Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone is widely regarded among saxophonists as one of the defining professional saxophone designs of the 20th century, valued for its focused core, flexible tonal palette, and long-standing place in jazz, classical, studio, and commercial playing. This particular instrument is a Mark VI alto saxophone in original lacquer with about 75 percent of the lacquer present, offering the kind of vintage Selmer character that attracts advanced players, collectors, and working saxophonists. The serial number on this instrument places the year of manufacture circa 1968.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Alto Saxophone
- Key: Eb
- Model: Mark VI
- Finish: Original Lacquer
- Body Material: Brass
- Case: Black fitted saxophone case
- Accessories: Neck
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Serial Number: M159486
Condition & Setup
This vintage pre-owned alto saxophone is in excellent playing order and has been given a chem clean and full repad, professionally set up and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. The instrument shows substantial cosmetic wear consistent with age and use, including widespread lacquer wear, patina, oxidation spotting, surface scratches, and finish darkening across the body, bell, bow, neck, and keywork. The neck cork is present and intact, and the instrument includes a fitted saxophone case.
Who the Mark VI Alto Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI alto is best suited to advanced students, professionals, doublers, collectors, and serious ensemble players who want a vintage professional Selmer with a strong musical identity rather than a modern uniform response concept. Players often seek Mark VI altos for their combination of centered tone, expressive flexibility, projection, and tonal color, making the model at home in jazz, classical, commercial, pit, and studio settings.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone so highly regarded?
The Mark VI earned its reputation through decades of professional use and remains one of the most widely discussed vintage saxophone models among serious players. Its appeal is tied to its tonal flexibility, distinctive response, and historic association with many important saxophonists.
How does a vintage Mark VI alto differ from many modern professional altos?
A vintage Mark VI often attracts players who value individuality, tonal color, and a more personal response profile. Modern professional altos can offer greater consistency from instrument to instrument, while a well-set-up Mark VI is often chosen for its character and expressive range.
What is included with this Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone?
This listing includes the alto saxophone, neck, and fitted case. Players should plan to use their preferred alto saxophone mouthpiece, ligature, cap, and strap.
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 among saxophonists as one of the defining professional saxophone designs of the 20th century, valued for its focused core, flexible tonal palette, and long-standing place in jazz, classical, studio, and commercial playing. This particular instrument is a Mark VI alto saxophone in original lacquer with about 75 percent of the lacquer present, offering the kind of vintage Selmer character that attracts advanced players, collectors, and working saxophonists. The serial number on this instrument places the year of manufacture circa 1968.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Alto Saxophone
- Key: Eb
- Model: Mark VI
- Finish: Original Lacquer
- Body Material: Brass
- Case: Black fitted saxophone case
- Accessories: Neck
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Serial Number: M159486
Condition & Setup
This vintage pre-owned alto saxophone is in excellent playing order and has been given a chem clean and full repad, professionally set up and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. The instrument shows substantial cosmetic wear consistent with age and use, including widespread lacquer wear, patina, oxidation spotting, surface scratches, and finish darkening across the body, bell, bow, neck, and keywork. The neck cork is present and intact, and the instrument includes a fitted saxophone case.
Who the Mark VI Alto Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI alto is best suited to advanced students, professionals, doublers, collectors, and serious ensemble players who want a vintage professional Selmer with a strong musical identity rather than a modern uniform response concept. Players often seek Mark VI altos for their combination of centered tone, expressive flexibility, projection, and tonal color, making the model at home in jazz, classical, commercial, pit, and studio settings.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone so highly regarded?
The Mark VI earned its reputation through decades of professional use and remains one of the most widely discussed vintage saxophone models among serious players. Its appeal is tied to its tonal flexibility, distinctive response, and historic association with many important saxophonists.
How does a vintage Mark VI alto differ from many modern professional altos?
A vintage Mark VI often attracts players who value individuality, tonal color, and a more personal response profile. Modern professional altos can offer greater consistency from instrument to instrument, while a well-set-up Mark VI is often chosen for its character and expressive range.
What is included with this Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone?
This listing includes the alto saxophone, neck, and fitted case. Players should plan to use their preferred alto saxophone mouthpiece, ligature, cap, and strap.
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.