Company History of Hammerl GmbH & Co. KG – Tradition and Innovation Since 1938
The story of our company begins in 1938 and is characterized by a spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and a constant pursuit of quality. For over eight decades, we have been dedicated to the production of violin varnishes and accessories for string instrument making.
1938 – Founding in Schönbach/Eger
Josef Hammerl founded a drugstore in Schönbach (Egerland), where he began producing violin varnishes on a small scale. At that time, the region was a traditional center for string instrument making, which created a strong demand for high-quality varnishes. The combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for the company's future direction.
1946 – New Start After Expulsion
After the end of World War II, Josef Hammerl was expelled from his home. Despite difficult circumstances, he started anew in Loinbruck (Upper Bavaria). In modest conditions, he resumed the production and shipping of violin varnishes. Through great dedication, he was able to serve initial customers and rebuild trust in his products.
1949 – Establishment in Baiersdorf
A decisive step was the relocation to Baiersdorf in Middle Franconia. There, Josef Hammerl founded a drugstore again with his family, alongside steadily growing production of violin varnishes. The central location and good infrastructure provided new opportunities for business development.
1954 – Entry of Reiner Hammerl
Reiner Hammerl, the founder’s son, joined the family business. He brought fresh ideas and technical interest. Early on, he became involved in improving varnish formulations and customer relations—two key areas that were significantly expanded under his leadership.
1985 – Change of Leadership
After decades of working together, Reiner Hammerl took over the management from his father. Under his leadership, the company was further professionalized. Production processes were modernized, the product range expanded, and the customer base grew nationally and internationally.
1992 – Focus on Violin Varnishes and Accessories
Due to increasing success, the company decided to fully concentrate on its core business: producing violin varnishes and suitable accessories for finishing string instruments. The drugstore was closed. Since then, the focus has been clearly on quality and specialization for violin making.
1998 – Founder Retires, Third Generation Joins
After 65 years of active work, Josef Hammerl retired from the company. At the same time, his grandson Michael Hammerl joined the firm, marking the entry of the third generation. The transition was smooth, aiming to combine tradition with modern management.
2004 – Launch of the First Online Shop
As one of the pioneers in the industry, we launched our first online shop in June 2004. This made our products accessible worldwide—simple, direct, and customer-friendly. The digital sales channel opened new markets and significantly increased our reach.
2016 – Digital Advancement and Modern Inventory Management
A major step towards the future was taken in 2016 with the introduction of a new, modern online shop. It was the first to be fully integrated with our inventory management system. Since then, orders have been processed automatically, allowing for even faster delivery. Customers can also view shipping details and invoices directly in their personal online account.
2018 – 80 Years of Experience for the Highest Standards
In 2018, we celebrated 80 years of company history. Eight decades during which we established ourselves as a reliable partner for violin makers and instrument restorers worldwide. Our specialty varnishes have always stood for highest quality, decades of expertise, and a love of craftsmanship.