Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone, s/n 218735. This sax is in fantastic original condition and shows very little wear considering it's 50 years old. The sax still feels like a new horn. The action feels tight and crisp, much like the day it left the factory.

It's fairly rare to find an American assmebled/engraved Mark VI with a high F# key. At the time, this was a $30 add-on cost, and most customers went with the less expensive version. These days, a high F# key is a must for many saxophonists, so this is a great opportunity to find a vintage Mark VI with the added high F# key.

Later Mark VI's tend to be great horns and an excellent value. They tend to have an extra gear when you want to push the volume, but are still incredibly expressive instruments. Plus, the altos have a medium bow which is generally considered the best combination of excellent intonation, sound and response.

Around 1970, Selmer in Elkhart, IN started adding a metal plate to their altos on the inside of the upper bow curve. If you shine a flashlight in the low C tone hole, you can usually spot it. This sax has this modification, which I believe contributes to the better response and better projection. I've included a picture showing what this modification looks like from another Mark VI alto that came through the shop.

My repairman just serviced the sax, replacing a handful of pads and regulating the rest. The rest of the pads appear to be original and are sealing very well. Other than a resoldered low Eb key guard foot, the sax is incredibly clean and blemish free. The sax comes in the original case.