1968 156,xxx Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, Video
1968 Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone, s/n 156745. This is a great playing horn, from one of the most desirable vintages for Mark VI altos. Selmer changed the design of their altos to a medium bow length shortly before this horn was manufactured. The early medium bow altos are some of the most sought after horns for their full sound, great projection and excellent intonation.
This horn is in great condition. The previous owner overhauled the sax shortly before I acquired it, and the pads are still in new condition and sealing well. The sax has flat riveted metal resonators, which I think give the sound an extra boost. A low C key guard foot has become detached, but the other key guard feet are stable, so the guard is going nowhere. The neck is original to the sax and has never been bent down. The case is original, although one latch no longer functions.
I believe that the lacquer is likely not original. The engraving is perfect and shows no signs of buffing. However, there are some lacquer runs on a few keys (low C is the most obvious to my eye), which I think indicates that at some point someone added lacquer to the horn. Regardless, even if the lacquer is not original, this is one of the cleanest relacquered horns you're ever likely to see.
