Original Lacquer 1958 Vintage Selmer Paris Mark VI Alto Sax - Serial # 75859

This is a 1958 vintage Selmer Paris Mark VI alto sax in original lacquer, serial number 75859. This alto still shows good original lacquer coverage despite its age, and features Euro style engraving and original factory keywork to high F#. It has recently been overhauled and is in tip-top playing condition.

While this alto shows a fair amount of cosmetic lacquer wear, mostly on the “front” of the body, it is all cosmetic and physically the horn is extremely straight, with no signs of past damage or repair. I see no past dent work and no resolders, and all looks to be in excellent condition. The original neck has never been pulled down. One oddity to point out is the faint Selmer stamping on the bell, as seen in the photos. A previous owner covered the original stamping with solder, in an attempt to avoid paying international duties when importing from France. That solder was later removed, but it has left the stamping faint, and a bare spot of loss lacquer from the heat of the solder. The rest of the engraving is still perfect though, and there's much less lacquer wear on the backside of the bell and body tube.

The previous owner had this alto professionally overhauled, and while the work is not ours, it is good work and the horn feels great. It was repadded with black roo pads matched with brown plastic resonators. The firm roo pads give a solid pop under your fingers, and action is crisp and tight, set with a medium-open key height and medium-light spring tension.

This Mark VI plays with a very warm sound, but not as dark as some 5 digit altos I've played. That could be due to the firmer roo pads, but it definitely has a nice pop and takes your air very efficiently. And I found I could push this alto hard, without feeling held back or like I was hitting a wall. Great player top to bottom, and a fun horn to play.