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Introduction

Each Rutar harmonica is unique, handmade according to your wishes. The quality is expressed not only in the excellent sound, but also in the valuable elaboration of the individual carvings, engravings and paintings. Since we are constantly striving to improve the manufacturing processes and the design of the instruments, the models are continuously updated. We therefore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Note This note is aimed at everyone who is considering buying a used Rutar harmonica. We ask you to exercise caution as there are many counterfeit and improperly refurbished instruments in circulation. It is about instruments that appear like original Rutar harmonicas, but are not. We kindly ask you to bring the harmonica to us for inspection prior to purchase. You will receive a free review, evaluation and certificate – provided that it is actually an original Rutar harmonica. Furthermore, we would like to point out or ask you to take your original RUTAR harmonica only to authorized service partners for repair or maintenance. You will avoid many inconveniences such as
  • Changes in sound when installing other reeds,
  • Changes to the stop by changing the mechanics,
  • Willful damage.
We can therefore accept no liability for maintenance, repairs and other interventions that were not carried out by us or our authorized service partners! NOT EVERY RUTAR – HARMONICA IS REALLY “ORIGINAL”!

Our history

1984

1984

In  1984  the first harmonica »RUTAR« was introduced, recognizable:

  • The original design
    • on the trademark “vinska trta” (= grapevine), which is still traded today
    • on the newly placed bell, on the left on the harmonica.
  • The cozy sound
    • First-class, hand-made reeds of the type »AMANO«, with recognized quality and excellent sound
    • The housing is made of specially resonant spruce wood.
  • The first harmonica »RUTAR« is still in use in South Tyrol
1986

1986

In  1986  the “grapevine” was registered as a trademark in the Belgrade Patent Office.
1988

1988

Great development milestones were reached in  1988 :

  • »RUTAR« harmonica is the first Slovenian harmonica with discant mechanics made of metal instead of wood. This new development and the improvement of the basic technology increased the quality of the instruments:
    • Softer and more beautiful sound
    • Easier stop
    • boljši zven
  • new lettering »RUTAR«
  • The inside of the bellows can be decorated with motifs of alpine flowers, for example
  • The first models with proper names are presented:
    • »PRIMORKA VI« (harmonica for children)
    • “PRIMORKA VII”
    • »PRIMORKA VIII« (four-row harmonica)
    • “PRIMORKA SPECIAL” (harmonica with reeds made of brass)
1990

1990

In 1990 the quality of the “RUTAR” harmonica was also recognized by famous Slovenian instrumentalists: • The well-known ensemble “Niko Zajc” was the first to order a RUTAR harmonica, thereby opening up the Slovenian market. Niko Zajc: “The free-tone harmonica from Rutar has a soft sound and ‘breathes’ completely differently.” (1990)
1992

1992

Year 1992 : The “RUTAR” harmonica becomes even more sophisticated and unique:

  • redesigned top of the bass
  • Unique, individual inlays
  • Refined inscription »RUTAR«
  • More diverse color design of the housing:
    • innovative, extended color palette (extended color gradations of red, green, blue, white, silver, …)
    • Veneers of exotic woods
1994

1994

Year 1994 “PLUS” – models:
  • An additional fourth row with 11 buttons (semitones) opens up new possibilities in playing with a diatonic harmonica.
1995

1995

Year 1995
  • The first »RUTAR« harmonica with piano keyboard is presented.
  • The classic keyboard of diatonic instruments is fundamentally redesigned.
  • The trademark “vinska trta” (= grapevine) is completed.
1997-99

1997-99

Year 1997 : Holistic improvements lead to the renaming of the “PRIMORKA” model to “TOLMINKA”
  • Innovation: Harmonika »RUTAR« is the world’s first manufacturer to use reeds based on silver!
Year 1999:  Presentation of the special model “Tolminka 2000”
2000

2000

Year  2000 : Presentation of the “JULIANA” model The first model with a hand-painted Alpine flower motif
2001-02

2001-02

  • Another milestone in the development of the »RUTAR« harmonica:
    • A first-class sound quality was achieved with first-class reeds, which are exclusively handmade for “RUTAR” harmonica.
    • new, unique mechanisms (»RUTAR« treble and bass mechanics)
  • Other innovations in the »RUTAR« mechanisms also contribute
    • for easier play
    • for improved sealing
    • for lifelong function
  • Presentation of the »ZALA« model
    • This model is characterized by modern colors
  • New completed “RUTAR” harmonica with piano keyboard
Year  2002  The classic arrangement of the horns is replaced by innovatively designed cutouts.
2003

2003

Year  2003  The desire for a new, more attractive appearance led to two-tone housings with smooth transitions. • Models from the »R« series
2005

2005

Year  2005
  • First piano keyboards with wooden covers.
  • New model »GOTER«
    • This was developed in collaboration with Robert Goter, the world’s best harmonica player.
    • A special feature are the five keys in the fourth row, with which another seven semitones can be played. These are required for sophisticated compositions.
2006

2006

For the originality, quality and success, »RUTAR« harmonica is awarded the golden sign “SQ”.
2007-08

2007-08

  • Presentation of the »GALAXY« model
    • New approach to color design (ultra-modern coloring)
  • Model »FABIJAN«
    • Additional rows of buttons on the bass enable the diatonic harmonica to play in new ways.
Year 2008 The previous metal cover is replaced by wood, which gives it a softer, fuller sound.
2009

2009

Year  2008/2009  Refinements in decorations give a more pleasing impression.
2010

2010

Year  2010  The revolutionary new harmonica with piano keyboard – the »SIMFONIJA 5S« and »SIMFONIJA 5R« models. Igor Podpečan’s opinion of these models:
  • Sound The sound is bright, as it corresponds to my ideas for a harmonica
  • Color The manufacturer Rurar followed my wishes and “dressed” the harmonica in vivid blue celluloid, which makes it attractive and unique.
  • Keyboard and mechanics The keyboard and mechanics enable more virtuoso playing.
  • Weight 12 kg, which is comparable to the old, legendary instruments.
  • Shape The harmonica is designed so that it hugs the body well. This is important for everyone who plays standing.
2011

2011

Year  2011  – innovations:
  • »TRIESTINKA« model
    • The new edition of the old diatonic harmonica – made possible by the clever hands of the Rutar family.
  • »KRAŠEVKA« model
    • Special model – with diatonic AND piano keyboard
  • Model »GALAXY KRISTAL«
    • Shows new trends in color design – the housing “changes” the color depending on the perspective
  • »GAJA« and »GAJA BIO« models
    • made of solid wood
    • manual carvings and engravings
    • special, even better sound
    • better responsiveness
    • lower weight
  • Model »GAJA BIO«
    • Special feature – housing surfaces made almost entirely of wood

History

1984

1984

In  1984  the first harmonica »RUTAR« was introduced, recognizable:
  • The original design
    • on the trademark “vinska trta” (= grapevine), which is still traded today
    • on the newly placed bell, on the left on the harmonica.
  • The cozy sound
    • First-class, hand-made reeds of the type »AMANO«, with recognized quality and excellent sound
    • The housing is made of specially resonant spruce wood.
  • The first harmonica »RUTAR« is still in use in South Tyrol
1986

1986

In  1986  the “grapevine” was registered as a trademark in the Belgrade Patent Office.
1988

1988

Great development milestones were reached in  1988 :
  • »RUTAR« harmonica is the first Slovenian harmonica with discant mechanics made of metal instead of wood. This new development and the improvement of the basic technology increased the quality of the instruments:
    • Softer and more beautiful sound
    • Easier stop
    • boljši zven
  • new lettering »RUTAR«
  • The inside of the bellows can be decorated with motifs of alpine flowers, for example
  • The first models with proper names are presented:
    • »PRIMORKA VI« (harmonica for children)
    • “PRIMORKA VII”
    • »PRIMORKA VIII« (four-row harmonica)
    • “PRIMORKA SPECIAL” (harmonica with reeds made of brass)
1990

1990

In 1990 the quality of the “RUTAR” harmonica was also recognized by famous Slovenian instrumentalists: • The well-known ensemble “Niko Zajc” was the first to order a RUTAR harmonica, thereby opening up the Slovenian market. Niko Zajc: “The free-tone harmonica from Rutar has a soft sound and ‘breathes’ completely differently.” (1990)
1992

1992

Year 1992 : The “RUTAR” harmonica becomes even more sophisticated and unique:
  • redesigned top of the bass
  • Unique, individual inlays
  • Refined inscription »RUTAR«
  • More diverse color design of the housing:
    • innovative, extended color palette (extended color gradations of red, green, blue, white, silver, …)
    • Veneers of exotic woods
1994

1994

Year 1994 “PLUS” – models:
  • An additional fourth row with 11 buttons (semitones) opens up new possibilities in playing with a diatonic harmonica.
1995

1995

Year 1995
  • The first »RUTAR« harmonica with piano keyboard is presented.
  • The classic keyboard of diatonic instruments is fundamentally redesigned.
  • The trademark “vinska trta” (= grapevine) is completed.
1997-99

1997-99

Year 1997 : Holistic improvements lead to the renaming of the “PRIMORKA” model to “TOLMINKA”
  • Innovation: Harmonika »RUTAR« is the world’s first manufacturer to use reeds based on silver!
Year 1999:  Presentation of the special model “Tolminka 2000”
2000

2000

Year  2000 : Presentation of the “JULIANA” model The first model with a hand-painted Alpine flower motif
2001-02

2001-02

  • Another milestone in the development of the »RUTAR« harmonica:
    • A first-class sound quality was achieved with first-class reeds, which are exclusively handmade for “RUTAR” harmonica.
    • new, unique mechanisms (»RUTAR« treble and bass mechanics)
  • Other innovations in the »RUTAR« mechanisms also contribute
    • for easier play
    • for improved sealing
    • for lifelong function
  • Presentation of the »ZALA« model
    • This model is characterized by modern colors
  • New completed “RUTAR” harmonica with piano keyboard
Year  2002  The classic arrangement of the horns is replaced by innovatively designed cutouts.
2003

2003

Year  2003  The desire for a new, more attractive appearance led to two-tone housings with smooth transitions. • Models from the »R« series
2005

2005

Year  2005
  • First piano keyboards with wooden covers.
  • New model »GOTER«
    • This was developed in collaboration with Robert Goter, the world’s best harmonica player.
    • A special feature are the five keys in the fourth row, with which another seven semitones can be played. These are required for sophisticated compositions.
2006

2006

For the originality, quality and success, »RUTAR« harmonica is awarded the golden sign “SQ”.
2007-08

2007-08

  • Presentation of the »GALAXY« model
    • New approach to color design (ultra-modern coloring)
  • Model »FABIJAN«
    • Additional rows of buttons on the bass enable the diatonic harmonica to play in new ways.
Year 2008 The previous metal cover is replaced by wood, which gives it a softer, fuller sound.
2009

2009

Year  2008/2009  Refinements in decorations give a more pleasing impression.
2010

2010

Year  2010  The revolutionary new harmonica with piano keyboard – the »SIMFONIJA 5S« and »SIMFONIJA 5R« models. Igor Podpečan’s opinion of these models:
  • Sound The sound is bright, as it corresponds to my ideas for a harmonica
  • Color The manufacturer Rurar followed my wishes and “dressed” the harmonica in vivid blue celluloid, which makes it attractive and unique.
  • Keyboard and mechanics The keyboard and mechanics enable more virtuoso playing.
  • Weight 12 kg, which is comparable to the old, legendary instruments.
  • Shape The harmonica is designed so that it hugs the body well. This is important for everyone who plays standing.
2011

2011

Year  2011  – innovations:
  • »TRIESTINKA« model
    • The new edition of the old diatonic harmonica – made possible by the clever hands of the Rutar family.
  • »KRAŠEVKA« model
    • Special model – with diatonic AND piano keyboard
  • Model »GALAXY KRISTAL«
    • Shows new trends in color design – the housing “changes” the color depending on the perspective
  • »GAJA« and »GAJA BIO« models
    • made of solid wood
    • manual carvings and engravings
    • special, even better sound
    • better responsiveness
    • lower weight
  • Model »GAJA BIO«
    • Special feature – housing surfaces made almost entirely of wood

Manufacturing process

Original Harmonika Rutar

Step by step
01. Arrival of
the customer
  • Selection with testing of the appropriate harmonica
  • Consideration of all customer requests (housing, color, painting, special requests, …)
02. Selection of wood
for the housing
• Manufacture of the housing, reeds and other wooden components SELECTION OF SUITABLE WOOD
03. Coloring and painting
the housing
• Today’s quality of painting and varnishing is made possible by years of experience, constant experimentation and the aspiration to keep getting better.
04. Elaboration
of metal decorations
• With the unique motif of the grapevine
05. Elaboration of
the bellows
  • Outer coating
    • Different colors, nuances, motifs and ornaments
    • Serving the overall aesthetic impression
  • Inner coating
    • Reinforced bellows
    • Durable quality
06. Installation of the treble
and bass mechanics
• Installation and wax sealing of the first-class, hand-worked reeds, exclusively manufactured for »RUTAR« harmonica, which guarantee a lifelong perfect function
07. Assembly of the harmonica
• Assembly of the components
08. Voices of
the harmonica
  • Handwritten mood – a personal, indelible seal which makes the instrument an individual »RUTAR« harmonica.
  • The mood can also be adjusted to customer requirements
09. Checking
the harmonica
  • Assembly of the underlying carrying straps
  • Intensive examination
  • Final work

Intellectual property

In 2002 harmonica Rutar, as a result of excellent quality and originality, acquired the intellectual property rights for the international patent and protection for the form of harmonica, Rutar bass and discant and bass mechanism and a brand Rutar, as we know it today
Every RUTAR accordion is hand-made. Each is uniqe, and is made according to the customer’s wishes. The customer may choose from among many different samples for each RUTAR accordion model. Our accordions are made from first-class resonant wood, and installed with top-quality hand-made reeds made specialy for RUTAR accordions. On special wish reeds on brass or even exclusively silver base can be installed in RUTAR accordions. Specific features of diatonic accordions RUTAR are a descant and bass mechanics RUTAR , wich insures a lifetime work of accordion. The price includes strong, reinforced belts, a cushion for the back of the accordion, and a carrying case. Delivery times are minimal. There is a 15-year warranty. Service is available.

On Rutar accordions plays

For more than 35 years, the sound of the Rutar accordion has fascinated many musicians.
By clicking on the picture you can see which musicians are playing our accordions.
PHOTO GALLERY
Allow yourself to hear the sound of the Rutar accordion ..... And when you do, it will win your heart!
Igor Podpečan

Member of the last ensemble of the legendary Avsenik Brothers Ensemble

News

don’t miss the latest developments

ACTUAL

in the Rutar accordion offer

Contact Us

We will do our best to respond as soon as possible
Address

9133 Sittersdorf - Žitara vas 56, AUSTRIA

Phone

Tel. +43 (0)664 538 11 56GSM: +386(0)31 611 638

How to reach us