SML Gold Medal Alto Saxophone

The Gold medal is the professional model of SML.

SML or Strasser Marigaux & Lemaire was founded on January 12, 1935 by three partners: Charles Strasser, a businessman born in Switzerland; Jules-Appolin Marigaux, an instrument maker who trained at Buffet-Crampon, where his father was 'premier ouvrier', and Lemaire. The company grew rapidly.

Since the beginning, SML has been known for its oboes. Marigaux was considered one of the two best oboe makers in France, comparable to Lorée. As growth came quickly, the company quickly expanded its range of woodwind instruments to include saxophones, flutes and bassoons.

SML began making saxophones within a few years of its founding - at about the same time Selmer introduced its revolutionary Balanced Action saxophone. SML built saxophones until 1982; They stopped because they could no longer compete with Selmer."

SML made sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones. The altos and tenors each came in three models: "Standard", "Gold Medal" and "Gold Medal 2-Tone." The Gold Medal is the professional instrument and was popular at the time among American and European top artists in the field of symphony and dance bands."

This example was made by SML for the company Ansingh in Zwolle The Netherlands. The instrument is nickel-plated and in good condition. In some places the nickel is gone due to intensive use. Part of the nickel layer has also disappeared on the lower curve.

• overhauled