Sonor

Sonor at Kirstein – German drum-making tradition since 1875

The history of Sonor began in 1875 with Johannes Link in Weißenfels an der Saale. Today, the company is based in Bad Berleburg and focuses on acoustic drums, snare drums, hardware and instruments for marching, concert percussion and music education. Manufacturing in Germany continues to play an important role, particularly in the professional drum segment. Sonor combines traditional shell-making techniques with proprietary design solutions for resonance, tuning and hardware.

When choosing a Sonor drum kit, your playing level, preferred shell sizes, wood type and intended use are key considerations. A compact kit for rehearsals or smaller stages has different requirements from a flexibly configurable studio or touring kit. The Sonor range at Kirstein also includes snare drums, hardware, marching instruments and selected instruments for early music education.

Sonor AQX and AQ2 – from first steps to ambitious drumming

The AQ family covers different requirements. AQX is designed as an accessible introduction to the Sonor drum world and is available in a variety of compact and traditional configurations. When choosing a kit, shell sizes and the intended setup are important factors to consider.

AQ2 features seven-ply maple shells and the SmartMount tom mounting system. Its design allows for a range of kit configurations, making it suitable not only for beginners but also for more advanced drummers looking for a versatile acoustic drum kit. SmartMount attaches the tom mount to two lugs, reducing direct contact with the shell. This is designed to minimise the impact on resonance and sustain.

MOMENTUM, Vintage and SQ² – Sonor for demanding drummers

With MOMENTUM, Sonor offers a German-made series with maple, birch or beech shells. All three wood options are available with the same nine-ply, 6 mm shell construction. The rack toms use the Total Acoustic Resonance System, while the floor toms feature Sound Sustainers. MOMENTUM officially replaced the former SQ1 and ProLite series.

The Vintage Series takes a different approach. Its beech shells, rounded bearing edges and inward-facing Superprofil hoops are designed for a warmer and drier character with reduced sustain. This gives Vintage a deliberately different sound concept from the more modern MOMENTUM series.

The SQ² Drum System represents the particularly individual side of the Sonor range. Drummers can configure aspects including shell sizes, shell materials, finishes and hardware options. SQ² is therefore aimed at experienced and professional players who want to tailor their kit to specific sound preferences, setups and visual requirements.

Sonor snare drums and drum hardware

Snare drums are another important part of the Sonor range. Alongside instruments from regular product lines, Sonor develops Artist and Signature models, including instruments created in collaboration with musicians such as Benny Greb, Gavin Harrison and Jost Nickel. Different shell materials, dimensions and constructions provide options for studio work, live performance and a variety of musical styles.

Drum kit setups can also be complemented with pedals, hi-hat and cymbal stands, snare stands, tom holders and drum thrones. Sonor develops its own systems in this field, with the Perfect Balance Pedal created together with Jojo Mayer being one of the brands well-known hardware concepts.

Sonor for marching, ensembles and music education

Sonor is not limited to conventional drum kits. Its range also includes glockenspiels, xylophones and metallophones as well as instruments for concert percussion and marching. This extends the brands applications from music schools and early music education to ensembles and marching groups.

Why buy Sonor at Kirstein?

The right Sonor instrument depends on your experience, musical application and preferred setup. Kirstein offers expert advice on drums and equipment as well as a 3-year Kirstein warranty and 30-day Money Back according to the applicable terms and conditions. This helps you choose AQX, AQ2, snare drums, hardware and other Sonor instruments according to your individual requirements.