SML Primax Alto Saxophone

SML was founded in 1935 and the abbreviation refers to the three partners Charles Strasser, Jules-Appolin Marigaux and Lemaire. SML started making saxophones soon after its founding - around the same time that Selmer introduced its revolutionary Balanced Action saxophone and sought to compete with Selmer. They eventually lost that battle and ceased production of saxophones in 1982; at that time the company was making about 400 saxophones per year.

SML made sopranos, altos, tenors and baritones in gold-plated, silver-plated, nickel-plated and gold-lacquered. The altos and tenors each came in three models: 'Standard', 'Gold Medal' and 'Gold Medal 2-Tone'. The baritones were only awarded the 'Gold Medal'.

Much more information about SML can be found at https://www.saxophone.org/museum/saxophones/manufacturer/61.

This is also interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFA5n8-DLSk&ab_channel=StohrerMusicSaxophoneRepair

This alto saxophone has serial number 3926 and the basis of that is the year of construction 1941 and the model is a revision A.

The instrument has been overhauled and is in excellent condition.
Two stars of David are engraved on the bells. It is not clear what the reason for this engraving is. The current SML company does not know. The then SML management was in any case not Jewish.

• overhauled