Selmer Mark VI Tenor 1966 Original Lacquer Very Good Condition 132445

This is a beautiful original lacquer Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone from 1966. It has most of its original lacquer intact, with some around the bell engraving that will probably come off when it gets washed for overhaul (so the red will go away and just be unlacquered and turn brown over time). The pads are almost all original from the factory, which is becoming rarer and rarer to see these days. The original factory setup on the American-assembled Mark VI’s is so good that the majority of them still play well even with 60 year-old pads. This one is no exception. It’s somewhat leaky, but it still has a huge, fat, medium dark, powerful tone. You can still play low Bb without much trouble!

The early 130k VI’s play more like an early 80k serial VI than any other vintage. I play an 81k myself, so I think the 130-137k VI tenors are a real sweet spot in terms of quality per dollar. This original pads example is super clean with minimal past repairs. There are no resolders and the original neck has the matching serial number. There are no dents or dings. I had a couple of small dings removed from the back of the bow, but there’s no trace of them now. Original neck is undamaged and hasn’t been pulled down. This is probably one of the best Mark VI’s around for sale anywhere right now, and it’s at a very solid price as well. You’ll want to get it overhauled by a skilled repairer soon, as the original pads won’t last. It’s a simple horn to work on and a very rewarding overhaul to do. There are no serious repair issues or anything. It’s just time to replace the pads and get it all cleaned up for its next 60 years of playing. Original case is also in good condition.

Only one available!