Founded in 1875 by Johannes Link in Weißenfels, Germany, Sonor is one of the oldest percussion manufacturers in the world. Link's original workshop produced drumheads and military drums, and the SONOR trademark was registered with the Imperial Patent Office in 1907. Now headquartered in Bad Berleburg in North Rhine-Westphalia and owned by Taiwanese conglomerate KHS Musical Instruments, Sonor manufactures drum kits, hardware, Orff and educational percussion, and concert and marching instruments.

Sonor earned the nickname "The Rolls of drums" in the 1980s for its thick beech wood shells with furniture-grade veneers, and the company has a long history of innovation — introducing the modern screw-thread drum construction, the metal snare drum, and, in 1975, the 45° bearing edge for maximum resonance and sustain. The product range spans from the flagship SQ2 system, a fully custom-built line with nearly unlimited shell, size, and finish combinations assembled by hand, down through the SQ1 birch series, the maple-shelled AQ2 mid-range line, and the beechwood Vintage series inspired by classic 1950s–70s aesthetics. The KOMPRESSOR snare drum series and ProLite kits round out the catalog.

Sonor's artist roster includes Danny Carey of Tool, Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree and King Crimson, Thomas Haake of Meshuggah, Benny Greb, Jojo Mayer, Steve Smith, Glenn Kotche of Wilco, and jazz legend Jack DeJohnette. The company also has deep roots in jazz history, with Kenny Clarke, Connie Kay, and Lionel Hampton among its early endorsers.

Sonor has 143 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Drum Sets, Snare Drums, and Drums. Their gear is featured by 48 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Electronic. Notable users include Benny Greb, Jojo Mayer, and Mikhail Pendo. Most Sonor products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.