135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video

135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video

Regular price $ 6,400

1966 Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone, s/n 135061. The lacquer is original and 90%+ is present. This horn was originally outfitted with a Varitone setup, which was Selmer's attempt at amplifying the saxophone in order to compete with electronic instruments of the 1960's. You can still see some remnants of the Varitone setup, including mounting holes in the low B/Bb keyguard, and a metal bracket on the bow to bell brace. The neck also originally had microphone pickup, which has been patched over. The patch was placed under the neck cork, which I though was a great idea to cover the patch, so we decided to keep the aesthetic during the overhaul. 

One of the attributes that make a Varitone tenor quite special and unique is its neck. It has a lower profile than other necks of the same vintage, and it has been discussed that the neck design is the same as 80,xxx necks. When comparing this neck to a spare 85,xxx neck that I have, they are identical. Later Mark VI necks are about 1 cm taller, and have a different profile than the Varitone neck.

This sax just received a full mechanical overhaul from Mike Livingston, who does great repair work. The horn is locked in and playing with ease from top to bottom. The horn is fitted with plastic resonators, which is what this horn originally had.  The sax comes in a Mark VI case from the correct vintage. Both zippers move freely, but there is some damage to the bottom of the case where the plastic has worn away completely, which you can see in the pictures.

 

 

135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video
135,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, Varitone Model, Orig Lacquer, Overhaul, Video