1967 142,xxx Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone, 95% Original Lacquer, Vertical Stamp, Fresh Overhaul

1967 Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone, s/n 142395. The lacquer is original with approximately 95% remaining. The sax was just overhauled by Mike Livingston, who does top notch repair work. The horn arrived with most of its original screw in plastic resonators. A couple were missing, and Mike found original ones to complete the set, so the horn is set up the way it came from the factory. These resonators can always be reused for any future pad changes. The neck is original to the horn and has never been pulled down. It comes in its original case, which is in good condition.

This horn has a rare vertical Mark VI stamp. Selmer was not consistent about marking this model over the years. Some early Mark VI's were hand engraved on the body, some horns were engraved or stamped on the bow to bell brace, and some vintages had no Mark VI marking at all. For a few thousand serial numbers in the 141,xxx to 143,xxx range, a small Mark VI stamp was applied vertically on the upper body near the palm keys. It is a distinctive detail from a very short window of production, and this is the only serial number range where you will find it. Interestingly, it is the same stamp Selmer had already been using on Mark VI sopranos.

This tenor has a complex, layered voice with plenty of presence behind it. The 140's range tends to combine the projection of the later Mark VI's with the complexity of the earlier ones, and to my ear this one has both. I like this horn. It is very responsive and easy to play, with an even response from the bottom of the horn to the top.