Since our founding in 1968, we have pursued the goal of shaping the world of music as a leader in innovation for orchestral equipment and percussion instruments. Founder Bernhard Kolberg's career is symbolic of the unique expertise that the world's most important soloists and orchestras have relied on for over 50 years.
What began as a one-man tinkerer's garage has grown into a business with over 6,000 square metres of production space and more than 1,000 square metres of exhibition space. Kolberg Percussion currently employs 30 people in its own manufactory in Germany.
Mechanical engineer, drum maker & professional musician
Bernhard Kolberg (born 1942) first graduated from the Technical College for Industrial Construction and trained as a mechanical engineer. He then studied percussion at the Musikhochschule Stuttgart.
During his studies, Bernhard Kolberg realised that there were hardly any practical accessories for percussion in the symphony orchestra and laid the foundation for two important product groups of the company: on the one hand, he began to manufacture percussion mallets, and on the other hand, he invented the combination stand system that is still unique today.
For 12 years he played as a percussionist with renowned symphony and opera orchestras, gaining practical experience in professional orchestra playing. At the same time, he apprenticed with the well-known Zurich drum maker Eugen Giannini, acquiring the necessary tools to found his own percussion instrument making company in 1968.
Innovations & new standards
Over the years, one new percussion development followed the next, from symphony orchestra effect instruments to the Kolberg Celesta. One of the great highlights was the launch of the Kolberg concert timpani in 1984.
Early on, however, Bernhard Kolberg also prepared the ground for the company's second important mainstay: at first it was only special chairs for orchestra musicians, but in the meantime Kolberg Percussion offers the most comprehensive range of orchestra equipment.
As a manufactory, we rely on experienced craftsmen and instrument makers on site for production - many with musical backgrounds. In addition, our own modern machinery with CNC machines offers the possibility of highest precision and flexibility in production. This has enabled us to establish new standards in sound and product quality, which is also reflected in the exceptional longevity of our products.
By musicians for musicians
The basis of all developments is always direct customer contact, close cooperation with musicians and composers, planners and architects. In this way, optimal, practical solutions are always developed:
First-class Solutions for world-class Sounds.
Since 2010, Klaus Kolberg has successfully taken over the management of Kolberg Percussion. Would you like to experience and discover the world of Kolberg Percussion for yourself?
Contact us - we would be happy to arrange an appointment for you to visit us on site in Uhingen.
ON SITE
