Thorens is a Swiss manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. They are historically renowned for the range of phonographs (turntables) they produce. In addition to audio playback equipment, they are also a historical producer of harmonicas and cigarette lighters, most notably the button activated automatic lighter.

History

In 1883, the Thorens family business was first registered in Sainte-Croix (Ste-Croix), Switzerland. An initial producer of musical boxes and clock movements, they started producing Edison-type phonographs in 1903.

In 1928, they produced their first electric (motor-drive) record player, and went on to produce a range of audiophile record players in the 1950s and 1960s which are, even today, regarded as high-end audio equipment, and are well sought-after. As of 2006, Thorens continues to produce well-regarded turntables for playback of vinyl and 78rpm gramophone records.

Company Headquarters

Thorens Export Company AG

Im Hübel 1, Gienbach

Basel-Land, Switzerland 4304

Telephone: 0041 - 618130336

External links

• The History of Thorens and free manuals to download