144,xxx Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, 94% Original Lacquer, SANBORN S/N
1967 144,xxx Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone with approximately 94% original lacquer. Here's an original lacquer Mark VI produced right in the middle of 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, the 14x,xxx altos have some extra power, focus and depth to their sound.
The sax lived most of its life near the coast, so there is a fair amount of oxidation due to the environment. However, my impression is that this is a horn that has been used very little in its life. There are very few scratches, and absolutely no dents or resolders. The action is excellent and has the feel of a horn that hasn't been played much in its life. My repairman adjusted the neck taper back to its original angle.
The sax received a full repad by the previous owner, and my repairman just adjusted the pads so that they seal perfectly. The pads are in new condition, and will last years. The sax comes in the original case which is in good condition. Both zippers move freely, but there's a missing zipper tooth on the side of the case which prevents the zippers from going over this area.
The sax plays very well, as you'd expect for this vintage. The tone is fat and centered. It plays evenly from low Bb to high F.
