Description
This Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone is in good condition with around 70-80% of the original lacquer and 90% of the silver plating on the keys. The pads are a mix of older and newer, all in good condition. It has just come back from the shop where it has been cleaned and adjusted so it plays well despite a few cosmetic issues. The lacquer is starting to wear off, particularly on the back of the body. There is only one little section of lacquer wear on the leg side of the bell (the raw brass has been polished there). Most of the back of the body is polished raw brass and there are sections that are starting to tarnish. There is one dent in the bow guard but there is no evidence of any major repairs. Please see the pictures for more details.
The serial number is “M227113” making this a 1974 vintage alto saxophone. Above the serial number is engraved “Made in France Brev. S.G.D.G. 920653 US. PAT+ 2710558 US. PAT+ 2846917”. The engraving on the bell is beautiful and crisp. “Henri Selmer Paris” is engraved in laurel leaves and after that “Selmer Made in France” with the R trademark sign. All around the words are swirling leaves and flowers that continue around the bell and onto the bow. “Mark VI” is engraved where the bell meets the bow. This alto saxophone comes with the original “H. Selmer Paris” neck that is pretty much all raw brass and has very minor evidence of pull down. This saxophone comes in a new Selmer case. No mouthpiece is included.
Selmer’s Balanced Actions, Super Balanced Actions and Mark VI’s are the Stradivarius of saxophones. At the end of the day deciding which to buy is a little like picking between a Lamborghini or a Ferrari. It is really a matter of preference. For this particular horn, we can tell you that it has that rich, dark, iconic Selmer sound. These are not Yamahas that are cranked out; each saxophone has its own character and presence that is almost impossible to describe on paper. It has to be heard; it has to be felt. Check out the video below to hear this saxophone.
Additional Information:
Instrument Condition: The overall physical condition of this used instrument is good to very good.
Playing Condition: This instrument is currently in very good playing condition.
The Key Plating: Approximately 85-90% of the original key plating remains with light player wear to the touch spots.
The Finish: It has approximately 70-80% of the lacquered finish.
Player Wear: Light general wear (possible surface scratches and/or minor dents/dings).
The Bell: No dents or evidence of bell edge damage. There is very light evidence of bell lip pull down removal.
The Bow: Light dent in the bottom bow or bow guard.
Pad Condition: The pads are in combination of newer and older used condition.
Resonator Type: Combination of metal and plastic resonators.
The Neck: The neck has almost raw brass finish with light general wear (possible surface scratches and/or minor dents/dings) with very minor evidence of pull down.
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece, ligature, or accessories are included.
The Case: A new Selmer case is included.
Engraving: Made in France Brev. S.G.D.G. 920653 US. PAT+ 2710558 US. PAT+ 2846917 (above the serial number) Henri Selmer Paris Selmer Made in France (on the bell) Mark VI (where the bell meets the bow) H. Selmer Paris (on the neck).
*Note: We do offer private appointments to test our high end quality instruments, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
