Majestic Percussion – a history of tradition and innovation

Majestic Percussion is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of percussion instruments, representing over a century of craftsmanship, passion and family tradition. Established in 1921, Majestic’s origins are rooted in Heerenveen, Netherlands, where founder Willem Klazes Van der Glas transformed his passion for music into a business that would grow to shape the global percussion industry.

The beginning: Willem Klazes Van der Glas and Van der Glas B.V.

Willem Klazes Van der Glas, born in the small Dutch village of Suameer in 1882, began his career far from musical instrument manufacturing. Initially working as a house painter, Van der Glas also dedicated time to conducting choirs and bands, sparking his passion for music. After marrying in 1907, he and his wife Gepke moved to Heerenveen, where Van der Glas began managing a local branch of the Timmer Company, specialising in organs and pianos.

In 1921, Van der Glas took a leap, founding his own company, Van der Glas B.V., in Heerenveen. Originally focusing on organs, pianos, and wind instruments, the company quickly gained recognition throughout the Netherlands for its dedication to quality. Over the years, this focus would evolve, leading Van der Glas B.V. to become the largest specialised dealer in wind and percussion instruments in northern Netherlands, a position it retains to this day.

The 1950s: Establishing the Majestic brand

By the 1950s, Van der Glas B.V. underwent significant changes under the leadership of Van der Glas’ sons, Klaas Johannes and Roelof. Recognising a shift in demand, they decided to phase out the company’s initial focus on pianos and organs, directing their efforts toward wind and percussion instruments. This shift marked the beginning of Van der Glas’s journey into percussion manufacturing, as they began producing marching drums, which were initially branded with the company’s name.

In 1960, driven by the rising popularity of drum sets, the company launched the brand “Majestic” focusing on percussion instruments with a reputation for quality and musicality. This period marked a significant expansion for Majestic, as their drum sets gained popularity across the Netherlands and beyond, even featuring in television shows and with prominent pop and rock bands of the era.

The growth of Majestic Percussion: 1960s-1990s

Since the advent of the Majestic brand, the company continued to build a legacy in percussion with the introduction of timpani production in 1955, eventually refining their techniques to specialise in jazz drums, premium marching drums, and timpani. These instruments soon became a staple of both professional and educational settings.

The 1980s saw further developments within Majestic, as the company produced its first shipment of marching drums under the Majestic name. This period also marked a defining moment in the company’s history, as they expanded into timpani craftsmanship in 1993, with the release of now iconic models such as the Symphonic Timpani Series, known for its tonal clarity and (aptly!) majestic resonance. In the following years, they introduced the Harmonic and Symphonic Grand Timpani Series, showcasing Majestic’s commitment to both tonal perfection and portability, features that were highly valued in concert settings and naturally in schools, where transporting between classrooms, auditoriums and practice rooms is essential.

Maintaining the family connection

Following the death of Roelof Van der Glas in 1979, the company transitioned to the next generation. Willem and Wim Van der Glas, grandsons of the founder, took over and led the company for the next two decades. Under their stewardship, Van der Glas B.V. flourished, focusing on repairing and selling wind instruments and expanding percussion manufacturing. This period also saw a surge in demand for their timpani, with production reaching up to 1,000 timpani annually—a remarkable feat that solidified Majestic’s place as a leader in the percussion world.

Expanding horizons: The 2000s and the K.H.S. Group Partnership

In response to increasing global demand, 2003 marked a turning point for Majestic with a pivotal partnership with the K.H.S. Group. This merger, forming "Majestic Holland B.V." allowed Majestic to bring Dutch craftsmanship together with the K.H.S. Group’s production expertise. This partnership enabled Majestic to streamline distribution and reach new markets while maintaining their manufacturing base in Heerenveen.

This collaboration also led to notable innovations, including the Prophonic Timpani Series, which introduced a versatile, portable frame and superb tonal quality. Following this success, Majestic expanded further into mallet instruments with the introduction of the Marimba Deluxe Series in 2009, achieving concert-quality sound and refined design.

Innovations for the modern day: 2010s to the Present

Continuing its tradition of innovation, Majestic introduced the Concert Timpani Series in 2010, aiming to meet the varied needs of modern musicians. They also released a new flagship mallet percussion instrument, the Reflection Marimba, a result of thorough research and development, as well as advanced production techniques. This was followed by the Opus One Series of orchestral snare drums in 2022, developed in collaboration with renowned percussionist Christopher Lamb. The Opus One Series exemplifies Majestic’s consistent precision, with each drum carefully crafted for maximum sensitivity and responsiveness, providing a truly pleasurable performance experience.

A legacy of excellence: Majestic’s vision for the future

As Majestic approaches its 65th anniversary, it remains dedicated to the principles of quality, innovation, and family tradition that have guided it since Willem Klazes Van der Glas first opened his shop in 1921. Going forwards, Majestic continues to foster close collaborations with musicians, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide. Unwavering commitment to community and feedback ensures that Majestic’s instruments will not only meet but exceed the expectations of percussionists globally. With a variety top-quality, enduringly reliable and popular products, Majestic is certainly in a good position. Aside from the various timpani and snare models already mentioned, they are also well known for:

• Concert Glockenspiel - 32mm steel bars providing a bright tone that projects through any full ensemble sound, yet still sounds sweet even when played at its softest.
• Vibraphones – superbly designed and constructed, these offer reliability in a range of sizes for schools and working professionals.
• Xylophones – Majestic provides a wide range of Xylophones, thoughtfully designed for professionals and educators alike. The Gateway xylophone is an especially good tool for schools.
• Snare drums – supplied alone as well as in handy practice kits to aid learning.
• Marimba – also including an excellent Gateway model, the Majestic marimba range has every level of instrument right up to the top tier Reflection.

Today, Majestic is not just a brand but a legacy of musical excellence, shaping the world of percussion with instruments that inspire and enable musicians at every level. As it moves onward, Majestic remains rooted in its rich history, embracing new challenges, and setting ever-higher standards for percussion instruments worldwide.