Haas (brass instrument makers)

Johann Wilhelm Haas (baptized 6 Aug 1649, Nuremberg – buried 2 July 1723, Nuremberg) was the first of the family to make brass instruments.

Johann was the son of two generations of guards of the city night watch who played trumpet calls as part of their duties.

He achieved the title of master craftsman in 1676 and became the most well known of all the Nuremberg brass makers.

The Haas brass instruments were highly prized throughout Europe, and as a result there are many extant instruments found throughout the continent, including more than 60 trumpets, 7 horns, and 2 trombones.

Some of the instruments were made by special commission and are more ornate with silver and gold as their material make-up.