Selmer Mark VI Tenor 116xxx Original Plays Well

Description

This is a beautiful, original lacquer Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone SN# 116xxx. It has good pads and plays great with a medium dark, focused tone. The early 6-digit tenors like this are quite similar in tone to the 90k horns and are a very good value in a VI. They have that dark, compact, projecting core sound that is the tonal palette that you as a player can bend in so many directions to make a whole range of sounds. This horn is nice and lively – quite responsive, and just all-around fun to play.

It has no past repairs and no current damage of any kind. The neck (which has been with the horn for decades) is also a 116xxx but the last three numbers of the serial do not match. I have seen several other 115-116k VI tenors like this with a close but not quite matching serial, and I am not sure whether that is just a coincidence, or whether someone at the factory at this time was mixing and matching necks for optimal sonic characteristics. Maybe someday we will know. In any case, it is a gorgeous match tonally for the horn and just plays great. Altissimo is easy, intonation is great. There is no damage or pull down on the neck.

Buying a vintage horn can be pretty overwhelming on the internet (or even in person!), and I try to take much of the difficulty out of the process by only buying really good horns. If it’s on the site, I stand behind it as being an excellent saxophone and as described. I really think anyone looking for a reasonably-priced and beautiful original VI tenor would be very happy to own this horn. I will also throw in a nice modern case with the horn for optimal protection and safe shipping. We can discuss options (BAM, Hiscox etc) based on what your particular needs would be. This is an easy, turn-key purchase for a beautiful and great-sounding vintage Selmer tenor, which is probably the last horn you ever need to buy. So grab this one and don’t look back!