Sonor (Pronounced: SO-noor) is a German percussion manufacturer. Founded in 1875 as a percussion manufacturer,[1] Sonor drum sets and hardware are historically known for being constructed in a very durable, and therefore, unusually heavy manner (older models). One of the oldest existing models of drums manufactured by Sonor is a 1942 Johannes Link Parade Snare, a very heavy snare drum with an aluminum shell and thick tension rods.[2] Sonor drums historically had a reputation for being very expensive, and were well respected by many studios and professional musicians; although their current models span the range from beginner to professional. In the 1980s, Sonor's tagline was "The Rolls of drums". This was an allusion to the perfectionist (and expensive) way they constructed their drum shells. They made very thick (13mm) and heavy shells that were beech wood, with an innermost and outermost ply of furniture-grade veneers, such as rosewood and bubinga. Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden was one of the most prominent Sonor artists of the 80's, along with Steve Smith of Journey, Phil Rudd of AC/DC, and jazz legend Jack DeJohnette.
Sonor is the inventor of the modern screw thread drum-construction that laid the foundation for today's modern drum set, and the inventor of the metal snare drum. Both were invented in the early 20th century.[3] William F. Ludwig got this idea in his early years back in Germany from Sonor and began to use it later in Chicago.[3]
As the 1980s progressed, the market began to stray away from thick heavy shells and Sonor started slimming down its shells with a line called "Sonorlite" and "Hilite". This marked a shift in philosophy that dictated that a drum shell should resonate like a violin or guitar body. The thinner the shell, the lower the fundamental tone.
Sonor drums have several design features, including under-sized shells (a similar concept to a violin bridge - designed to enhance response), and tension rods which are round and feature a slot instead of the traditional square style (though recently Sonor made square heads standard, with slotted heads available as an option). Recently, Sonor re-introduced the designer X-Ray Acrylic drums, marking the first time in 20 years Sonor offered acrylic drums. These shells are made from seamless, extruded acrylic and feature acrylic hoops.
Sonor's exotic finishes and tonal quality are still coveted by amateurs and professionals alike. Some used Sonor drums are collectors items.
Current Sonor artists include Mikkey Dee of Motorhead, Danny Carey of Tool; Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree; Paul Bostaph, former drummer for Slayer, Exodus, and Forbidden;,long-time AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd;Ken Serio a New York session and touring drummer, Adam Nussbaum, great jazz drummer, jazz legend Jack DeJohnette,Steve Smith, Joe Winters of The Steepwater Band; Jojo Mayer, New York City session drummer, clinician, and drummer for drum-and-bass project NERVE; Rob Rivera of Nonpoint; ; James Knox of The Business and many more.
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Sonor low and mid-level lines:
Sonor German-made professional lines:
Signature Series snare drums:
Artist Series snare drums
Discontinued series:
The drum kit is based on Steve’s setup that he has been using for over twenty years. Steve uses this setup in studio sessions and live on tour with his groups Vital Information and Jazz Legacy. All shells are hand-made by Sonor craftsman in Germany. The shells are made of beech wood with a birdseye amber outer veneer and are constructed to make the drum kit a versatile work of art. Whereas the 20" x 16" bass drum shell is made out of 6.1 mm, 9-ply beech wood, the 14" x 14" and 16" x 16" floor toms as well as the 8" x 8", 10" x 8" and 12" x 8" tom toms and the 12" x 5" snare drum are made out of 8.1 mm, 9-ply beech wood. The bass drum comes equipped with a removable felt strip on both the batter and resonant sides. Phonic style claw hooks with wing screws gives the kit a Vintage look. The specially engraved badges on all shells just give a hint what this beautiful kit is all about.
In 1953, the Orff instruments were officially included in Sonor’s production plan. This marked the beginning of a new era. In close collaboration with Prof. Hans Bergese, a student of Carl Orff, Sonor developed an innovative and advanced range of instruments. The basic idea was that the instruments should grow with the mental abilities and playing techniques of the child, thus encouraging active music making.[4]
Mark Panek, Chris Woodward, Fred Myers independent