Provence...
Founded in 1957 by Franco Guccini, a precision mechanic whose interest in the reed dated back to his childhood, MARCA is a French company specializing in the manufacture of reeds for wind instruments. Located in the heart of Provence, the company draws on local expertise to produce high-quality reeds used by musicians around the world. Today, Nicolas, Franco's grandson, runs the business with the same commitment to quality and innovation.
Origins and Family Heritage
Franco’s father, a basket maker in Ollioules, made flower baskets and was an expert in working with the local reed. This familiarity with the main material of the reeds naturally prepared Franco to understand and appreciate the quality of Provence reed, laying the foundations for what would become MARCA. The company was founded with a clear vision: to create reeds that meet the demands of both professionals and amateurs. The rigorous selection of reed, harvested locally in France’s ideal regions, quickly positioned MARCA as a byword for quality and precision.
Have you ever wondered how we make our reeds? We'd like to reveal a few secrets. From the discovery of the cane to how we select and harvest our raw materials today and then transform them into superior-quality reeds, the story of our manufacturing processes may well surprise you.
— Nicolas RIGHICEO MARCA and Company
Ideal Location
The local saying "la tête au soleil et les pieds dans l'eau" perfectly illustrates the ideal conditions for growing the Provence cane. This plant, which plays an essential role in the production of reeds, thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as the Var. The mounds near streams offer a perfect combination of abundant sun and controlled moisture, which prevents excess dampness while ensuring healthy growth. The region is renowned for the exceptional quality of its reed, which is the basis for the best reeds used by musicians around the world.
These unique natural conditions, with mild winters and hot but not excessive summers, allow the Provence cane to develop under optimal conditions, thereby guaranteeing a high-quality raw material that is essential to MARCA's reputation in the manufacture of reeds.
Development and Innovation
Over the decades, MARCA has combined tradition and innovation to become a leading player in the manufacture of quality reeds. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, the company has perfected its production processes while preserving the artisanal methods that made it famous. Every step of production, from the careful selection of Provence cane to the precise cutting of the reeds, reflects this balance between traditional craftsmanship and modernity.
The adoption of state-of-the-art machines has allowed MARCA to increase the precision and consistency of its reeds, meeting the demands of the most exacting musicians. These technical innovations, paired with strict quality control, have strengthened the brand's reputation on the international market. Yet despite this modernization, MARCA is careful to preserve the artisanal heritage passed down through generations, ensuring authentic products suited to today's musicians.
This ability to evolve without abandoning its artisanal roots has enabled 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.
Featured Products
MARCA offers a varied range of reeds for clarinet, saxophone and other wind instruments, each designed to deliver exceptional response and tone, meeting the expectations of jazz, classical and other genre musicians. Among its flagship series, the reeds "Supérieure" and "Premium" are especially renowned 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 advance in the industry. These natural reeds, reinforced with synthetic fibers, combine tradition and modernity to provide increased strength and optimal sonic response. Available in four distinct models — Classic, Elite, Jazz and Studio — the UNIC reeds are designed to satisfy the most demanding musicians, offering unparalleled playing precision and durability.
Thanks to this innovation, MARCA further strengthens its position as a leader by offering solutions that blend 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, and leading music schools have regularly chosen the MARCA reeds for their uncompromising quality. The brand has become synonymous with excellence, meeting the needs of the most demanding musicians, whether 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 reflected in the care taken when selecting materials, notably the reeds of Provence, responsibly harvested, as well as in optimizing 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.
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 a close collaboration with professional musicians, these innovative reeds meet contemporary players' demands for precision, durability and versatility, while respecting the heritage of quality and excellence that has made MARCA renowned for generations.
With UNIC reeds, MARCA succeeds in combining tradition and modernity, offering an incomparable sound response and increased longevity, essential for modern performance. This advancement demonstrates the brand's ability to evolve in step with musicians' expectations while preserving the core values that have always guided its development.