Provence...
Founded in 1957 by Franco Guccini, a precision mechanic whose interest in reeds stemmed 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 worldwide. Today, it is Nicolas, Franco's grandson, who runs the company with the same commitment to quality and innovation.
The Origins and Family Heritage
The father of Franco, a basket maker in Ollioules, crafted flower baskets and was an expert in handling the local reed. This proximity to the main material of reeds naturally prepared Franco to understand and appreciate the quality of the Provence reed, laying the foundation 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 the 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 reveal a few secrets to you. From the discovery of the cane to the way we select and harvest our raw materials today to then transform them into high-quality reeds, the story of our manufacturing processes might just surprise you.
— Nicolas RIGHICEO MARCA and Company
Ideal Location
The local saying "head in the sun and feet in the water" perfectly illustrates the ideal conditions for the growth of the Provence cane. This plant, which plays an essential role in the manufacturing of reeds, thrives in areas where the climate is Mediterranean, like that of the Var. The mounds near streams offer a perfect combination of abundant sunshine and controlled hydration, preventing excess moisture while ensuring healthy growth. The region is renowned for the exceptional quality of its cane, which is the basis of the best reeds used by musicians around the world.
These unique natural conditions, with mild winters and hot summers without excess, allow the Provence cane to develop under optimal conditions, thus ensuring a high-quality raw material, essential to the reputation of MARCA in the manufacturing of reeds.
Development and Innovation
Over the decades, MARCA has successfully combined tradition and innovation to become a key player in the production of quality reeds. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the company has managed to perfect its production processes while preserving the artisanal methods that have made it famous. Every step of the manufacturing process, from the rigorous selection of Provence cane to the precise cutting of the reeds, reflects this balance between traditional expertise and modernity.
The adoption of state-of-the-art machinery 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 renouncing its artisanal roots has allowed MARCA to stand out in a constantly changing market, offering reeds that combine the rich sound of tradition with the performance of the latest technological innovations.
Flagship Products
MARCA offers a varied 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 players, and other musical genres. Among its flagship series, the "Supérieure" and "Premium" reeds are particularly renowned for their performance, reliability, and ability to adapt to a wide variety of styles.
In 2024, MARCA innovates once 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 offer increased resistance 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 playing precision 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, meeting the needs of professional and amateur musicians around the world.
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, have regularly chosen 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 musical 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 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 with the quality of its products but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the wind instrument industry.
The Future of MARCA
Under the direction of Nicolas RIGHI, MARCA continues to stand out for its commitment to innovation. In 2024, the company takes a new step with the launch of the MARCA UNIC reeds, natural reeds reinforced with synthetic fibers. The result of close collaboration with professional musicians, these innovative reeds meet contemporary musicians' demands for precision, durability, and versatility, while respecting the legacy of quality and excellence that has made MARCA renowned for generations.
With the UNIC reeds, MARCA successfully combines tradition and modernity, offering an incomparable sound response and increased longevity, essential in modern playing. This advancement demonstrates the brand's ability to evolve in line with musicians' expectations, while maintaining the fundamental values that have always guided its development.