About

Early 1900's

Clair Omar Musser was a gifted marimba performer, conductor, composer, and marimba designer. He was even trained as an aircraft engineer. In 1930, he became the chief engineer and designer for the JC Deagan Mallet Instrument Company and in 1948, left to start the Musser Mallet Company in the Chicago area.

About

1948

Musser created the modern Vibraphone design and expanded the line into marimbas, xylophones, chimes, and orchestra bells. It would grow to become the most dominant mallet instrument company in the world.

About

1950's-1960's

In 1956, Musser sold his business to Lyons Band in Chicago. A few years later it was sold to Dick Richardson who grew the company further by creating a partnership with the Ludwig Drum Company to distribute products through the same sales team. During this era, jazz vibe legend Lionel Hampton became a major influence for the Musser Company.

In 1965, Ludwig acquired Musser creating a “Total Percussion” company with mallet instruments and drums. Artists like Gary Burton arrived on scene and elevated the Musser brand to new heights.

About

1970's

With a potential shortage of rosewood used to make bars for xylophones and marimbas in the 70’s, Musser would be the first to develop a synthetic bar material made from Kelon ®, a special blend of fiberglass strands. This innovation allowed instruments to be used in outside weather elements in drum corps and marching bands.

About

1980's

In 1981, Ludwig-Musser was sold to the Selmer Company. Production of Musser mallet instruments continue to be made in LaGrange, Illinois outside of Chicago until 2013.

About

2010's

In 2013 production was moved to Elkhart, Indiana where it currently resides. Today Musser is known as the choice for “sound” by professionals.