Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Mark VI is widely regarded as one of the defining professional saxophone designs of the twentieth century. Its responsive keywork, flexible tonal palette, focused core, and projection have made the Mark VI tenor an established choice among professional jazz, commercial, and classical players. This particular instrument is a French-made Bb tenor in lacquer. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1955.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Mark VI
- Playing Level: Professional
- Body Material: Brass
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted hard case
- Accessories: None included
- Serial number: M60169
Condition & Setup
This vintage tenor saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds, and recent pad work was completed by a prior service provider. Bears mostly original resonators. original lacquer as well. The lacquer displays widespread scratches, scuffs, spotting, discoloration, tarnish, and localized wear associated with age and use. A fitted hard case is included. This is a truly beautiful horn despite some bumps and bruises.
Who the Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI tenor is suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, collectors, and serious performers seeking the direct response, expressive flexibility, and centered tonal character associated with this model. Its broad dynamic range and projecting sound concept support jazz, commercial, studio, chamber, and classical applications, while its established keywork design remains familiar to generations of experienced saxophonists.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Mark VI tenor so widely respected?
The Mark VI combined an influential keywork layout with a responsive, flexible sound concept. Its balance of tonal core, projection, articulation, and expressive range has kept it central to professional saxophone discussions for generations.
How does a Mark VI fit into a professional setup?
Mark VI tenors are used across jazz, commercial, studio, chamber, and classical settings. Players often choose them for their tonal flexibility and their ability to retain a centered identity across a wide dynamic range.
What should an experienced player consider when evaluating a Mark VI?
Response, intonation tendencies, key fit, pad seal, neck compatibility, tonal core, and projection are central considerations. Individual Mark VI instruments can have distinct playing personalities, making hands-on evaluation and professional setup especially important.
How can I evaluate if this saxophone fits my needs?
Check out our Guide to Choosing a Professional Saxophone
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days
Financing available. Apply directly at checkout
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Bb Tenor Saxophone in Original Lacquer
Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Overview
The Selmer Paris Mark VI is widely regarded as one of the defining professional saxophone designs of the twentieth century. Its responsive keywork, flexible tonal palette, focused core, and projection have made the Mark VI tenor an established choice among professional jazz, commercial, and classical players. This particular instrument is a French-made Bb tenor in lacquer. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1955.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Mark VI
- Playing Level: Professional
- Body Material: Brass
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted hard case
- Accessories: None included
- Serial number: M60169
Condition & Setup
This vintage tenor saxophone is in excellent playing order. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds, and recent pad work was completed by a prior service provider. Bears mostly original resonators. original lacquer as well. The lacquer displays widespread scratches, scuffs, spotting, discoloration, tarnish, and localized wear associated with age and use. A fitted hard case is included. This is a truly beautiful horn despite some bumps and bruises.
Who the Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI tenor is suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, collectors, and serious performers seeking the direct response, expressive flexibility, and centered tonal character associated with this model. Its broad dynamic range and projecting sound concept support jazz, commercial, studio, chamber, and classical applications, while its established keywork design remains familiar to generations of experienced saxophonists.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
Why is the Mark VI tenor so widely respected?
The Mark VI combined an influential keywork layout with a responsive, flexible sound concept. Its balance of tonal core, projection, articulation, and expressive range has kept it central to professional saxophone discussions for generations.
How does a Mark VI fit into a professional setup?
Mark VI tenors are used across jazz, commercial, studio, chamber, and classical settings. Players often choose them for their tonal flexibility and their ability to retain a centered identity across a wide dynamic range.
What should an experienced player consider when evaluating a Mark VI?
Response, intonation tendencies, key fit, pad seal, neck compatibility, tonal core, and projection are central considerations. Individual Mark VI instruments can have distinct playing personalities, making hands-on evaluation and professional setup especially important.
How can I evaluate if this saxophone fits my needs?
Check out our Guide to Choosing a Professional Saxophone
We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days
Financing available. Apply directly at checkout
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
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.