![]() ![]() ![]() The altos and tenors came in three models each: "Standard," "Gold Medal" and "Gold Medal 2-Tone." The baritones came in only the "Gold Medal." SML made sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones in gold plate, silver plate, nickle plate and gold lacquer. It was also exporting saxes to King Musical Instruments, which marketed them under the name,"King Marigaux." A company spokesperson said SML stopped making saxophones because "we just couldn't compete with Selmer anymore." SML ceased production of saxes in 1982 at the time, the company was making ~400 saxes a year (2500 total musical instruments including over 900 oboes). SML began making saxophones within a few years of its being founded - at about the same time Selmer introduced its revolutionary Balanced Action saxophone. As growth came quickly, the company rapidly broadened its line of woodwinds to included saxophones, flutes and bassoons. Marigaux was considered one of the two best oboe-makers in France, on par with Lorée. Since its earliest days, SML has been known for its oboes. ![]() A few SML workers also practiced their trade at home in their own shops. By 1982 SML employed 30 factory workers in LaCouture and about 20-25 people in Paris (final testers and adjusters, sales staff, and company executives). She became foreman of the SML factory in 1977. Along with the acqusition came a woman named Madame Herivaux (niece of Mr. They moved all of their production into this new larger factory of ~600 square meters. LaCouture is known as being a meca of woodwind craftspeople. ![]() In 1975 SML bought the Malerne Musical Instrument Company which was located across the street in LaCouture, just outside Paris. and Yves Rilba was elected as the first president of SML. Circa 1974 Strasser sold SML to a holding company - Strasser-Marigaux S.A. After the death of Lemaire in 1950, Strasser and Marigaux bought their partner's shares and the company became known as "Strasser-Marigaux." Marigaux died about 1970, leaving Strasser the sole owner of the company. SML acquired the French Besson Company in the late 1930's and purchased the esteemed Louis Lot Company circa 1951. Strasser Marigaux & Lemaire was founded on by three partners: Charles Strasser, a businessman who was born in Switzerland Jules-Appolin Marigaux, an instrument maker who trained at Buffet-Crampon, where his father was "premier ouvrier," and Lemaire. ![]()
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