Musser

Musser

Also known as: Ludwig-Musser, Ludwig Musser, Musser Mallets, Musser Percussion

Unclaimed

Musser is an American mallet percussion manufacturer founded by marimba virtuoso, composer, and instrument designer Clair Omar Musser shortly after World War II. The company established itself as a leading maker of keyboard percussion instruments, producing marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, glockenspiels, orchestra bells, and chimes. Musser's innovations in bar tuning, frame construction, and ...

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Musser is an American mallet percussion manufacturer founded by marimba virtuoso, composer, and instrument designer Clair Omar Musser shortly after World War II. The company established itself as a leading maker of keyboard percussion instruments, producing marimbas, vibraphones, xylophones, glockenspiels, orchestra bells, and chimes. Musser's innovations in bar tuning, frame construction, and mallet design—along with the "Musser grip" for holding four mallets—shaped modern marimba and vibraphone performance technique.

The brand became part of Ludwig in 1965, forming Ludwig-Musser, and today operates under Conn-Selmer alongside other heritage percussion names. Flagship lines include the Ultimate 2.0 marimba and vibraphone series, the Studio Grand marimba, and the long-running M-series concert instruments, which are staples in schools, conservatories, orchestras, and drum corps. Musser vibraphones in particular have a reputation for shimmer and sustain that have made them a fixture in jazz and classical settings.

Musser instruments have been associated with generations of mallet players across concert, marching, and jazz traditions, with jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton being one of the most prominent early advocates of the brand. The company's instruments remain common on stages and in ensembles alongside competing keyboard percussion builders such as Yamaha, Adams, and Marimba One.

Musser has 4 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Vibraphones, Marimbas, and Drums. Their gear is featured by 7 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Electronic, and Pop. Notable users include Paul McCartney, Richard Wright, and Air.

Artists Who Use Musser

Paul McCartney uses 1 Musser product

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist · The Beatles

Richard Wright uses 1 Musser product

Richard Wright

Singer, Keyboardist · Pink Floyd

Air uses 1 Musser product

Air

Music Producer

Owl City uses 1 Musser product

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

Pretty Lights uses 1 Musser product

Pretty Lights

Bassist, Music Producer

David Van Tieghem uses 1 Musser product

David Van Tieghem

Drummer, Keyboardist · Talking Heads

Bill Laurance uses 1 Musser product

Bill Laurance

Keyboardist, Composer · Snarky Puppy

Gear Guides featuring Musser

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