Here’s a chance to buy one of the first Selmer Mark VI altos made for a very affordable price! This is a Euro lacquered Canadian market Selmer Mark VI serial 57733 from 1955 that looks like original lacquer but is a factory relacquer with almost no buffing done to the horn, as you can see from the very sharply-cut engraving which was done with a fine touch to begin with and still looks great. This horn is showed up with old pads and missing the little guard next to the chromatic F#. I will very soon have a replacement one made to OEM spec, but it’s not on there in the photos yet. This alto has a dark, powerful, focused tone that is really unique among Selmers. You only see it from around 57-62k serial numbers in the VI altos, and I usually describe it as playing ‘like a cannon,’ because of the kind of power you get from it. It’s not bright – the other serial of VI that has a ton of power is the 140k range in altos, but this is like a 140k but way darker and less shrill in the palm keys compared to the ‘sanborn serial’ ones from ’67-68. Anyway, it’s a very very good alto. You’re getting it priced low because it needs an overhaul. Lots of buyers tell me they like horns that are priced low but need some work, because they have cheaper repair options where they are than I may here in NC in the USA. It should be a pretty straightforward overhaul, as Selmers are easy to repair compared to most other vintage horns, and because this one is quite nice aside from having been played a fair amount. I would recommend Pisoni italian leather pads and slightly domed metal resonators as a good ‘recipe’ for an overhaul on this. It comes in a contoured ProTec case that will get it to you safely and easily.
