Founded in 1982 by cabinetmaker apprentices Gerhard Priel and Bengt Schumacher in a small barn in southern Germany, Schlagwerk has grown into one of the world's leading cajon and percussion manufacturers. Based in Gingen an der Fils, the company is best known for its cajons — Priel is credited as the inventor of the modern cajon based on the classic Peruvian model. The CP404 2inOne Snare Cajon, introduced in 2005, is widely regarded as one of the most successful cajons ever made. Other key innovations include the tunable string cajon, developed in 1995, and the SamJam Guitar Snare for acoustic guitarists.

Beyond cajons, Schlagwerk produces a broad range of handcrafted percussion including frame drums, log drums, handpans, shakers, and percussion effects, as well as the EINKLANG line of precisely tuned instruments designed for therapeutic and wellness applications. The company is a member of the Deutsche Manufakturen (German Manufacturers) association, reflecting its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship combined with modern production methods. Schlagwerk also serves as the German distributor for VATER Drumsticks. Notable percussionists who play Schlagwerk instruments include Roland Peil (Die Fantastischen Vier) and Larry Eagle (Bruce Springsteen).

Schlagwerk has 16 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Cajons, Maracas & Shakers, and Other Hand Drums. Their gear is featured by 1 artist, with the strongest followings in Rock. Notable users include John Sparrow.