The story begins in 1883 in Ste Croix in the Swiss Jura, when Hermann Thorens had the company entered in the commercial register. The purpose of the company was to manufacture music boxes and musical works.
The beginnings in Sainte-Croix (1883-1920s)
The history of Thorens begins in 1883 in the Swiss Jura: Hermann Thorens registers a company in Sainte-Croix. The purpose: the manufacture of music boxes and music works.
Thorens soon expanded its range to include cylinder phonographs, funnel gramophones and the first record players - and thus became a pioneer of early audio technology.
Innovation and growth (1928-1940s)
In 1928, Thorens launches one of the first electric gramophone motors and a magnetic-based pickup - groundbreaking for the industry. In co-operation with Strassfurt-Imperial, radio receivers and music cabinets with integrated record players, the so-called discophones, are also produced.
By the end of the 1920s, Thorens employed around 1,200 people - proof of the international success of Swiss engineering.
Diversity and export successes (1940s-1950s)
After the Second World War, Thorens expands its product range: cutting machines, sound boxes, disc changers - even a mechanical razor (‘Riviera’) is produced.
In cartridge technology, the tracking force drops from over 100 to just 10 grams. Thorens successfully enters the American hi-fi market with the CD 43 disc changer.
The international breakthrough: The TD 124 (from 1957)
The TD 124 was launched in 1957 - a milestone. Developed for studios and discerning home users, it becomes a worldwide success. In the following years, variants such as the TD 134, TD 135 and the rare TDW 224 automatic record changer were produced.
The TD 124 remained in production until 1968 and is still considered an icon among analogue enthusiasts today.
Technical upheaval and new paths (1960s)
In 1963, Thorens merged with Paillard SA, a manufacturer of cameras and typewriters. During this time, the legendary TD 150 was created - a record player with a sprung sub-chassis and belt drive that set standards and formed the basis for many high-end models in the decades to come.
In 1966, Thorens separated from Paillard and founded Thorens-Franz AG in Lahr, Germany - a location that would become the company's production home over the next few decades.
Cult status and high-end technology (1970s-1980s)
Thorens experiences its golden era: models such as the TD 160 (from 1972) and the TD 126 (from 1974) epitomise the highest sound quality. At times, the TD 126 was considered the best series record player in the world.
The technical masterpiece followed in 1979: the Thorens Reference - a 90 kg turntable built as the ultimate high-end device. Thorens is also present in the studio sector, for example with the TD 524, which is based on EMT technology.
Changes and challenges (1980s-1990s)
With the advent of CD technology, the analogue record player loses market share. Thorens undergoes several changes of ownership and parts of production are outsourced. Nevertheless, high-quality models such as the TD 524 DJ turntable and the professional TD 226 for broadcasting continue to be produced.
In 1997, the company headquarters moved to Germany. Two years later, a low point followed: Thorens Audio Vertriebs GmbH filed for insolvency.
Restart and further development (2001-2018)
Bankruptcy does not mean the end of the brand. In 2001, Swiss entrepreneur Heinz Rohrer took over Thorens and led it into a new era. In Germany, high-quality models are produced again - such as the TD 900 series with an innovative, air-sprung sub-chassis and the elegant acrylic line (TD 2015, TD 2035).
A separate electronics line with tube amplifiers also attracts attention and excellent test reports.
Future with tradition (since 2018)
In 2018, Gunter Kürten, former Managing Director of Elac Electroacustic, took over the company. Under his leadership, Thorens opens a new chapter: with respect for its long tradition - and with the ambition to actively shape the future of analogue music reproduction.
For over 140 years, Thorens has stood for technical innovation, Swiss precision and a love of music.
The story continues - on every turntable that bears the Thorens name today as it did then.