Our Story

OUR STORY

Excellence and Tradition in Reed Manufacturing

Founded in 1957 by Franco Guccini, a precision mechanic whose interest in reed came from his childhood, MARCA is a French company specializing in the manufacture of reeds for wind instruments. Located in the heart of Provence, the company leverages local expertise to produce high-quality reeds, used by musicians around the world. Today, it is Nicolas, Franco's grandson, who leads the company with the same commitment to quality and innovation.

Origins and Family Heritage

Franco's father, a basket weaver in Ollioules, made flower baskets and was an expert in handling local reed. This proximity to the main material of reeds naturally prepared Franco to understand and appreciate the quality of Provence reed, laying the groundwork for what would become MARCA. The company was established with a clear vision: to create reeds that meet the demands of both professionals and amateurs. The rigorous selection of reed, harvested locally in the ideal regions of France, quickly positioned MARCA as a synonym for quality and precision.

"Have you ever wondered how we make our reeds? We would like to unveil some secrets to you. From discovering the reed to the way we select and harvest our raw materials today to then transform them into superior quality reeds, the story of our manufacturing processes might just surprise you."

Development and Innovation

Over the decades, MARCA has managed to combine tradition and innovation to become a key player in the production of quality reeds. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the company has succeeded in perfecting its production processes while preserving the artisanal methods that have made it famous. Each step of the manufacturing process, from the rigorous selection of Provence reeds to the precise cutting of the reeds, reflects this balance between traditional expertise and modernity.

The adoption of cutting-edge technology has enabled MARCA to increase the precision and uniformity of its reeds, thus meeting the demands of the most meticulous musicians. These technical innovations, combined with strict quality control, have strengthened the brand's reputation in the international market. However, despite this modernization, MARCA ensures the preservation of the artisanal heritage passed down from generation to generation, thus guaranteeing authentic products tailored to the needs of today's musicians.

This ability to evolve without denying its artisanal roots has allowed MARCA to stand out in a constantly evolving market, offering reeds that combine the rich sound of the traditional with the performance of the latest technological innovations.

Ideal Location

The local saying "head in the sun and feet in the water" perfectly illustrates the ideal conditions for the growth of Provence cane. This plant, which plays an essential role in the manufacture of reeds, thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate, like that of the Var. The mounds near streams offer a perfect combination of abundant sunshine and controlled hydration, which prevents excess moisture while ensuring healthy growth. The region is renowned for the exceptional quality of its reed, which forms the basis of the best reeds used by musicians around the world.

These unique natural conditions, with mild winters and warm summers without excess, allow the Provence cane to grow under optimal conditions, thus ensuring a high-quality raw material, essential to the reputation of MARCA in reed manufacturing.

Impact and Recognition

The impact of MARCA on the world of music is undeniable and profound. For decades, internationally renowned musicians, prestigious orchestras, as well as leading music schools, regularly choose MARCA reeds for their uncompromising quality. The brand has become synonymous with excellence, meeting the needs of the most demanding musicians, whether they are soloists, ensemble members, or educators.

In addition to its achievements in the music field, MARCA also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. This commitment is evident in the careful selection of materials, including responsibly harvested Provence reeds, as well as in the optimization of manufacturing processes to minimize ecological impact. With the introduction of new technologies, such as the MARCA UNIC reeds, which combine natural and synthetic fibers, the company proves that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Thus, MARCA not only influences the global music scene through the quality of its products, but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the wind instrument industry.

Featured Products

MARCA offers a diverse range of reeds for clarinet, saxophone, and other wind instruments, each designed to provide exceptional response and tone, thus meeting the expectations of jazz musicians, classical music performers, and other musical genres. Among its flagship series, the "Supérieure" and "Premium" reeds are particularly recognized for their performance, reliability, and ability to adapt to a wide variety of styles.

In 2024, MARCA innovates again by launching the MARCA UNIC reeds, which represent a significant advancement in the industry. These natural reeds, reinforced with synthetic fibers, combine tradition and modernity to provide increased durability and optimal sound response. Available in four distinct models — Classic, Elite, Jazz, and Studio — the UNIC reeds are designed to satisfy the most demanding musicians, offering them unmatched precision in play and durability.

Thanks to this innovation, MARCA further strengthens its position as a leader, by offering solutions that combine artisanal quality with cutting-edge technology, and by meeting the needs of both professional and amateur musicians around the world.

The Future of MARCA

Under the leadership of Nicolas RIGHI, MARCA continues to stand out for its commitment to innovation. In 2024, the company is taking a new step with the launch of MARCA UNIC reeds, natural reeds reinforced with synthetic fibers. The result of close collaboration with professional musicians, these innovative reeds meet the contemporary demands of musicians in terms of precision, durability, and versatility, while respecting the legacy of quality and excellence that has made MARCA renowned for generations.

With the reeds UNIC, MARCA succeeds in combining tradition and modernity, thus offering an incomparable sound response and increased longevity, essential in modern play. This advancement demonstrates the brand's ability to evolve in line with musicians' expectations, while preserving the fundamental values that have always guided its development.

Our Mission & Vision

Coffee's mission is to offer love and hope to those in need through funds from a great cup of coffee. We want to inspire and educate our coffee lovers in ways that enhance their experience with us and encourage them to be an outlet of hope for others.

We want to create a coffee culture that is built around quality, sociability, and affordability so that everyone can enjoy our product and share in our outreach. Our goal is to continue to grow our business in ways that will allow us to give more, this will include things like scholarships for local graduating seniors, food programs, and much more! We have BIG plans for coffee and appreciate you joining us on this journey!

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