Willson’s legendary sound and Swiss engineering continues with the Eastman family of brands.
Eastman Music Company has announced that Willson Band Instruments of Flums, Switzerland is joining the Eastman family of brands. Known for excellence, Willson has been a leader in brass musical instruments for over 7¬0 years. Willson will join a growing family of some of the finest products in the music industry today including Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co., S. E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, Laskey, and Bourgeois Guitars.
After discussions between the two companies began last year, co-founder Willi Kurath Jr. quickly knew that Eastman would be the best home for Willson to continue its legacy and company values established by he and his father, Willy Kurath Sr., and would allow his team of dedicated craftspeople to further excel at building quality Willson instruments at the Flums workshop.
Since the company was founded in 1950, Willson has worked passionately to design and build the world’s finest brass wind instruments, including a line of euphoniums known for their legendary sound and precision engineering. Musicians in the most prestigious bands across the globe have come to rely on Willson to deliver the quality of sound and reliability found in its Swiss craftsmanship. “My father and I have devoted our lives to making musical instruments that would bring joy to both the player and the listener. Willson is alive. Joining Eastman will ensure that Willson instruments will continue my family’s work and bring joy to future generations,” said Willi Kurath.
The values that define the Willson brand match that of the mission of Eastman Music Company’s‚—to provide the finest quality instruments, from student to professional heirloom, for musicians throughout the world. “Our goal has always been to build a beautiful company, and the joining of Willson adds to the beauty of that mission,” said Eastman Music Company founder, Qian Ni.
About Willson Band Instruments: Founded in 1950 by Willy Kurath senior, the company started by repairing woodwind and metal wind instruments. After five years of excessive work on repairs, Willson’s ambitions grew, leading to the design and manufacturing of its own musical instruments. Now in its second-generation, Willi Kurath Jr. continues the tradition of craftsmanship and intuition, musical flair and meaning. The instruments have been a household name in the music world for decades.
About Eastman Music Company: Founded in 1992, Eastman Music Company has earned a reputation for creating many of the finest instruments and accessories enjoyed around the world. The company’s portfolio includes the exceptional lines of Eastman handcrafted strings, winds, guitars, and mandolins in addition to the respected instrument makers, Wm. S. Haynes Co., S. E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, Laskey, Bourgeois Guitars, and now Willson.
