1965 119,xxx Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, 90% Original Lacquer, Long Bow, Original Case, Just Serviced

1965 Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone, s/n 119746. The lacquer is original and approximately 90% remains. The neck is original to the sax with a matching serial number, and it has never been pulled down. There are no resolders. The sax comes in its original case.

My repairman just serviced the sax prior to sale. He replaced one pad, 12 key corks and five felts, and regulated the rest of the pads. The remaining pads are in good condition and have a lot of life left, so the horn seals well and plays easily in all registers.

This sax has a long bow, which Selmer made from 1959 to 1966. Long bow altos tend to have a bit more power and depth to the sound than the later medium and short bow horns. Intonation is quite good on a long bow. Low C and C# can run slightly flat, but the rest of the range is remarkably in tune. These 11x,xxx altos are the same design as the late 5-digit horns, and they can be a fantastic value next to them.

This is a great sounding horn with great projection. The sound is fat and warm, with the extra depth and presence that the long bow is known for, and it stays even from top to bottom. I really like how this one plays.