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 centered tonal core, flexible response, and broad range of tonal color have made the Mark VI tenor an enduring choice among jazz, commercial, and classical players seeking a responsive instrument with a distinct musical identity. The serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1971.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Mark VI
- Playing Level: Professional
- Body Material: Brass
- No High F#
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted hard case
- Serial Number: M.192507
Condition & Setup
This vintage instrument is in excellent playing order and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. It received a complete repad, with all pads replaced and regulated, followed by professional lubrication and testing. Cosmetic wear includes scattered scratches and handling marks, heavier scratching around the lower body and bow, localized lacquer loss and oxidation near a lower-body seam, and smaller areas of wear on the neck, guards, and hardware. The neck cork shows normal use wear. The fitted hard case has light exterior scuffs. A mouthpiece and ligature are not included.
Who the Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI tenor is suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, collectors, and serious performers who value a centered core with substantial flexibility in response and tonal color. Its established voice has served jazz, commercial, chamber, and classical settings, while its vintage keywork and direct playing feel offer a different experience from contemporary professional Selmer designs.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
What tonal character is associated with the Mark VI tenor?
Mark VI tenors are widely associated with a centered, resonant core, flexible response, and a tonal palette that can range from warm and nuanced to projecting and articulate. Mouthpiece choice and setup have a significant influence on the final result.
How does the Mark VI compare with a modern professional Selmer tenor?
The Mark VI offers vintage keywork proportions and a direct, flexible playing concept. Modern Selmer tenors generally provide more contemporary ergonomics and a different balance of resistance, focus, and tonal consistency.
Where does the Mark VI fit within Selmer saxophone history?
The Mark VI followed the Super Balanced Action and preceded the Mark VII. It remains one of Selmer Paris's most widely recognized professional saxophone designs and an important reference point for later instruments.
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 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 centered tonal core, flexible response, and broad range of tonal color have made the Mark VI tenor an enduring choice among jazz, commercial, and classical players seeking a responsive instrument with a distinct musical identity. The serial number places the year of manufacture circa 1971.
Selmer Paris Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Tenor saxophone
- Key: Bb
- Model: Mark VI
- Playing Level: Professional
- Body Material: Brass
- No High F#
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Country of Manufacture: France
- Case: Fitted hard case
- Serial Number: M.192507
Condition & Setup
This vintage instrument is in excellent playing order and has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. It received a complete repad, with all pads replaced and regulated, followed by professional lubrication and testing. Cosmetic wear includes scattered scratches and handling marks, heavier scratching around the lower body and bow, localized lacquer loss and oxidation near a lower-body seam, and smaller areas of wear on the neck, guards, and hardware. The neck cork shows normal use wear. The fitted hard case has light exterior scuffs. A mouthpiece and ligature are not included.
Who the Mark VI Tenor Saxophone Is For
The Mark VI tenor is suited to professional players, advanced saxophonists, collectors, and serious performers who value a centered core with substantial flexibility in response and tonal color. Its established voice has served jazz, commercial, chamber, and classical settings, while its vintage keywork and direct playing feel offer a different experience from contemporary professional Selmer designs.
Common Questions About the Selmer Paris Mark VI
What tonal character is associated with the Mark VI tenor?
Mark VI tenors are widely associated with a centered, resonant core, flexible response, and a tonal palette that can range from warm and nuanced to projecting and articulate. Mouthpiece choice and setup have a significant influence on the final result.
How does the Mark VI compare with a modern professional Selmer tenor?
The Mark VI offers vintage keywork proportions and a direct, flexible playing concept. Modern Selmer tenors generally provide more contemporary ergonomics and a different balance of resistance, focus, and tonal consistency.
Where does the Mark VI fit within Selmer saxophone history?
The Mark VI followed the Super Balanced Action and preceded the Mark VII. It remains one of Selmer Paris's most widely recognized professional saxophone designs and an important reference point for later instruments.
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
Selmer Paris Mark VI Professional Tenor 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.