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.

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. 

Though latest technology has found its entry
into Sonor production methods, the secret of
the Sonor sound remains. It lies in the
meticulous attention to even the smallest
detail and the commitment of its founder to
always maintain the highest possible level of
quality.