Selmer MkVI Alto Sax - Beautiful Example

Sadly it's time for me to sell my Selmer MkVI alto sax, I never get the chance to play it now, and it's far too good an instrument to lie idle. This is a late model, serial no. 220xxx, which dates it about 1972. There is a lot of speculation about whether earlier or later model MkVIs are best. Well, this is the second MkVI alto I have owned, the first being a 1958 model, which I played for many years. I can honestly say that I don't find much difference between them - the action is crisper and more positive on this late one, but that may simply be due to the number of miles on the clock! This horn has not seen a lot of playing over its life, I believe.

Condition is excellent, and the sax plays out of the box. At this level of instrument, you may well wish to make certain adjustments to suit your own playing, but it does not need work, although a few hours dedicated blowing will improve response after it has lain idle for so long. Gold lacquer is very good (98+%) and I think it is original: the engraving on the bell is very clear, and feels "sharp" to the touch.

The neck is undamaged, but here the lacquer has spotted considerably, probably due to the corrosive effects of spit (not mine!). I have known this happen with certain players on Selmer (and other)  saxes - some people are just more acidic than others, I guess!

Body is straight and undamaged as far as I can see, although if you look hard enough you will find a few tiny dings, and scratching in the usual places. There also looks to have been a small dent removed from the bow (slight "star" mark on lacquer). I can't find any solder repairs, and overall the sax looks very nice indeed. Action is precise , fast, and quiet. Pads are metal reflectors and in very good condition with no leaks. Rods are tight and all springs work as they should. Tone, as you would expect from a MkVI alto, is bright, clear, and can be as sweet or coruscating as you like, according to your mouthpiece setup! I personally prefer an old Selmer Soloist D or E hard rubber m/p for a sweeter, more vintage sound, but I have also played this horn with a Dukoff and it wailed!

There is no mouthpiece with the sax, and it comes in its original Selmer Tray-pack case which is in reasonable condition, although showing signs of age. If prefered I can supply it in a brand new plastic fitted case, which fits it very well, instead of the Selmer case. Winner to let me know.

This is an excellent example of a MkVI alto, and it will provide the lucky winner with a lifetime of playing pleasure. I have set a sensible reserve - I want to sell it, but I don't want to give it away! Please ask any questions before bidding, and read the description and look at the picture. I will not accept returns unless my description is shown to have been materially misleading, so please satisfy yourself that this is the instrument for you, before bidding, and remember that, although this horn is in excellent condition, it is, nevertheless 37 years old, and has been used - it is not new!

Good Luck, and please check my other auctions for more items from my collection.