Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $12,000

High-end/Boutique

$3000

$6001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone (Low A) is a legendary instrument cherished by saxophonists for its rich tonal quality and exceptional craftsmanship. Originally produced between 1954 and 1981, the Mark VI series has become synonymous with professional excellence and historical significance in the world of saxophones. This iconic baritone saxophone is renowned for its beautifully resonant sound, making it a popular choice among jazz, classical, and band musicians alike.

Crafted with precision in France, the Mark VI Baritone Saxophone features a Low A key, allowing players to achieve deeper notes and a broader range. Its meticulously designed bore and keywork offer smooth action and comfortable playability, ensuring that musicians can express their artistry effortlessly. The instrument's robust construction provides durability while maintaining a lightweight feel, making it suitable for both concert performances and marching band use.

The Selmer Mark VI's distinct voice is complemented by its handcrafted design, which includes a high-quality finish and professional-grade materials. Players appreciate the saxophone's ability to deliver both subtle nuances and powerful projection, providing versatility across various musical genres. Whether you're performing a soulful ballad or an energetic solo, the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone delivers a performance that resonates with audiences.

Key Features:

  • Low A key for extended range
  • Crafted in France with premium materials
  • Designed for exceptional tonal quality and projection
  • Comfortable keywork for fluid playability
  • Historically significant model highly regarded by professional musicians

Product specs

Brand Selmer
Model Mark VI Baritone Saxophone
Year 1960s
Categories Saxophones

FAQs

What is the key range of the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone (Low A)?

The Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone (Low A) typically has a range from low A to high F♯, allowing for a wide variety of musical expression across genres.

Is the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone suitable for professional players?

Yes, the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone is highly regarded by professional players for its rich tone and excellent craftsmanship, making it a preferred choice for advanced musicians.

What distinguishes the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone from other models?

The Selmer Mark VI is renowned for its superior intonation, responsive action, and the distinctive warm sound that has made it a classic choice among saxophonists since the 1960s.

How does the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone handle in terms of playability?

The Selmer Mark VI is celebrated for its ergonomic design and balanced weight distribution, which enhances playability and comfort during extended performances.

What kind of music is the Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone best suited for?

The Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone excels in jazz, classical, and contemporary music, thanks to its versatile tonal range and dynamic capabilities.

KB Sax

KB Sax

Selmer Mark VI Bari Sax #69xxx Low A

Video thumbnail for Selmer Mark VI Bari Sax #69xxx Low A by KB Sax

Selmer Mark VI Bari Sax #69xxx Low A

KB Sax

KB Sax

Video thumbnail for Baritone Saxophone Comparison: 1959 Low A Selmer Mark VI vs Low Bb 1952  Selmer SBA vs 1932 Conn 12M by Brian Landrus

Baritone Saxophone Comparison: 1959 Low A Selmer Mark VI vs Low Bb 1952 Selmer SBA vs 1932 Conn 12M

Brian Landrus

Brian Landrus

Video thumbnail for Selmer mark vi low a baritone saxophone for sale by Lock R

Selmer mark vi low a baritone saxophone for sale

Lock R

Lock R

Video thumbnail for Restored Selmer Mark Vi Low A Baritone 278700 Pt1 by SaxquestShop

Restored Selmer Mark Vi Low A Baritone 278700 Pt1

SaxquestShop

SaxquestShop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone (Low A).

Build quality

  • Some users note the potential for neck pulldown issues, which could affect the sound quality and playability.

    Source
  • The Selmer 156A model has a common weak point at the bell brace, often requiring reinforcement or replacement after extensive use.

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Features and functionality

  • Low A baritones are preferred for classical players needing to read string quartet parts for Low Concert C on Cello.

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  • The low-A key is located on the pinky table, a design choice attributed to its Buescher 400 heritage, making it less ergonomic for some players.

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Value and pricing

  • Mark VI baritones have a wide value range ($4,000-$15,000) depending on condition, provenance, and selling method.

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  • While a purchase price of $2,100 might seem high, finding a low-A baritone under $2000 is rare, especially for student-grade models.

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Use cases and applications

  • Marketing to local schools or jazz scenes might generate more interest for a quicker sale.

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Other

  • Colored lacquer finishes, like pink rose, are rare and can add to the instrument's uniqueness and potential value.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Baritones shipped in typical plywood cases often suffer damage during transit, necessitating immediate inspection and potential repair upon arrival.

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Comparisons

  • The Selmer USA baritone is often compared to the Conn 11m and Buescher 400 series, sharing design elements from both, especially in key placement and bell extension.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the tone and intonation of the Selmer USA baritone acceptable, with the ability to produce loud sounds, though the horn is noted for being heavy with clunky ergonomics.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martín Perna uses Selmer Mark VI Baritone Saxophone (Low A)

Martín Perna

Composer

Ocote Soul Sounds

...
Verified via All About Jazz Musicians

Listed among Perna's gear on his All About Jazz artist page biography.

I play exclusively Bari reeds and use SYOS mouthpieces. My main horn is a 1961 Selmer Mark VI (Low A). I also play a 1956 Martin “The Martin” Tenor, a 1953 Martin “The Martin” baritone saxophone (Low Bb) and a 1910 Buffet / Evette & Schaefer alto saxopohone. I use a Yamaha 281S soprano flute. My shekeres are made exclusively by Madeleine Yayodele Nelson (Women of the Calabash) (RIP).

It is specified to be a baritone in this June 9, 2019 Instagram post:

New Theo Wanne custom modified baritone saxophone mouthpiece courtesy of the whiz Matt Ambrose. @ambrosematter nerd time: I was using the Durga series 6 but sounding consistently sharp in warm rooms and environments. I couldn’t pull the mouthpiece enough to tune correctly. Matt added a longer shank to the mouthpiece to anchor it in the short neck of my Mark VI.

Another Mark VI is mentioned in this March 3, 2020 Instagram post:

The only way I can assure my horn (and hat) don’t get smashed. Thanks to the United folks who didn’t give me any grief today. (1974 Selmer Mark VI- Low A)

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 Baritone Saxophone (Low A), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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