Playnick: Translating feelings into sound

Playnick specialises in the production of high quality mouthpieces for clarinets and saxophones, marrying classic musical instruments with the latest manufacturing technology. Nick Kückmeier, the company’s founder, was always passionate about music. Having studied at the University of Music & Performing Arts in Graz and established a private music school, Nick always had a lot to offer to the sector.

Through Playnick, Nick and his wife Carina – herself a clarinettist - want to share their passion and help other musicians in the pursuit of excellence. As they explain, “One of our primary concerns is to make music more attractive to young musicians, accompanying them in the learning progress, and to help professional artists in finding new forms of expression.”

Prior to the establishment of Playnick, they were involved in a research project analysing vibrations and tone-influencing components of mouthpieces. This resulted in the introduction of more advanced production processes, new forms and materials for the mouthpieces and eventually the registration of no less than three patents.

With the help of modern technology, Playnick aims to optimise the sound that musicians want to produce. As Carina notes, “the right combination of mouthpiece and reed will allow you to speak through your instrument directly and fully from the heart. We translate your feelings into sound, your joy into music and your ambition into success.”

The company’s vast array of clients includes individual musicians, small bands and more than 300 symphony orchestras from all over the world, including the Berlin, New York and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras.

Recently, Playnick proceeded with the development of a new business line, replacing a wooden part with plastic, as wood changes over time. In order to finance this development, a working capital loan was needed and they turned to aws who guaranteed this loan with the backing of EIF. Today’ the company employs 7 persons and is always looking for more highly-qualified staff. “Our philosophy,” Nick adds, “is to never stop improving.”

Company: Playnick (Austria)

Type of business: musical instruments

EIF financing: COSME LGF

Financial intermediary: Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft (aws)

For further information about EIF intermediaries in Austria, please refer to: http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/at