Made in Germany
Thorens began in Switzerland in 1883 as a family company. After a brief period of manufacturing music boxes, they produced their first phonograph in 1903. To provide supplementary income, Thorens also produced lighters and harmonicas. Interestingly, in 1929 Thorens produced the first ever direct drive motor and phono pickup, both in 1929. They also produced the first record changer in the 1940s. Thorens’ standout year was 1957, when the first TD-124 was produced. This turntable would go on to be a classic half a century later, and provided the regular sales required to fund other projects. During the 60s and 70s, Thorens manufactured many of the turntables that are highly regarded today, including the TD 124, 126, 145, 150 & 160. Thorens also produced the very high end turntables: the Reference (1979) and Prestige (1983)
