Hirsbrunner

Christian Hirsbrunner, born 1748, was the first of his name to call himself a maker of musical instruments. He mainly made woodwinds. His sons continued the workshop. During the French Revolution, French troops occupied Switzerland from 1798 to 1803. The Hirsbrunners showed great interest in the Brass instruments these troops carried, and started making Brass instruments as well. Johann Ulrich "Hansulrich" Hirsbrunner (1811-1885) set up the first factory in 1847. In 1870, son Jakob (1836-1900) started his own company in Aarau. Another son, Friedrich (1841-1927) continued the company of his father and started using his own name, Fritz, around 1880. In 1900 his son Arnold (1869-1940) joined and "Sohn" was added to the nameplate.

Today, Hirsbrunner still makes musical instruments of high quality. Their Tubas and Euphoniums are most renowned.