From Treppendorf to the World: Inside Thomann’s Music Gear Wonderland
If you're a true music enthusiast, your journey isn’t complete until you’ve experienced the magic of Thomann Headquarters in Treppendorf, Germany.
Broadly known as Europe’s largest music gear store, Thomann is the ultimate destination for musicians, a place where passion and expertise come to life in every corner. Recently, Thomann extended an invitation to Musicngear, and I had the privilege of visiting alongside Constantina for an unforgettable two-day tour filled with inspiration and discovery.
Our guide, Karim Allalou, Head of Partnerships and Cooperations, thoughtfully arranged every detail, including a stay in the nearby historic town of Bamberg—a perfect starting point for exploring Thomann and its surroundings.
Join us as we share the highlights and excitement of our journey through Thomann Headquarters and beyond!
A Perfect Stay in Bamberg Before visiting Thomann
Our adventure began with a stay in Bamberg, a beautiful and historic town near Treppendorf. With its UNESCO World Heritage site designation, Bamberg’s stunning architecture, serene river views, and lively streets are perfect for setting the stage before a big visit to Thomann.
It’s the ideal place to recharge, with a charming blend of old-world atmosphere and modern vibrancy.
The First Day: Welcome to Thollywood
On Wednesday, October 30th, we arrived at Thomann Headquarters at precisely 9:00 AM. Our first stop was the Thomann video studios, affectionately named “Thollywood.”
These studios were everything a content creator could wish for: three fully equipped studios with professional lighting, high-quality cameras, and beautiful, top-notch decor.
Each studio was brimming with instruments—guitars, drums, amplifiers, mixers—and a setup that fuels any videographer's imagination. Thollywood is where Thomann produces their video content, and we were beyond excited because Karim informed us we’d have the entire studio to ourselves for the next two days to shoot our own content.
The possibilities felt endless, but first, we wanted to visit the main Thomann shop to take it all in and gather ideas.
Exploring Treppendorf: A Village Steeped in Music
As we made our way toward the Thomann shop, the charming village of Treppendorf unfolded before us. The peaceful scenery, with traditional German houses harmoniously mixed with modern buildings, set against acres of green land and forests, created a beautiful contrast.
This was a village steeped in music, a serene setting that felt worlds away from the bustling pace of a busy city.
Along the road, we passed an elderly gentleman feeding his chickens, while trucks loaded with music gear and cranes lifting boulders worked steadily for the shop's impressive expansion—from 7,000 to 14,000 square meters - and yet, the sounds weren’t the usual clamor of construction; they were more like a hum, a gentle pulse hinting at the magic within.
The Thomann Story: From Humble Beginnings to a Music Gear Empire
In Treppendorf, Hans Thomann started what would become the largest music gear company in Europe. What began as a small family-run business in the 1950s has grown into a music industry leader.
To learn more about the early days and how Hans Thomann Senior’s passion for music led to the founding of Thomann, watch the following video:
The Thomann Shop Experience
Around 11:00 AM, we arrived at the Thomann shop, where we met Florian Rittweger, Thomann’s Sales Director, and also a musician in the popular German band VIVA.
Flo led us through each department of the store, and immediately, we felt the incredible vibe within. Smiling faces were everywhere—staff eager to answer questions, families browsing, children testing instruments, and a steady hum of musical energy filled the air.
The Brass Department
Our first stop was the newly designed brass department, with a modern interior that feels luxurious yet welcoming. Instruments gleamed in gold against black walls, exuding an air of magnificence.
Each brass player’s dream was within reach, from trumpets to tubas, with soundproofed rooms available to privately test the instruments. Flo explained that this new design will be implemented throughout the store over the next two years, with each existing department being transitioned as Thomann’s expansion is completed.
The Drums Department
Next, we entered the drums department—a paradise for drummers. Rows of drum kits, both electronic and acoustic, lined the space, along with an astounding array of cymbals.
There was even a soundproofed glass room where you could test a kit with impressive sound reduction. This setup minimizes noise, allowing drummers to play to their heart’s content without disrupting the environment.
The Studio Department
We moved on to the studio section, where the selection was nothing short of incredible. This part of the shop is a haven for music producers, filled with synths, digital pianos, mixing consoles, studio microphones, monitors, and more.
There are two fully-equipped studio rooms, each with a mixing desk, computer running a DAW, and a selection of microphones, where musicians have even recorded full productions. I could’ve spent days exploring the equipment and imagining myself producing, mixing, and recording nonstop!
The Live Stage
Flo then guided us to a unique space within the shop—the live stage area. This is an actual stage where real concerts have taken place, complete with par cans, fog machines, and all the equipment that fills a concert venue with excitement.
From mixers to PA systems, this area is a dream come true for live sound engineers, and it’s packed with everything they could want for live performances.
The Guitar and Bass Department
At last, we arrived at the highlight for any guitarist or bassist: the guitar and bass department. This two-story space is a treasure trove of guitars—electric on the ground floor and acoustic, bluegrass, and banjo guitars on the upper floor balcony.
The atmosphere was alive with people testing instruments, and a delightful mix of sounds surrounded us. We also visited the Custom Shop, where I met some of the most stunning custom-made guitars I’d ever seen in my life. Luckily I was already married :)
Behind the Scenes: Thomann’s Logistics and Support
After the shop tour, Florian took us to the logistics department, where the scale of Thomann’s operation truly came to light. Every day, around 80 new instruments arrive, and countless orders are packed and shipped.
Massive industrial shelves were stacked with merchandise, and there was a constant, organized flow of packed boxes moving out, ready to bring music to people worldwide.
Lunch at Thomann’s Restaurant
It was lunchtime, so we joined Karim for lunch at the Thomann restaurant, a stunning round glass building that serves both employees and visitors. The array of food options was impressive, with German staples and fresh delicacies to suit every taste.
We kept returning to this beautiful space throughout our stay to grab a coffee or indulge in their delicious apple pie. (Constantina will make it a point to try the duck next time!)
The Marketing and Contact Center Departments
After lunch, Karim took us to the Marketing Department. Each floor of this building is designed with offices and meeting rooms around a central inner balcony hallway, complete with coffee stations. This building connects to the Contact Center by a bridge, where Karim introduced us to Stamatios Koutouzis, 
Deputy Head of the Contact Center, who took us on a tour through the support facilities.
Stamatios introduced us to other Greek team members. Between the facilities and the positive culture, it was no surprise to learn how much Thomann employees enjoy their jobs.
Thomann’s customer service department is impressive, with separate floors dedicated to international and German inquiries. The company provides an exceptional work environment, including a gym, game rooms, and even nap rooms where employees can recharge.
It’s not every day that you find a company offering such extensive amenities to ensure their team’s well-being. Made both of us kind of feel like we wanted to quit our jobs and apply for the open positions at Thomann :) - but rest easy, we haven't yet!
Day Two: A Look at Thomann’s Repair Center and a Suprise Meeting
The next day, after a wonderful evening in Bamberg, we returned to Thomann Headquarters for a tour of their Service Center. The entrance may have seemed modest, but behind those doors was a meticulously organized hub where technicians worked on every type of gear imaginable.
The clean, efficient environment highlighted the level of care Thomann puts into maintaining the quality of the products they sell. We were introduced to Luis, the head of the Drum Repair Department, who gave us a fascinating insight into the repair process.
What really stands out is Thomann’s commitment to customer satisfaction – all purchases at Thomann are backed by an impressive 3-year warranty. This means that Thomann extends the manufacturer’s usual 12-month warranty to a full 36 months at no extra charge to the customer, covering any issues that may arise during this period!
We then headed back to the Marketing Department, where an incredible surprise was waiting for us. We had the privilege of meeting the man behind it all – Hans Thomann himself!
As the heart and soul of this operation, Hans is a true inspiration—a business icon whose principles and hands-on approach have built the Thomann legacy. It’s not hard to see why Thomann has grown so successfully, with Hans’s leadership creating an environment where talent and passion flourish. It was an honor to meet the visionary who has made Thomann a household name for musicians worldwide!
Wrapping Up Our Visit at Thollywood
We spent the rest of the day shooting our own content at Thollywood, taking advantage of the amazing studio spaces. As we wrapped up with a creamy cappuccino, we reflected on everything we had experienced.
Karim gave us an unforgettable tour of Thomann Headquarters, making our stay truly special with his incredible hospitality. We now have a deeper understanding of what drives our favorite music gear company and most cherished partner. It’s all fueled by one thing: Pure Passion!
Chris, Constantina, Saskia Lissner and Karim Allalou
Thomann Awaits Your Visit
For any music lover traveling through Germany, a visit to Thomann Headquarters is a must. Open Google Maps, set your course for Treppendorf, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
It will be a trip you will remember forever!
About Chris Roditis
Chris Roditis has been an active musician since 1995 in various bands and projects across a variety of genres ranging from acoustic, electronic to nu metal, british rock and trip hop. He has extensive experience as a mixing engineer and producer and has built recording studios for most of the projects he has been involved with. His passion for music steered his entrepreneurial skills into founding MusicNGear in 2012.
Contact Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@kinkl.com
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