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Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone

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$3,000.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$3,000.00 14 available Used

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Average Price: $3,000

Standard/Professional

$1800

$4001+

Price Tier

In the Tenor Saxophones category, Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone is a revered instrument among professional musicians and passionate amateurs alike. Crafted between 1954 and 1974, this saxophone is celebrated for its exceptional build quality and remarkable tonal versatility, offering everything from warm, velvety lows to bright, crisp highs. Its enduring legacy is marked by an impeccable design that continues to influence modern saxophone construction.

The Selmer Mark VI is particularly esteemed for its ergonomic keywork, which allows for fluid transitions and effortless playability. Players appreciate the meticulously crafted neck and octave mechanism that contributes to its precise intonation and rich harmonic overtones. Many saxophonists regard the Mark VI as not just an instrument but an extension of their musical voice, offering a playability and sound quality that have made it a legend in the jazz world and beyond.

Whether in a concert hall or an intimate jazz club, the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone delivers a performance that commands attention and resonates with audiences. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to adapt to a wide range of musical styles, making it a versatile choice for both solo performances and ensemble settings.

Key Features:

Crafted by Selmer, a leading name in professional saxophones
Known for its ergonomic keywork for enhanced playability
Renowned for producing a rich and versatile tonal range
Vintage model favored by jazz and classical musicians
Durable construction and high-quality materials for long-lasting use
Features a meticulously crafted neck and octave mechanism for precise intonation

Product specs

Brand	Selmer
Model	Mark VI Tenor Saxophone
Finish	Lacquered Brass
Year	1970 - 1975
Categories	Saxophones

FAQs

What makes the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone highly sought after by musicians?: The Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone is renowned for its exceptional tone quality, superior craftsmanship, and responsive action, making it a favorite among professional saxophonists since its production era from 1954 to 1981.
How does the finish on a Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone affect its sound?: The lacquered brass finish of the Selmer Mark VI is believed to contribute to its warm, rich tone, although opinions vary among players. The finish can also affect the instrument's resonance and projection.
Is the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone suitable for jazz music?: Yes, the Selmer Mark VI is particularly favored in the jazz community for its versatile sound and ability to produce a wide range of dynamics, making it ideal for both solo and ensemble performances.
How does the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone compare to other models in terms of playability?: The Selmer Mark VI is praised for its comfortable keywork and ergonomic design, which allows for smooth and intuitive playability, making it a preferred choice for many seasoned saxophonists.
What should I consider when purchasing a vintage Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone?: When buying a vintage Selmer Mark VI, consider the instrument's condition, serial number, original parts, and any previous repairs or modifications, as these factors can significantly impact its value and performance.

Videos

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone.

Build quality

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It's noted that the Mark VI's keywork heavily influenced modern saxophones, with many current models copying its design innovations.
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User experience

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It's noted that no two Mark VI tenors play identically, and finding a truly great one is considered rare and valuable.
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Owners mention a special feel and sound when playing the Mark VI, although recordings reveal little difference across horns.
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Owners express that the Mark VI offers a unique voicing well-suited to the progressive jazz styles of the 50s-70s, providing a break from the preceding big-sax sound.
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A player noticed their 83,xxx Mark VI has a unique punchiness missing from a modern Keilwerth SX90R, highlighting a distinct player feedback and sound characteristic.
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Features and functionality

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The early Mark VI models feature D rings instead of ball joints for side keys, offering a unique mechanical feel.
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The Mark VI was the first saxophone to introduce the tilting Bb spatula, enhancing the ease of movement, although some find the pinky table design remains awkward.
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The robust lower register, especially on C and Bb, is highlighted as a standout feature, even when the instrument needs repairs.
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Comparisons

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Some players note that modern horns have better intonation and ergonomics, despite the Mark VI's revered status.
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Discussions highlight that while the Mark VI is cherished, many newer horns like the Selmer Paris Series III offer superior tone, intonation, and mechanics.
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One user preferred the tonal consistency of their Bueschers over the Mark VI, citing the latter's variability in intonation from top to bottom as a drawback.
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The Selmer SBA is noted for filling the room more effectively compared to the Mark VI, which is described as having a more directional sound.
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Use cases and applications

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Some players find the Mark VI's harmonically rich tone highly adaptable across various styles, making it a versatile choice for jazz musicians.
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Value and pricing

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There is a perception of a "lost magic" in later Selmer Paris models, with many owners seeking the distinctive tonal qualities attributed to the Mark VI.
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A $2500 Mark VI needing $1000 in repairs is considered a good deal, as these saxophones can often sell for significantly more after refurbishment.
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Mods and upgrades

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Neo Pads are being considered as a replacement for the existing pads, implying a focus on enhancing playability.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's advised to ensure the neck is original and check for any neck pull-down or bell damage before purchasing.
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Critic Reviews

Selmer MkVI tenor saxophone review

shwoodwind.co.uk

The Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, often hailed as a legend, is a mixed bag of history and craftsmanship. It boasts impressive build quality and a rich, confident tone, but inconsistency between individual horns can lead to unexpected surprises. While it shines in jazz settings with its unique character and responsive action, it suffers from mechanical quirks like uneven tone and tuning issues. The wear and tear over decades necessitate careful maintenance. Though not revolutionary, its evolutionary design set a benchmark, yet it remains a sax that demands patience and skill to master.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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ulli_juenemann

over 9 years ago

Selmer MK VI

best horn 4 all kinds of music jazz, classical, pop

Artist usage

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John Coltrane

Saxophonist

John Coltrane Quartet

Verified via Smithsonian

The saxophone was donated by John's son Ravi to the Smithsonian

Garth Hudson

Keyboardist, Saxophonist

The Band

Verified via Hiof

"The saxophones have also come and gone since Garth mimmicked those Lee Allen solos in the mid-fifties. Although basically relying on a Selmer Mk VI tenor, he also owns one now which once belonged to Vido Musso, the tenor legend from the Stan Kenton Band."

Michael Brecker

Composer, Saxophonist

Pavlov's Dog

Verified via Wikipedia

Early in his career, Brecker played a Selmer Super Balanced Action saxophone, later moving from the older model to its successor, the Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone (serial number 86xxx, manufactured in 1960) as his main instrument[6] using a customized Dave Guardala mouthpiece.[7] His earlier mouthpieces included a metal Otto Link STM (during the mid-1970s) and a metal Dukoff in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As for reeds, Michael used LaVoz Medium (#3) brand (cut from arundo donax -- "Giant" or "Spanish" reed.)

Kamasi Washington

Composer

Dinner Party

Verified via Nytimes

This saxophone, which previously belonged to Kamasi Washington's father is the only tenor he has ever played.

Kenny G

Saxophonist

Dance Aid

Verified via Music Work Center

A VST which intends to replicate Kenny G's sound. It states that he used a Selmer Mark VI tenor with a RIA Metal #8 mouthpiece and a Hemke reed.

Clarence Clemons

Saxophonist

E Street Band

Verified via Newbury Sax School

Clarence Clemons is confirmed to have used the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, as stated by Newbury Sax School in their article "Famous Saxophone Players Clarence Clemons."

Wayne Shorter

Composer, Saxophonist

Weather Report

Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video interview produced by Henri SELMER Paris, Wayne Shorter confirms that he received his first Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone around 1951 or 1952. He states that he used the Mark VI throughout his career, including during his time with Art Blakey and later with Miles Davis. Despite his original Mark VI being stolen, Shorter acquired another, demonstrating his commitment to the brand. He describes Selmer as "the Rolls Royce of instruments" and credits it as "the vehicle that would take you as far and even further than you would like to go."

Sonny Rollins

Saxophonist

Pat Metheny & Sonny Rollins Trio

Verified via Henri SELMER Paris

According to Henri SELMER Paris's official artist profile, Sonny Rollins uses the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone. The profile highlights the Mark VI as the instrument of choice for Rollins, noting its presence throughout his illustrious career, including during the recording of renowned albums such as "Saxophone Colossus."

Dave Koz

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Verified via Dave Koz

Dave Koz uses a classic Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, circa 1963. According to Dave Koz, the neck of his saxophone has been stripped and silver-plated, which he states adds "a bit of a brighter sound and a little more immediacy." This information is confirmed by the official source on Dave Koz's website.

Coleman Hawkins

Saxophonist

Kenny Burrell & Coleman Hawkins

Verified via Henri SELMER Paris

According to Henri SELMER Paris, Coleman Hawkins transitioned from the Balanced Action to the Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone in 1954. The official artist profile notes that Hawkins remained loyal to the Balanced Action "until the release of the Mark VI in 1954," confirming his adoption of the Mark VI tenor saxophone, which he played for the remainder of his career until his passing in 1969.