened a work shop in Weißenfels on the river Saale manufacturing drumheads and simple military drums.
[H5] 1888
Drum factory of Johannes Link in Weißenfels.
[H5] 1907
The SONOR trademark is registered with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin.
[H5] 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.
[H5] 1925
SONORs 50th Anniversary By 1925 SONOR had 145 employees and was one of the largest businesses of its kind. At the same time, jazz was becoming increasingly popular with dance bands in Germany, leading to a growing demand for 'combined drum sets'.
[H5] 1927
Maybe this 'Duplex' double pedal was a bit before its time....
[H5] 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.
[H5] 1950s
From the 1950s on the company location expands constantly with a new administrative building and production halls.
[H5] 1952
There's a new kit in town: The first drum kit with concert toms.
[H5] 1956
A new 'script' logo: still used for our Vintage series nowadays.
[H5] 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.
[H5] 1958
Orff Instruments at the World Expo in Brussels
[H5] 1961
The first trademark with the two mallets designed by the well-known german graphic designer and typographer Otl Aicher
[H5] 1965
A steady expansion in floor space to service the needs of SONORs growing global market.
[H5] 1970s
A small warehouse is added to the facility, nowadays this is used as our final assembly area.
[H5] 1975
100th anniversary of the company with many famous drummers and a redesigned, current SONOR mallet logo.
[H5] 1975
The Classic "Link Era" Phonic Series
[H5] 1976
Introduction of Palisono Sound bars: This special material developed by SONOR guarantees advanced tuning stability and durability due to its non-hygroscopic characteristics.
[H5] 1980s
In the 1980s our current warehouse has been built.
[H5] 1980
Signature Series: It is the ultimate for the perfectionest in every way: in sound, in design and in quality.
[H5] 1983
Introduction of SONORLITE: A more compact and leightweight alternative in high level drums.
[H5] 1987
Introduction of the legendary HLD 590 cast bronze snare drum. This snare is still very popular with collectors.
[H5] 1988
Introduction of Hilite series with its revolutionary metal to wood isolation.
[H5] 1989
Introduction of the Primary line of Orff instruments, designed especially for the needs of elementary music education.
[H5] 1993
The Jet Set with 24k gold plated hardware, being the most expensive drums for its time, created international buzz.
[H5] 1994
SONOR registered as a word and figurative mark.
[H5] 1994
Taking drum manufacturing to the next level: the era of customization is kicked off: The Designer Series.
[H5] 1996
Introduction of S-Series (Sonic Plus, Sonic Plus II and S-Class) with its unique and innovative hardware solutions to minimize the number of parts mounted on the drums.
[H5] 2000
SONOR introduced the Delite Series which set the stage for its successor.
[H5] 2001
Introduction of Giant Step bass drum pedals including the unique Twin Effect pedal.
[H5] 2006
The launch of SQ2 drums. One kit at a time built, no one like the other.
[H5] 2012
A new generation of innovation. The Perfect Balance Pedal by JoJo Mayer.
[H5] 2012
Delite is being updated to ProLite.
[H5] 2015
Celebrating our 140th anniversary and birth year of the vintage series, re-introducing the analogue sound into a digital world.
[H5] 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.
[H5] 2018
AQ2 and AQ1 series are being introduced, marking the new entry into the world of SONOR drums.
[H5] 2021
Introduction of SMART range Xylophones and Metallophones, a whole new era of Orff instrumens.
[H5] 2023
Introduction of KOMPRESSOR Snare Drum Series. These modern workhorse snares offer renown SONOR quality at a more affordable pice range.
[H5] 2025
SONOR celebrates 150th Anniversary, an important milestone in company history.
[H2] We’re here to make you groove!
Need any support from our service centers? Just contact us using our contact details below. +49 2759 - 79146 international-service@sonor.de Find your dealer

Rhythm is literally everything. And beat is quite actually the first thing in your life, that you feel. Yes – feel! You feel the beat of life before you hear it. Before you even recognize, you hear it. But when you feel it, you know it’s there. You know it moves you, drives you, keeps you alive.
Read more
[H2] There are millions of options. You just have to choose.
Read More The SONOR sound is more than the sum of our knowledge, commitment and expertise. Every SONOR instrument is a masterpiece made to express what no other voice can say. So you instantly know: this is the drum I was born to play
[H5] MOMENTUM Series
Built on 150 years of craftsmanship and experience – and developed to serve drummer’s needs – MOMENTUM is our next step into the future of serially produced drums Made in Germany.
[H5] SQ² Drum System
Experience the SQ² Drum System and discover the ultimate in custom drums, uncompromising dedication to quality and SONOR craftmanship.
[H5] Vintage Series
Vintage objects are legendary. They bring the good old days back to life. Listening to the unique character of tube amplifiers & enjoying the warm sound of vinyl albums.
[H5] AQ2 Series
Through German engineering, all maple shells, and our SmartMount tom mounting system you can sound like the pros with SONOR AQ2.
[H5] AQ1 Series
The AQ1 Series is all about Birch and our SmartMount for better resonance. AQ1 is the perfect choice for ambitious beginners and gigging professionals alike.
[H5] AQX Series
Everything that not just a beginner needs: Great sounding shells, an extensive choice of configurations, bronze cymbals and a versatile snare drum.
[H5] 150th Anniversary Craftsmen's Collection Vintage African Marble
Handcrafted with the unmistakable touch of our craftsmen – a limited drum set, inspired by artists and customers worldwide.
[H5] 150th Anniversary AQ2
Designed for all SONOR enthusiasts wanting to celebrate with us. No matter where you are on your drumming journey – the 150th Anniversary AQ2 captures a high-end SONOR experience at a more affordable price.
[H5] Prolite Series
There’s one feature that defines the ProLite series more than anything else. It’s THE Vintage Maple Sound.
[H5] SQ1 Series
With the combination of the Birch shell construction and SONOR's latest invention, the "Sound Sustainer" mounting solution you can feel the difference.
[H5] One of a Kind Snares
…that's what you get with one of these hand-built masterpieces. The stunning naturally grown veneers make each snare drum as unique as your fingerprint.
[H5] Artist and Special Snares
The exclusive SONOR Artist Series combines the experience of the world's most talented drummers with SONOR's vast percussion instrument manufacturing expertise.
[H5] Kompressor Snares
Our new Kompressor series snare drums transform air to pure sonic energy, that takes your breath from the first hit.
[H5] Gavin Harrison Signature Snares
In late 2011, SONOR and Gavin began working on the "Protean” project with the goal to create a snare drum that is as musically versatile as Gavin himself.
[H5] Benny Greb Signature Snares
10 years after the first extremely successful collaboration for a Signature Snare with the jack-of-all-trades and close #SONORfamily member Benny Greb, the Benny Snare is back and has even brought reinforcements.
[H5] Jost Nickel Signature Snare
Jost Nickel: Drummer, teacher, author - Jost explores all aspects of drumming. In the course of his long career Jost has developed his style, that is as unique as his Signature Snare Drum.
[H5] Jojo Mayer Perfect Balance Pedals
"The Perfect Balance Pedal is a carefully calibrated system that optimizes the linear translation of your foot movements and makes many adjustments expendable. It was designed with a principle in mind that reflects ultimate sophistication to me: Simplicity." - Jojo Mayer
[H5] Giant Step Pedals
SONOR Giant Step bass drum pedals are the best tool for discriminating drummers refusing to sacrifice any musical freedom. As state-of-the-art pedal, Giant Step delivers an optimum feel for the music along with speed and handling.
[H5] Hardware Series
We have quite some history in drum hardware, dating back to 1900 when we introduced our first bass drum pedal.
[H5] 150th Anniversary SIGNATURE
The original SONOR Signature Series was introduced at the Frankfurt Musikmesse in...
[H5] 150th Anniversary SONORLITE
The original SONORLITE was introduced in 1983 and derived from...
[H5] 150th Anniversary 14x08“ Cast Bronze Snare
The original Signature Series 14”x08” Cast Bronze Snare... To our instruments
[H5] Start now
Do you hear it? Do you feel it? Do you REALLY feel it? These people do and they are absolutely passionate about it. That’s what makes them part of our community. Part of our lifestyle. Part of our family. That’s what makes them the heart of our SONOR family.
[IMG: Benny Greb]
[IMG: Hao Chia]
Read more
[H4] Shell Size
[H4] Shell Construction
[H4] T.A.R.-mounting system
[H4] The Dual Glide System
[H4] Spice
read more Our drums inspire artists all around the world to create music, impressions, rhythms, emotions, you name it. We are an active and vivid company always on the move. Want to stay tuned? There you are. JOST NICKEL, a long-standing SONOR artist, is going on an exclusive clinic tour at selected SONOR dealers in Switzerland. Get ready for inspiring… More Mt. Juliet, TN, USA, June 5, 2026...Many famous drummers have realized their dream gig, crafted a career, and enjoyed a piece of the spotlight. They… More SONOR Salutes Steve Smith’s 2026 induction into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame Steve Smith’s remarkable career as a multi-genre drummer of… More Newsroom The Beat of Life Drum on me
Visit us on
[H2] We’re here to make you groove!
Need any support from our service centers? Just contact us using our contact details below. +49 2759 - 79146 international-service@sonor.de Find your dealer

Children experience rhythm even before they are born. The mother's heartbeat – the Beat of Life – accompanies them from the very beginning. So, they are literally predestined for rhythm, music, a world full of sounds and actions – for healthy physical, mental and spiritual development and unfolding, of children and also adults. With SONOR Orff, we pursue a holistic approach to the role music plays in human development. That is why our instruments are not only important in education and therapy, but everywhere where creativity is lived out and celebrated. Read more
[H5] SAFARI Glockenspiel
With its charming safari design, the SAFARI Glockenspiel combines musical fun with a spirit of adventure – making those first musical steps a special experience.
[H5] 150th Anniversary TAKX 100
We celebrate 150 years of Tradition, Quality and Craftsmanship with the limited 150th Anniversary TAKX 100 Xylophone.
[H5] 150th Anniversary SG Glockenspiel
Crafted in celebration of SONOR's 150th anniversary, we proudly present this exclusive soprano glockenspiel as a special edition.
[H5] Glockenspiels
The glockenspiel, known in Europe since the 17th century, owes its name to the fact that originally small bells were struck with metal bars. Nowadays, the metal sound bars arranged like a keyboard, are played with two mallets.
[H5] Xylophones
At SONOR, we use different materials for the sound bars of our xylophones. Depending on the series, these are either natural woods, fiberglass or the fiberglass material Palisono, which was specially developed by us and corresponds to the sound character of rosewood.
[H5] Metallophones
The art with metallophones is to produce metal sound bars in such a way that sound quality, timbre, sound duration and balanced volume extend consistently over several octaves.
[H5] Chime Bars
SONOR's chime bars are available with both metal and wooden sound bars. Just like xylophones or metallophones, they consist of a resonance box and a sound bar with a clearly defined single tone.
[H5] All percussion
Small percussion instruments form the second important group of instruments in the Orff arsenal, alongside the melodic xylophones, glockenspiels and chime bars.
[H5] Mallets
Every pot has its lid – every percussion instrument its mallet. Whether it is for optimal sound production or also for species-appropriate treatment of the instrument: all our percussion instruments have specific mallets with which an ideal sound result can be achieved. As a company with its headquarters in Bad Berleburg-Aue, Germany, we take our responsibility to our children and the upcoming generations very seriously. For this reason, it is important to us not only to produce instruments with excellent sound, but also to work according to our ecological and social responsibilities. So please look out for our FSC®-certified products!  Read more
[H5] FIRST BEAT
Bring the joy of making music into the lives of children.
[H5] Meisterklasse
Meisterklasse is SONOR‘s largest range of instruments within the program for music education, therapy, leisure and family.
[H5] Palisono
Palisono is a glass fibre material specially developed by SONOR.
[H5] SMART
The SONOR Orff SMART Series embraces market-leading innovations in sound, functionality, and design.
[H5] Primary
The primary program for elemental music education comprises glockenspiels, xylophones, metallophones, chime bars, timpani and small percussion instruments.
[H5] Global Beat
Global Beat consists of 2 glockenspiels, 6 xylophones and 3 metallophones. A sound and quality comparison with instruments of other manuafactures in a similar category shows the clear advantage of Global Beat instruments.
[H2] Make the SMART decision
Start now The idea that music begins inside human beings was the basis of Carl Orff’s music pedagogical concept, intended to inspire children to take part in ‘elemental music-making’. For him and also for us at SONOR music is one of the most important means of expressing personality. Our close, on-going collaboration with pedagogues and therapists still underpins the practice-oriented approach of our company today. Our instruments have proven their worth not only in early musical education, but also in therapy or work with older people. Find your R h y t h m
Visit us on
[H2] We’re here to make you groove!
Need any support from our service centers? Just contact us using our contact details below. +49 2759 - 79146 international-service@sonor.de Find your dealer