Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone is widely regarded as one of the defining professional saxophones of the twentieth century, valued by many advanced and professional players for its centered tone, responsive feel, and strong musical flexibility across classical, jazz, commercial, and studio settings. The serial number on this instrument places the year of manufacture circa 1972.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Alto saxophone
- Key: Eb
- Manufacturer: Selmer Paris
- Model: Mark VI
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Serial Number: 202206
- Case: Hard case
- Accessories: Cork grease (no mouthpiece)
Condition & Setup
This is a pre-owned vintage Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone with a bright lacquered brass appearance and normal cosmetic evidence of prior use, including light surface scratches, scuffs, small finish marks, and minor spotting on the body, bow, and bell areas. The instrument has just had all pads and corks replaced, and it has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested.
Who the Mark VI Alto Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI alto is best suited to advanced students, professional saxophonists, teachers, collectors, and serious players who want the response and tonal personality associated with a classic Selmer Paris professional alto. Players often consider this model when they want a flexible instrument with a focused core, strong projection potential, and the musical adaptability needed for jazz, concert work, chamber playing, commercial settings, and studio use.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone so highly regarded?
The Mark VI earned its reputation through decades of professional use and remains widely respected for its tonal focus, flexible response, and strong identity in both jazz and classical settings. Many players consider it a benchmark vintage Selmer Paris design.
What is the importance of original lacquer for a vintage instrument?
Original lacquer is crucial for a vintage saxophone because it preserves the instrument's factory-original metal thickness and structural integrity. Modifications like relacquering involve harsh chemical stripping and heavy buffing, which can thin the brass, soften engravings, and ruin the precise tone hole alignment needed for optimal playability. From a collector's standpoint, original lacquer serves as the ultimate benchmark of an instrument’s authenticity, rarity, and untouched condition.
What should a professional player evaluate on a vintage Mark VI?
A professional player should evaluate response, intonation tendencies, keywork feel, neck fit, pad seal, tonal color, and how the instrument supports their own sound concept. Vintage Mark VI saxophones can vary from example to example, so the individual setup and playing response matter.
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Alto Saxophone in Original Lacquer
Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone is widely regarded as one of the defining professional saxophones of the twentieth century, valued by many advanced and professional players for its centered tone, responsive feel, and strong musical flexibility across classical, jazz, commercial, and studio settings. The serial number on this instrument places the year of manufacture circa 1972.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Alto saxophone
- Key: Eb
- Manufacturer: Selmer Paris
- Model: Mark VI
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Serial Number: 202206
- Case: Hard case
- Accessories: Cork grease (no mouthpiece)
Condition & Setup
This is a pre-owned vintage Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone with a bright lacquered brass appearance and normal cosmetic evidence of prior use, including light surface scratches, scuffs, small finish marks, and minor spotting on the body, bow, and bell areas. The instrument has just had all pads and corks replaced, and it has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested.
Who the Mark VI Alto Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI alto is best suited to advanced students, professional saxophonists, teachers, collectors, and serious players who want the response and tonal personality associated with a classic Selmer Paris professional alto. Players often consider this model when they want a flexible instrument with a focused core, strong projection potential, and the musical adaptability needed for jazz, concert work, chamber playing, commercial settings, and studio use.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone so highly regarded?
The Mark VI earned its reputation through decades of professional use and remains widely respected for its tonal focus, flexible response, and strong identity in both jazz and classical settings. Many players consider it a benchmark vintage Selmer Paris design.
What is the importance of original lacquer for a vintage instrument?
Original lacquer is crucial for a vintage saxophone because it preserves the instrument's factory-original metal thickness and structural integrity. Modifications like relacquering involve harsh chemical stripping and heavy buffing, which can thin the brass, soften engravings, and ruin the precise tone hole alignment needed for optimal playability. From a collector's standpoint, original lacquer serves as the ultimate benchmark of an instrument’s authenticity, rarity, and untouched condition.
What should a professional player evaluate on a vintage Mark VI?
A professional player should evaluate response, intonation tendencies, keywork feel, neck fit, pad seal, tonal color, and how the instrument supports their own sound concept. Vintage Mark VI saxophones can vary from example to example, so the individual setup and playing response matter.
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Alto Saxophone in Original Lacquer
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
Orders valued over $99 ship via FedEx 2-Day within the U.S. and via DHL internationally. A physical address (no P.O. Boxes) and signature are required. Smaller accessories ship via USPS (2–5 day service) and do not require a signature if valued under $99. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 30-day return policy to ensure you’re completely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason, return the item for a full refund or full exchange credit (reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened). Every instrument we sell is guaranteed to be free of mechanical defects—if an issue arises, contact us and we’ll either reimburse a local repair or provide a prepaid return label for repair, exchange, or refund. If you simply change your mind, you may still return the item for a full refund, but return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless free returns were purchased through Redo at checkout. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
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Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box/refurbished, used, and vintage items include a two-year warranty serviced by our in-house repair shop, and we guarantee every instrument will be free of mechanical defects. Warranty coverage does not include damage from accident, misuse, negligence, improper operation, unauthorized alterations or removed serial numbers, normal wear and routine maintenance, environmental damage (including perspiration, corrosion, or extreme temperature and humidity), lacquer or plating wear, or consumable parts such as springs, pads, and felts. Please see our FAQ for additional details.