Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Tenor Saxophone Overview

The Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Tenor Saxophone is a vintage Bb tenor saxophone widely recognized as one of the defining professional saxophone designs of the 20th century. This example retains approximately 70% of its original lacquer and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by our shop. The Mark VI tenor is associated with many major jazz saxophonists, including players from the Sonny Rollins era, and remains sought after for its centered response, flexible tonal palette, and established place in professional jazz, studio, and classical crossover performance. Serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1967.

Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Tenor Saxophone Specifications

• Brand: Selmer Paris
• Model: Mark VI
• Instrument Type: Professional Tenor Saxophone
• Key: Bb
• Body Material: Brass
• Finish: Original lacquer, approximately 70% remaining
• Country of Manufacture: France
• Case: Non-original
• Accessories included: None
• Serial number: 143822

Condition & Setup

This is a used vintage Selmer Paris Mark VI tenor saxophone with approximately 70% original lacquer remaining. It shows cosmetic wear consistent with age and professional use, including lacquer wear visible in the photos. The instrument has been through our shop and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested to confirm proper response, regulation, and playability.

Who the Mark VI Professional Tenor Saxophone Is For

The Mark VI Professional Tenor Saxophone is a vintage French-made Bb tenor saxophone designed for advanced and professional saxophonists who want the response, tonal flexibility, and mechanical feel associated with Selmer Paris saxophones from the classic Mark VI era.

This instrument is best suited for players who value a complex, adaptable tenor sound rather than a strictly uniform modern setup. The Mark VI is especially relevant for jazz, commercial, recording, and serious doubling work, but it is also used by classical and contemporary players who prefer a lighter-feeling vintage mechanism and a voice that can support a wide range of mouthpiece and reed combinations.

Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI

Is this Selmer Paris Mark VI tenor saxophone suitable for professional use?

Yes. The Selmer Paris Mark VI tenor saxophone is a professional-level instrument, and this used example has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by our shop for dependable performance.

What does approximately 70% original lacquer mean on a vintage Mark VI?

Approximately 70% original lacquer means the saxophone retains most of its factory-applied lacquer while showing normal finish wear from age and use. For many vintage saxophone buyers, original lacquer is an important factor because it helps document the instrument’s originality.

Why do advanced players compare other tenor saxophones to the Selmer Mark VI?

Advanced players often compare professional tenor saxophones to the Selmer Mark VI because the model established a long-standing reference point for response, ergonomics, tonal flexibility, and projection in vintage professional saxophone design.

We are proud to be an authorized Selmer Paris dealer