Vintage Selmer Paris Original Lacquer Mark VI Alto, 80171- Medium Bow Five Digit

Product ID: 80171MarkVIAlt

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Selmer Paris - 1959

This is a very pretty original lacquer Selmer Paris Mark VI alto saxophone, serial number 80171. The pictures of this horn almost do not do it justice. It looks like it received some play time initially but has most likely spent most of its life in its case. This is a great item for people looking for an original lacquer example of a medium bow Mark VI in the five digit serial number range.

The body of the saxophone is in tremendous condition with just a few repaired areas of note. This saxophone sports the iconic cellulose based dark lacquer with well defined floral engraving. Its body tube, bow, bow cap and bell are all in excellent condition featuring all original key work and guards. All of the key guards and guard feet are in great shape and have never seen any major past repair. If you look closely at the post ribbing above and to the side of the palm F tone hole you can see where a past repair was done. The bell received a small repair in the past along the lower part of the bell flare. This saxophone is with the original neck and matching serial number stamp. The neck is in great shape and has never been pulled down.

This particular alto was made during a period when Selmer was doing some things differently with bow lengths and necks. The bow on this saxophone is considered a medium bow. Its neck shows a longer feral. ( area above the tenon) We have seen a small number of necks like these, accruing between 80000 and 82000, approximately. This alto was just freshly overhauled in our shop by George Bunk. The work included a dissemble, cleaning, precise key fitting and a fresh regulation of the key work with all new Valentino leather pro pads, nickel plated domed resonators, new corks and felts. The saxophone is now in perfect playing condition.

The alto is in beautiful condition and is one of the more exceptional examples of an early Mark VI we have seen in some time. It is highly responsive as a player and features the robust character these early Mark VI's are known for. The alto is quite free blowing and is an extremely colorful player as well. Ships out in perfect playing condition with a fresh Saxquest overhaul and the original Mark VI case. The case is in working order but is missing the left most latch. Its interior is in excellent condition.