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Average Price: $5,495
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$1500
$3501+
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Description
The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone is a legendary instrument revered by musicians around the world. Crafted in France from 1954 to 1981, its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship make it a highly sought-after choice for professional saxophonists. Known for its iconic sound and precise intonation, the Mark VI truly stands out among woodwinds.
Each Selmer Mark VI is carefully constructed using high-quality brass, providing a resonant and full-bodied tone that has defined countless jazz, classical, and contemporary performances. The saxophone features a ribbed construction, which enhances durability and contributes to its characteristic warm sound. Its ergonomic keywork is designed for comfort and ease of play, allowing musicians to perform with agility and expressiveness.
The Mark VI's design is a testament to Selmer's commitment to innovation and quality. With a balanced neck angle and a meticulously crafted bore, it delivers optimal airflow and projection, making it a favorite on concert stages worldwide. Despite being discontinued over four decades ago, the Selmer Mark VI remains a timeless choice for discerning saxophonists.
Key Features:
- Crafted from high-quality brass for a rich, resonant tone
- Ribbed construction for enhanced durability
- Ergonomic keywork for comfortable playability
- Balanced neck angle for optimal airflow and projection
- Iconic sound and precise intonation loved by professionals
- Legendary instrument with a rich history, produced from 1954 to 1981
Product specs
| Brand | Selmer |
| Model | Mark VI Alto Saxophone |
| Finish | Lacquered Brass |
| Year | 1960s |
| Categories | Saxophones |
FAQs
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What makes the Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone highly sought after by musicians?
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The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone is renowned for its exceptional build quality, rich tonal character, and responsive playability. Introduced in the 1960s, it remains a favorite among professional saxophonists for its versatility across genres and its historical significance in jazz music.
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How can I identify if a saxophone is a genuine Selmer Mark VI?
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Genuine Selmer Mark VI saxophones typically have a serial number starting around 1410 and feature a distinctive Mark VI stamp on the upper body. This model is known for its lacquered brass finish and was primarily produced in the 1960s.
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Is the Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone suitable for beginners?
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While the Selmer Mark VI is a professional-grade instrument known for its exceptional sound and craftsmanship, it might be more suitable for advanced players due to its historical value and price point. Beginners may benefit from starting with a more affordable model before upgrading.
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What type of music is the Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone best suited for?
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The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, including jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Its rich, expressive tone is particularly favored in jazz settings.
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How does the sound of the Selmer Mark VI compare to other alto saxophones?
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The Selmer Mark VI is celebrated for its warm, full-bodied sound and excellent projection. Many musicians consider it to have a unique tonal quality that sets it apart from other alto saxophones, contributing to its enduring popularity among professionals.
Videos
Saxologic
I FINALLY GOT A VINTAGE SELMER MARK VI!!!
I FINALLY GOT A VINTAGE SELMER MARK VI!!!
Saxologic
Selmer Mark VI Alto Test
Stantawn Kendrick
The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone
A & G Central Music Inc
Sax-Shop.com 1959 Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone
Sax-Shop com
Gorgeous Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone 129xxx Play Test! www.newyorksax.com
JL Woodwinds
Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone Showdown! 220xxx VS 126xxx VS 94xxx Comparisons! Which One Wins?
JL Woodwinds
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone.
Build quality
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Owners note that the Selmer Mark VI has variable build quality across models, with only select horns achieving the desired sound quality and consistency.
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Comparisons
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The Mark VI is compared to modern horns like the Keilwerth SX90R, which is praised for playability but lacks the unique "punchiness" of the Mark VI.
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Features and functionality
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The tilting Bb spatula on the Mark VI improved maneuverability, although some find the design less ergonomic, particularly when transitioning between C# and Bb.
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Midwest regions like Detroit offer reputable shops with skilled technicians, such as Meridian Winds, known for innovative saxophone engineering and specialization in Selmer instruments.
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User experience
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Despite inconsistencies, the Mark VI is praised for its harmonically rich, versatile core tone, adaptable to various styles beyond just jazz.
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Some owners suggest first trying a "playing condition" repair instead of a full overhaul to potentially save costs, unless new pads are explicitly needed.
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Use cases and applications
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A Mark VI is often preferred for its unique sound in modern jazz, while alternatives like the Conn 10M are noted for their use in classic jazz settings.
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Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
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A meticulous overhaul can cost up to $2,500, including new pads, springs, and resonators, with attention to corks, felts, key height, and neck fit for optimal performance.
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Opting for an overhaul with a reputable tech often includes a free tune-up after the instrument settles, a benefit not available if the saxophone is shipped.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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Here you can see Ian McDonald playing the Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone. This is the Saxophone Ian used on the recording of "In the Court of the Crimson King" according to a booklet from The 50th Anniversary box set of the album.
A VST which intends to replicate Kenny G's sound. It states that he used a Selmer Mark VI alto with a Beechler Diamond S58 mouthpiece and a Hemke reed.
David Sanborn used a Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone, as noted in an April 1988 interview in the jazz magazine DownBeat, where he expressed a preference for saxophones within the 140,000-150,000 serial number range, all produced in 1967.
In the video titled "GTA San Andreas Theme," uploaded by InstrumentManiac on YouTube, Luke Pickman is clearly seen using a Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone at the 22-second mark, providing visual evidence of his preference for this specific model of saxophone.
The Selmer website states “Among his favourite saxophones are the Mark VI alto.”
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Ian Underwood often used a Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone in his work with Zappa and The Mothers of Invention.
In the YouTube video titled "Re-Recording Our Hit Song With The CHEAPEST Temu Instruments" by ZackGrooves, it is confirmed at 2:33 that Saxologic, alongside tenor sax player Sean, uses Selmer Mark VI saxophones.
In this interview by the McGill Music Sax School, Boney's gear is listed at the bottom of the interview, which states that he plays on a Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone.
Martin Meredith plays a Selmer Mark VII Alto Saxophone, as evidenced by the image provided on Equipboard.
According to Pepper's widow, Laurie, Pepper used a custom-restored Mark VI from 1980 to 1981.
"SELMER MARK VI 109410 Played: 1980—1981
Custom restored for Art Pepper in 1980
Mark VI used on the Following Recordings
- One September Afternoon (Galaxy) Winter Moon (Galaxy)
- Roadgame (Galaxy)
- (all Maiden Voyage Recordings - Galaxy)
- With Duke Jordan Various
- Unreleased Art: Vol I Abashiri WT
- Unreleased Art: Vol III Croydon WT
- Unreleased Art: Vol V: Stuttgart WT
- Ronnie Scott 4 disc set Vol VI WT
- Unreleased Art: Vol VII Osaka WT
- About half of the Atlas sessions Various including the two with Sonny Stitt.
- Art at Fat Tuesday’s
- Neon Art 3 Discs (Omnivore)"
Album Usage
The Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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