The Weltmeister Akkordeon Manufaktur, established in 1852, is one of the world’s oldest accordion manufacturers. Based in Klingenthal, Germany, the company has a rich history of crafting popular accordions.

Their product range includes models suitable for beginners to advanced players, featuring various designs and reed configurations.

The company, with over 170 years of history, filed for insolvency in September 2023. The reasons cited were the loss of important export markets due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, as well as rising energy prices and increased costs for components.

Despite the insolvency, no staff reductions were made, and production continued. In November 2024, the company ceased production due to liquidity problems.

In December 2024, the insolvency administrator expressed hope for a possible continuation of the company, but without providing any concrete details or plans for the future.​

This is a regrettable situation for the traditional accordion industry in Klingenthal and we hope that a plan to continue manufacture will eventuate.