1961 Alto Saxophone SELMER Paris Mark VI, first-hand, 90461

This beautiful alto saxophone dates back to 1961, yet it shows no signs of its proud age. There are a few spots here and there where the lacquer is missing and patina has formed. Overall, however, about 90% of the lacquer is still intact. The floral hand engraving on the bell and knee also contributes to its beautiful appearance.

The only previous owner apparently took good care of it, as there is no visible damage from a previous fall, for example. The existing lacquer wear is due to the previous re-soldering of a key guard (low Bb) and probably from playing with the instrument held sideways (inside of the bell). Of course, there are signs of wear here and there, such as minor scratches, but this only confirms that this beautiful Mark VI has been played a lot.

Technically, this Mark VI is in perfect condition, as we have just given it a complete overhaul in our SAXOPHONIC workshop. We have reworked the worn mechanism and fitted it with our SAXOPHONIC oversized axles, so now this beautiful alto saxophone can be played accurately and smoothly. High-quality CHANU pads with INOX metal resonators without rivets are also part of the SAXOPHONIC overhaul we gave this horn. These resonators are almost identical in shape to the resonators used by SELMER in the 1950s and 1960s. The only difference: our resonators are made of stainless INOX, while the original SELMER resonators were made of brass and had a nickel-plated surface.

The instrument fits wonderfully in your hands, it couldn't be better. The playing feel is therefore very pleasant and, thanks to the revised mechanics, this Mark VI feels like a new SELMER saxophone.

But now to the essentials: in terms of sound, this Mark VI alto saxophone impresses with a powerful, warm sound and a rich core that allows you to assert yourself in different musical directions without any problems. To my taste, this instrument is therefore very versatile and comes into its own just as beautifully in a jazz combo as it does in a funk session or a big band