139,xxx Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, 85% Original Lacquer, Sanborn S/N, Video
139,xxx Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone with approximately 85% original lacquer. This sax just arrived, having been recently repadded by the previous owner. The overall condition is excellent and the horn shows only signs of honest wear. The previous tech applied some spray lacquer to the exposed metal, mainly on the back side of the bell. This was done for cosmetic reasons to prevent further oxidation. The sax comes in the original case in good condition.
This range of Mark VI altos is considered the very best alto saxophones that Selmer ever produced. Greats including David Sanborn and Kenny Garrett play and collect altos in this s/n range. Selmer experimented with various bow lengths and ultimately went to the medium bow shortly before this one was produced. The medium bow has the best combination of great intonation and excellent tone. For me, these altos have some extra power, focus and depth to their sound.
I love how this horn plays. It has a tight, focused, punchy sound that would absolutely sing in a combo or a sax section. I have another Sanborn range 1967 alto sax in stock, and these horns are actually fairly different from each other. This one feels focused and efficient, whereas the other one's sound is broad and rich. I love both horns but in different ways. Either could be the horn for you, depending on what you're looking for.
