Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone 151xxx High F# Outstanding Player

This is a beautiful example of a primo Mark VI alto SN# 151xxx with high F#. It is uncommon to see a high F# on a VI alto in this range, but many modern players cannot function without one, so that makes these horns very desirable. The VI altos that have the best all around intonation are those after around 1375xx, when Selmer changed its bow design and improved bell key intonation. There is little to no difference between the 140xxx altos championed by Dave Sanborn, and an early 15x,xxx like this. As far as I can tell, they are identical, except that my favorite players have been in the 148-152k range, thus far. It’s a great do-it-all alto for anybody.

Description

This horn is in very good structural condition with no dents, no dings, no resolders, and no damage to the (original) neck. I got it from the original owner, who took good care of it and didn’t play it much. It is a really fun horn to play, with a rich, medium tone that is between bright and dark. The great thing about the tone on this horn is that it has a lot of complexity to it – it is not totally clear and round like a Series III, but instead has a dense, complex core that just sounds more interesting and lyrical. This recently got a fresh, full overhaul from Steve Collins, who does absolutely top-quality pad work on Mark VI altos. It got an original set of Selmer brown plastic screw in resonators put in, which is what it deserves, being such a fine example of a Mark VI. The overhaul is included in the price, of course, and adds a lot of value. This horn plays GREAT now. If I could only play one alto for the rest of my life, I would happily play this one. (And no, the high F# does not cause any problems with a VI alto like this compared to ones without F#.) It is just an extra key that is there if you need it, which is great for classical repertoire that assumes that you have that key. Whoever gets this horn should definitely love it. It’s just great.