83,xxx Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, 99% Original Satin Silver Plate, Medium Bow, Overhaul, WOW
1959 83,xxx Selmer Mark VI with a very rare original satin (matte) silver plate finish. This striking finish was a custom order option from Selmer, and very few exist today. The body has a fine bead blast finish, and the keys and engraving inlay are polished silver. The contrast between the silver finishes is quite striking. The overall condition is excellent and the silver plating wear is minimal.
Selmer experimented with different bow lengths in the 1950's and made a small run of medium bow altos like this one. Most agree that the medium bow was Selmer's best Mark VI alto design, so this is the best of the best: it's got the early 5-digit Selmer sound and build quality, with a medium bow for improved intonation.
The sax just received a top of the line overhaul from Eric Beach, whose overhaul work is world class. He uses top of the line parts including Pisoni Pro pads and original reusable Selmer metal resonators. The sax is in incredible shape overall and has no history of damage.
The neck arrived with an old Varitone pickup, and I sent it out to Aaron Barnard who expertly installed a flush plug. Other than the slight discoloration, one would never know that the sax previously had a mic installed. The repair is perfectly flat on the inside and outside of the neck, so there is minimal impact on how the sax plays and responds.
The sax has a gorgeous, lush, resonant sound that plays a bit darker than its lacquered counterpart. The sax plays with ease and evenness throughout the entire range.
