Sonor · Phonic · 1975 on (still in the 1983 catalog)
Sonor calls the Phonic its classic Link-era series and dates it to 1975, the company's hundredth year. Horst Link had spent twenty years rebuilding Sonor in West Germany, and the Phonic showed what the factory could do. The shells were 9-ply beech formed in an oil-heated press, so they needed no reinforcement rings, and Sonor says it was the first drum maker to cut a 45-degree bearing edge that same year. The hoops were ferro-manganese steel, the floor tom legs and spurs locked with a prism clamp, and the line ran from 6-inch concert toms to a 24-inch bass drum. The top finish was genuine rosewood, veneered inside and out. Sonor's own catalog called the D505, a 14 x 5.75 inch ferro-manganese steel snare, the ultimate drum in its size, and Sonor now makes Phonic Re-Issue snares. Phonics were also made with acrylic shells, which crack easily if they're handled roughly. A 1977 four-piece used an 18-inch bass drum, so small jazz Phonics exist too. Pick wood or acrylic first, then look for the set with every leg, spur and prism clamp.
Inside the shellPhonic
The finish helps place one. The 1983 catalog lists genuine rosewood, natural oak, red mahogany, metallic silver and bronze, and high gloss black and white, while Sonor's undated Phonic brochure also shows metallic copper, blue and orange and three acrylic shells.
Acrylic Phonic shells crack if they're knocked or handled roughly. Floor tom legs, bass spurs and the prism clamps that hold them are the parts most often missing.
Buying guide
We'd buy the genuine rosewood 24/12/13/16 at $3,756 delivered, inside the $3,525–4,350 delivered band from a 100% seller, because rosewood was the top Phonic finish and it's a full four-drum set. There are at least 4 Phonics for sale, so that band is a thin read, and three of the four come from one dealer in Germany, souldrums. Its $61.60 shipping is low for a kit crossing the Atlantic, so confirm the freight and any import charges before you buy. On any of them, check every drum wears the same finish, count the floor tom legs, bass spurs and prism clamps in the photos, and ask for the bearing edges with the heads off.
$2,860.48est. delivered
The lowest delivered Phonic here, a 1980 genuine rosewood set titled 22/13/14/16, with a 24-inch bass offered instead. The floor tom looks darker than the rest in the first photo, so ask whether every drum is rosewood.
Rare Vintage 1980 Sonor Phonic Genuine Rosewood Drum Set 22,13,14,16 Or With 24”
$3,756.48est. delivered
A genuine rosewood Phonic in 24/12/13/16 at $3,756 delivered, inside the band. The 24-inch bass is the biggest Sonor offered, so make sure that's the size you want, and confirm the freight from Germany first.
Sonor Phonic Genuine Rosewood 24,12,13,16 Collectors item
$5,650.40est. delivered
A 1979 genuine rosewood bop set, 18/12/13/14. Small jazz Phonics are scarce and rosewood was the top finish, which is why it asks about $1,300 over the top of the band.
Super Rare 1979 Vintage Sonor Phonic Genuine Rosewood Bop Jazz Set 18,12,13,14
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 12, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 12, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$2,860.48est. delivered
$2,798.88 + $61.60 shipping
Buy It Now$2,798.88
Good buy
1980 rosewood, 22/13/14/16, or with a 24-inch bass. Ships from Germany.
Seller: souldrums
100% positive
Used$3,756.48est. delivered
$3,694.88 + $61.60 shipping
Buy It Now$3,694.88
Good buy
Rosewood, 24/12/13/16. Ships from Germany, so confirm the freight.
Seller: souldrums
100% positive
Used$5,650.40est. delivered
$5,588.80 + $61.60 shipping
Buy It Now$5,588.80
Good buy
1979 rosewood bop set, 18/12/13/14. Highest ask here. Ships from Germany.
Seller: souldrums
100% positive
Used$3,913.00est. delivered
$3,668.00 + $245.00 shipping
Buy It Now$3,668.00
Our take
Titled 70s mahogany bop set, 18/12/14, beech shells. The only one here shipping from the US.
Seller: counterhoop
99.9% positive
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