Craftmanships
In „Musikwinkel“ more than 115 workshops and muddle sized companies produce nearly all orchestra instruments in an over 300-year tradition of musical craftmanship.
Since 150 years in Klingenthal the accordions and harmonicas has been the major factor of productions.
The first workshop was the company of Johann Christoph Herold. He began manufacturing harmonicas in 1852. He initiated the tradition, which was given work and income for hundreds of people. In a report of the business association of Plauen was wrote 1871: “The manufacturing of harmonicas is concentrated in Klingenthal and some less workshops in Carlsfeld.”
As of 1920`s manufacturing harmonicas and accordions was the main income of the people in Klingenthal. 1928 were there 73 craftmanships with 1350 workers. They made about 12.000 accordions and harmonicas a year.
After work the employees played music themselves in orchestras and bands. In Klingenthal all people were playing, singing and dancing -it was a lifestyle.
The highest level reached the producing in 1961: 125.578 accordions were sold all over the world. In 70ies and 80ies many manufactories became public. A special date is the 14-1972-04: 17 companies with private involvement became fully public. It was the socialism system who took the factories away from there owners.
Companies:
Zuleger and Mayenburg
Brothers Gündel
Fritz Rockstroh
C.W. Adler
Schoßmeinel - Rauner KG
Johannes Grimm (musician parts)
E. Max Schneider (mechanicals)
Reinhold Glier (voices)
Erhard Müller (Harmona)
These became a unit company named VEB Klingenthaler Harmonikawerke with 3000 employees in 1985.
In 1990 VEB Klingenthaler Harmonikawerke was split in different companies. The bigest: Harmona Akkordeon GmbH.
In this way Vogtland instrument makers are an important part of instrumental development.
Until today: Most of parts producing accordions, harmonicas as well as bandonions ar handmade. Of course the manufactories produce a high level of individual adabtability to the specific wishes of international clients.
Klingenthal accordions have enjoyed an excellent reputation by hobby musicians, student as well as professional musicians in all over the world.
150th anniversary a brochure is published. You can order this for 2 Euro an 1,45 Euro post fee. Write to our e-mail address your post address.
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