“Without a doubt, the most famous and sought-after saxophone around the world is the Selmer Mark VI. But why?”
Over the last 20 years, prices for Selmer Mark VI tenor and alto saxophones have climbed to as high as [$16,000]. Whole websites and blogs are dedicated to listing the ultimate serial number range for the “perfect” Selmer Mark VI, and collectors seek out horns from lofts and under beds around all corners of the globe.
If you are looking to buy a sax, you may even be wondering can modern Selmer saxophones compete with the legendary classic horns.
But how did this Selmer Mark VI saxophone become such an object of desire, and is there any truth to the myth?
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
- The history of Selmer Mark VI Saxophone
- Design and features of the Selmer Mark VI Saxophone
- How to know if this Sax is right for you
What Makes the Selmer Mark VI Sought After Saxophone
Where the story began
The Mark VI was first produced by the Selmer company in 1954. It was the sixth new model to come from the factory since they began making their first saxophone in 1922 and boasted a bunch of new design features. The Mark VI models were produced from 1954-1981. The Super Action 80 was introduced by Selmer in 1980.
These new models are documented with serial numbers. Serial numbers stamped on the neck are used to recognize the Selmer saxophone models. Although the Selmer designs had been improving, from the release of the revolutionary Balanced Action model in 1936 through to the Super Action horn, the Selmer Mark VI brought the best combination yet of key work, tone, and intonation.
In fact, some would argue that this model was the ‘perfect storm’ of design improvements, and the new key designs from the Selmer Mark VI are still the benchmark for most new horns these days.
Selmer produced the Mark VI until 1974, making thousands of instruments during the twenty–year run. During this time, there were many slight improvements made, and as each instrument was built by hand, there were slight variations from one horn to the next.
New developments
In 1974 the last Mark VI tenor and alto saxophone horns rolled off the production line, and Selmer launched the new Mark VII. Although it took 3 years to develop the new Mark VII model, and it included changes to the octave mechanism, spatula keys, neck, and bell, the Mark VII never received the same welcome as the previous model and is generally considered less desirable.
Legendary status
The Mark VI was used by many of the great players who came up through the 1950s, like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Wayne Shorter. Of course, these players were buying a new “Mark VI” horn at the time, without knowing the myth that would surround the instrument in years to come.
“Players were changing to the Mark VI because the feel of the keywork and the intonation was so much better,” says legendary repair man Emilio Lyons, who has rebuilt horns for players like Stan Getz and Phil Woods.
As these players inspired the generations that followed, the Mark VI became part of the legend that needed to be replicated, along with the mouthpiece (and sometimes lifestyle!). Even from the 1970s, players like David Sanborn and Michael Brecker were huge advocates of the Mark VI’s, and that continues today.
The myth
Undoubtedly the Mark VI is a very good horn and was significant when it first came out. And, today, for many players, the Mark VI is the only choice if you are a ‘serious’ sax player.
However, over the years, many myths have been perpetuated by players about the Mark VI ranging from the ‘perfect serial number list’ to the bodies being made from recycled WWII artillery shells. Many even wholeheartedly attest to the fact that a Mark VI is a better sound than any other horn, although many blind tests have proved otherwise.
Either way, as the horns have become more sought after, the prices have increased dramatically, making the Mark VI not only an object of desire but also a status symbol for many.
But does the myth of the Mark VI have any scientific grounding?
Steve Crow has personally owned several Mark VI saxes and has rebuilt hundreds as one of the top repairers in England. “Personally, I first fell in love with the look and the romance of the Mark VI,” Steve explains. “Thinking about where a beautiful old horn like a Mark VI has been, brings it to life for me – even the smell when you open the case is great.”
Although, in comparison to modern horns, the Mark VI does take some getting used to, for many, it’s the feel when playing one that is most important. “I’ve always felt it has a certain ‘resonance’ when I play,” says Steve. “That feedback through the horn is so important to inspire you as a player – it’s one of the strengths of the Mark VI, in my opinion.”
Design differences
Whether there is any scientific reason why the Mark VI horn may be more ‘resonant’ than newer horns is still up for debate. There were, however, clear design differences between the Mark VI and new Mark VII saxophones that have a real, quantifiable difference in sound and feel.
Although the Mark VI and the Mark VII share the same body tube dimensions, the neck and bell differ in size and shape. “Whereas changing the saxophone neck doesn’t affect the sound to the audience, it does have a big impact on the ‘feel’ of the horn to the player,” says Steve. “Changing the bell, though, does make a big impact on the projection and warmth of the sound.”
Another consideration is the fact that the Mark VI bells were hand drawn using a different process to modern horns. This gave each horn an individual characteristic, unlike the consistency you get from horns manufactured with modern techniques.
Living with a Mark VI: John Helliwell – Supertramp
I bought my first Mark VI tenor brand new in 1964 and used it right through till 1997 when I replaced it with a (new) one from 1960! I love my Mark VI tenors. The sound has a great focus, and the horn really takes whatever I give it. I’ve used horns constantly on tour with Supertramp, and besides the usual maintenance, both have been great reliable instruments. Actually, I ended up selling my original VI to Laurent Hunziker in France, who performs with “The Logical Tramps,” – a tribute band. So that horn is also still being used to perform Supertramp tunes!
Of course, choosing a 40-60-year-old sax as your ‘daily player’ has its own challenges. It’s a bit like using a classic car as your daily commuter. You need to expect more maintenance unless your horn has a complete overhaul and rebuild by a good repairer.
Understandably many horns of this age have had a lot of use, and this can affect not only pads and corks but the alignment of the body and wear on the keywork. Even the main body tube itself can be bent over years of playing. The good news is that everything can be put right on a quality horn like a Mark VI.
“Although it is a popular myth that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Mark VI horns, it really just depends on how well the horn is repaired,” says Emilio Lyons. “Because the Mark VI was built so solidly, a good repairer can bring any horn back to excellent condition that will last another 50 years,” he says.
However, at the prices that Mark VI horns fetch these days, you could argue it’s a risky venture to take one on tour. Many London players prefer using a newer horn on shows, leaving their precious Mark VI in the practice room.
Is a Selmer Mark VI for you?
Unfortunately, one of the main hurdles to overcome when buying a Mark VI these days is the price. With so many great quality new instruments on the market these days, prices for new horns are quite competitive. Often you will pay more for a good-condition Mark VI than a brand new instrument.
However, buying a Mark VI is an investment, unlike most other saxes. And a well looked after horn will appreciate over time.
From a player’s perspective, it should be all about the sound.
Emilio Lyons
For some people, the authenticity of the original lacquer is an important factor. Many collectors will only look for horns with as much original lacquer as possible and reject horns that have had the lacquer ‘stripped’ or have been replated.
However, from a player’s perspective, it should be all about the sound, explains Emilio. “I’ve gold-plated Mark VI saxes for Ray Charles and Stan Getz, and they loved the horns – they played perfectly,” he says. “If a horn is replated properly, then it doesn’t affect the sound at all.”
Hear for Yourself
We put the Selmer Mark VI up against a modern Selmer pro tenor saxophone to see how it compared. Watch our review, and hear the sound test here.
Final thoughts
Owning a Mark VI saxophone is like owning a part of a musical legend. And, it’s a great instrument to enjoy, whether you appreciate the history of great players who have used these horns, the sound, or the sheer beauty of the instrument.
Regardless of whether you buy into the myths of the Mark VI soprano, tenor, or alto, it is a beautiful instrument. It’s a part of musical history that will hopefully stay with us for years to come.
What’s Next?
Get access to full repair masterclasses with Steve Crow PLUS hundreds of lessons, 60+ courses, and our complete masterclass archive featuring the world’s best players. All this, plus tutor support and community access included with your Sax School Plan.
More reading:
Read our other saxophone reviews here
Emilio Lyons: http://www.emiliolyons.com
The Saxophone Corner blog: http://felixssaxophonecorner.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-mark-vi-mystique-myths-and-facts.html
Selmer France: http://www.selmer.fr
Thesax.info blog: http://thesax.info/makesandmodelslist/2014/03/10/selmer-mark-vi-legends-myth-busting/