SML rev. D 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 SML 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 is a 'Standard' Rev D and is in beautiful condition with the typical SML details, including a hinged thumb rest for the left thumb and has a beautiful sound. The sax was once gold lacquered, but it was once in such bad condition that it was completely stripped in a blasting cabinet. The sax has remained unlacquered and now has a beautiful dark patina.

• overhauled