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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Selmer saxes / 86K MK VI

Next 20 Messages

BATMAN
User ID: 0011434 Apr 24th 5:13 AM
Been searching for a good SBA for about a week now, and I'm realizing how rare a good, reasonably priced, example is. Well, I've decided to look for early MK VIs, which as Ron Blake says "these can be worth every ounce [of money], don't overlook them"

I've found another prospective tenor. It's an 86K Mk VI tenor, and I can get it for $3500 USD + Shipping. This is a bargain I would assume.

I haven't tried a 5-digit before. How do they play in comparison to an SBA? Bigness of tone and darkness are what I'm after. I think Brecker plays this serial, or close to it. This has 85% original lacquer. If anyone has played these early MK VIs, please post your experiences.

I'm sure at the very least this horn will be more in tune than an SBA.

steve
User ID: 6570393 Apr 24th 5:54 AM
Batman....Mine is a 99XXX from 1962. Since its the only tenor I've ever played, I can't compare to others. It has been a rugged dependable horn. Used professionally and by various kids as they played in school. It does have a big sound...and matches up well with my Berg SS 120/3. A good blues horn as it has that smokey sound from the 50's.
If its from an established dealer and playable, the price sounds fair. If its from a private party, I suggest you have someone look it over for you and/or have an escrow agent hold your funds pending your inspection and approval.

JonL
User ID: 8820133 Apr 24th 5:56 AM
That's pretty much the rule of thumb, that the VI will most likely have somewhat better intonation than the SBA. That sounds like a really good deal. If you don't like the horn, there's no way you'd lose anything reselling it. You could even make something.

BATMAN
User ID: 1585334 Apr 24th 6:10 AM
It is from a private seller. There is a trial involved, so I think I'm safe. After my (non) luck or finding great SBA deals, I decided to look for 5-digit MK VIs. I was surprised to see the frequency of these horns! Pleasantly surprised actually.

JonL---this is a major factor. I was contemplating buying a vintage American, but if I didn't like the horn in the end(which happens), and trial was over, I wouldn't be able to necessarilly recover financially. This is a big deal, cause I only have so much money, and any potential loss is not justified. At least if I'm not stunned by this VI, I know SOMEONE will buy it for at least what I will have paid.

That's probably Selmer's biggest advantage over every single make. Almost 100% saleability and strong market values, which NEVER decline. Even late MK VIs are going for (relative to other horns of the same year anyway...) fairly high prices.

Brice B.
User ID: 9161143 Apr 24th 7:14 AM
I'd prefer the mid 100,000 serial #'s on VI's. Every early VI I've played is stuffy and hard to shape. The mid 100's (140-170) are my favorite. I have owned these before and really think they are the best. I have also owned the early VI's, and found them to actually be quite bad horns. I am talking both Tenor and Alto

BATMAN
User ID: 9112483 Apr 24th 7:44 AM
Brice B.---interesting! Everyone I know prefers the earliest vintages, especially for the dark sound and big tone. I'm more an SBA man, and I can't really stand the brighter later vintages (though they play pretty well). We'll see what I think when I get the horn...the transaction is almost ready to complete.

and I double checked the vintage, it's an 83K, not 86K. I think Mike Brecker plays on the 86K if I remember correctly...could be why I kept confusing this horn with that serial. If I sound excited, I sort of am! This is my very first tenor (that I own) and I have rather lofty expectations of this vaunted "5 digit MK VI".

Thomas
User ID: 1132714 Apr 24th 8:05 AM
I have a 79xxx that I got new in '59.Thought it was a great horn,still have it as a matter of fact.In '77 I bought as a backup, a MK VII(these are tenors btw)that is actually a better sounding and playing horn-neither of which compare,in any way to my Martin Comm II tenor for tone and versatility. It befuddles me why some folks think of a horn as a monetary investment instead as positive contribution to the betterment of their musicianship.

BATMAN
User ID: 9022063 Apr 24th 8:44 AM
Well, I don't think of this horn as a financial investment for the most part. Note the words of excitement galore. I've never owned a tenor and have mostly used crappy school horns. This is going to be played.

But, what's wrong with considering the market value as well? I've already spoken to Bootman and he's agreed this is a good buy. Think of it like this: If this is a keeper, I win. If it's OK I still win. If I find another horn I like, and it's my dream horn (a 100% silver SBA with perfect intonation for example...) then I know I can easilly sell the horn and have no loss. Perhaps even a profit. When you can only own one tenor (which is the case for now) I think everything should be taken into consideration.

But, I can't stress enough how much this horn will be PLAYED. It's just good to know that if it's not me, and I find another horn which provides me with the sound I want, then I can just sell and get the other horn w/ no financial worry. I've taken a not so minor (around $200) loss already (sold an alto on ebay to raise money for a tenor) and I can't afford to lose again. At the very least, I know that won't happen in this case.

I think that's reasonable?

Thomas
User ID: 1132714 Apr 24th 9:06 AM
Very reasonable-didn't mean to throw a damper on your enthusiasim-best of luck with the horn-hope it's as great as you want it to be.

BATMAN
User ID: 9259363 Apr 24th 9:21 AM
thanks....let's all hope this is a good player and not just a sound investment! I'm supposed to be a saxophone player, not a banker...

Of course, if I really WAS batman, I'd use my alter ego Bruce Wayne to simply buy all the MK VI and SBAs I could...

Teegee
User ID: 1662364 Apr 24th 1:14 PM
Buy it Batman, especially if you have a small trial period, you cant go wrong.
I bought my 73,XXX in 1980, while in High School, from an wierd hippie tenor player who was down on his luck for $650 & have never played anything since. (Ive been a pro player since the mid80s).

Now that I want a backup, they're all $5000!!!( which is another reason to buy yours)

I think that 75-90,xxx have the nicest, straight-ahead EQs of all Selmers & plenty of character. (Though I have tried some that are dogs, they're a few out there)

Buy, it, dammit. You might get lucky & have the pleasure of its company, like me, for 20+ years!

BATMAN
User ID: 1829734 Apr 24th 1:56 PM
It has been bought, albeit unofficially. I'm just waiting for the seller to email me w/ his address and shipping costs. I hope to have it in two weeks or less. The seller is in Norway, so it might take a bit of time.

Also, I forgot to mention. This is a paris horn, no engraving. I don't think that would affect overall value, but I wonder? Who cares...if it plays the way I think it will, then it's money well spent!

Bootman
User ID: 1676554 Apr 24th 7:27 PM
Congratulations on this horn. Let us know how it plays when you get it.

saxilla
User ID: 9370173 Apr 25th 3:03 AM
Sounds like a great deal to me, BATMAN! Usually, that vintage, in original lacquer comes in around $4500, depending on condition. You should easily get your money back, if you don't like it. Maybe, from me ;-)

JonL
User ID: 7928263 Apr 25th 9:37 AM
Batman...you've got the right idea. I sure would like to be in your shoes right now. That's really something great to look forward to. No way can you lose on this. If you like the sound, and feel comfortable with the horn, then it's a good horn, regardless of the numbers stamped on the back of the tube.

jd
User ID: 8185963 Apr 25th 7:09 PM
another good choice. i have a 89*** mark 6 alto and i think its the best alto ive ever tried. i also have a 124*** thats a killer too. a little brighter sounding than 89*** hey you will probabley love the horn.wise choice, congrats

BATMAN
User ID: 9321503 Apr 27th 1:06 AM
I got some pics from the guy who I bought it from. Horn looks tight, no dents or dings. No repairs to speak of according to the seller. Lacquer coverage is great, with wear at the usual spots (the palm touches,spatulas,left side of the bell, etc). No engraving (euro horn) but I actually kinda like that. Gives the horn a very clean, utilitarian look :) He said 85% coverage, which is VERY good for original lacquer. Comes in a flight case and what seems an otto link mpc. I hope the link will be from the same time period as the horn...hehe. Could be a great bonus!

Overall, I'm pleased. I haven't tried it yet, but everything looks tight and I don't believe I'll be dissapointed. Now the hard part comes...waiting! I expect it in 1 1/2 to 2 weeks...

This is the first 5-digit horn I will have gotten to try. My teacher says they are very good horns and he ranks them second only to his SBA...

JonL
User ID: 0143424 Apr 27th 6:31 AM
Batman...I have a good friend who plays an 86xxx, that he bought new. There's very little lacquer left on it anywhere at this point. He's been playing it forty-some years now, doing pretty much just routine maintainance with a good, local repairman, who is now retired and telling my friend it's finally time for a real overhaul! Absolutely one of the very finest tenors I've ever played. Not that I want my friend to retire from playing, but he said when he does he'll sell the horn to me! Congratulations on your good fortune. Hope you enjoy this horn, man.

BATMAN
User ID: 1076954 May 8th 5:29 AM
OK...the suspense is killing me!

Payment has been recieved, and sax has been shipped to me via two-day EMS. I can't wait!

Will post my thoughts on this sax in a few days. Again, it's an 83K MK VI, so there are some lofty expectations. Let's see how it does against the SBA's I've played already...

I wish Ron Blake was in town...so I could A-B his horn to mine.

Alan
User ID: 9892733 May 8th 5:36 AM
"Anticipation"......real killer when you're waiting on a 5 digit VI, huh? Good luck with the horn. Hope it surpasses all your expectations.

Next 20 Messages

BATMAN User ID: 0011434	Apr 24th 5:13 AM Been searching for a good SBA for about a week now, and I'm realizing how rare a good, reasonably priced, example is. Well, I've decided to look for early MK VIs, which as Ron Blake says "these can be worth every ounce [of money], don't overlook them" I've found another prospective tenor. It's an 86K Mk VI tenor, and I can get it for $3500 USD + Shipping. This is a bargain I would assume. I haven't tried a 5-digit before. How do they play in comparison to an SBA? Bigness of tone and darkness are what I'm after. I think Brecker plays this serial, or close to it. This has 85% original lacquer. If anyone has played these early MK VIs, please post your experiences. I'm sure at the very least this horn will be more in tune than an SBA.
steve User ID: 6570393	Apr 24th 5:54 AM Batman....Mine is a 99XXX from 1962. Since its the only tenor I've ever played, I can't compare to others. It has been a rugged dependable horn. Used professionally and by various kids as they played in school. It does have a big sound...and matches up well with my Berg SS 120/3. A good blues horn as it has that smokey sound from the 50's. If its from an established dealer and playable, the price sounds fair. If its from a private party, I suggest you have someone look it over for you and/or have an escrow agent hold your funds pending your inspection and approval.
JonL User ID: 8820133	Apr 24th 5:56 AM That's pretty much the rule of thumb, that the VI will most likely have somewhat better intonation than the SBA. That sounds like a really good deal. If you don't like the horn, there's no way you'd lose anything reselling it. You could even make something.
BATMAN User ID: 1585334	Apr 24th 6:10 AM It is from a private seller. There is a trial involved, so I think I'm safe. After my (non) luck or finding great SBA deals, I decided to look for 5-digit MK VIs. I was surprised to see the frequency of these horns! Pleasantly surprised actually. JonL---this is a major factor. I was contemplating buying a vintage American, but if I didn't like the horn in the end(which happens), and trial was over, I wouldn't be able to necessarilly recover financially. This is a big deal, cause I only have so much money, and any potential loss is not justified. At least if I'm not stunned by this VI, I know SOMEONE will buy it for at least what I will have paid. That's probably Selmer's biggest advantage over every single make. Almost 100% saleability and strong market values, which NEVER decline. Even late MK VIs are going for (relative to other horns of the same year anyway...) fairly high prices.
Brice B. User ID: 9161143	Apr 24th 7:14 AM I'd prefer the mid 100,000 serial #'s on VI's. Every early VI I've played is stuffy and hard to shape. The mid 100's (140-170) are my favorite. I have owned these before and really think they are the best. I have also owned the early VI's, and found them to actually be quite bad horns. I am talking both Tenor and Alto
BATMAN User ID: 9112483	Apr 24th 7:44 AM Brice B.---interesting! Everyone I know prefers the earliest vintages, especially for the dark sound and big tone. I'm more an SBA man, and I can't really stand the brighter later vintages (though they play pretty well). We'll see what I think when I get the horn...the transaction is almost ready to complete. and I double checked the vintage, it's an 83K, not 86K. I think Mike Brecker plays on the 86K if I remember correctly...could be why I kept confusing this horn with that serial. If I sound excited, I sort of am! This is my very first tenor (that I own) and I have rather lofty expectations of this vaunted "5 digit MK VI".
Thomas User ID: 1132714	Apr 24th 8:05 AM I have a 79xxx that I got new in '59.Thought it was a great horn,still have it as a matter of fact.In '77 I bought as a backup, a MK VII(these are tenors btw)that is actually a better sounding and playing horn-neither of which compare,in any way to my Martin Comm II tenor for tone and versatility. It befuddles me why some folks think of a horn as a monetary investment instead as positive contribution to the betterment of their musicianship.
BATMAN User ID: 9022063	Apr 24th 8:44 AM Well, I don't think of this horn as a financial investment for the most part. Note the words of excitement galore. I've never owned a tenor and have mostly used crappy school horns. This is going to be played. But, what's wrong with considering the market value as well? I've already spoken to Bootman and he's agreed this is a good buy. Think of it like this: If this is a keeper, I win. If it's OK I still win. If I find another horn I like, and it's my dream horn (a 100% silver SBA with perfect intonation for example...) then I know I can easilly sell the horn and have no loss. Perhaps even a profit. When you can only own one tenor (which is the case for now) I think everything should be taken into consideration. But, I can't stress enough how much this horn will be PLAYED. It's just good to know that if it's not me, and I find another horn which provides me with the sound I want, then I can just sell and get the other horn w/ no financial worry. I've taken a not so minor (around $200) loss already (sold an alto on ebay to raise money for a tenor) and I can't afford to lose again. At the very least, I know that won't happen in this case. I think that's reasonable?
Thomas User ID: 1132714	Apr 24th 9:06 AM Very reasonable-didn't mean to throw a damper on your enthusiasim-best of luck with the horn-hope it's as great as you want it to be.
BATMAN User ID: 9259363	Apr 24th 9:21 AM thanks....let's all hope this is a good player and not just a sound investment! I'm supposed to be a saxophone player, not a banker... Of course, if I really WAS batman, I'd use my alter ego Bruce Wayne to simply buy all the MK VI and SBAs I could...
Teegee User ID: 1662364	Apr 24th 1:14 PM Buy it Batman, especially if you have a small trial period, you cant go wrong. I bought my 73,XXX in 1980, while in High School, from an wierd hippie tenor player who was down on his luck for $650 & have never played anything since. (Ive been a pro player since the mid80s). Now that I want a backup, they're all $5000!!!( which is another reason to buy yours) I think that 75-90,xxx have the nicest, straight-ahead EQs of all Selmers & plenty of character. (Though I have tried some that are dogs, they're a few out there) Buy, it, dammit. You might get lucky & have the pleasure of its company, like me, for 20+ years!
BATMAN User ID: 1829734	Apr 24th 1:56 PM It has been bought, albeit unofficially. I'm just waiting for the seller to email me w/ his address and shipping costs. I hope to have it in two weeks or less. The seller is in Norway, so it might take a bit of time. Also, I forgot to mention. This is a paris horn, no engraving. I don't think that would affect overall value, but I wonder? Who cares...if it plays the way I think it will, then it's money well spent!
Bootman User ID: 1676554	Apr 24th 7:27 PM Congratulations on this horn. Let us know how it plays when you get it.
saxilla User ID: 9370173	Apr 25th 3:03 AM Sounds like a great deal to me, BATMAN! Usually, that vintage, in original lacquer comes in around $4500, depending on condition. You should easily get your money back, if you don't like it. Maybe, from me ;-)
JonL User ID: 7928263	Apr 25th 9:37 AM Batman...you've got the right idea. I sure would like to be in your shoes right now. That's really something great to look forward to. No way can you lose on this. If you like the sound, and feel comfortable with the horn, then it's a good horn, regardless of the numbers stamped on the back of the tube.
jd User ID: 8185963	Apr 25th 7:09 PM another good choice. i have a 89* mark 6 alto and i think its the best alto ive ever tried. i also have a 124* thats a killer too. a little brighter sounding than 89*** hey you will probabley love the horn.wise choice, congrats
BATMAN User ID: 9321503	Apr 27th 1:06 AM I got some pics from the guy who I bought it from. Horn looks tight, no dents or dings. No repairs to speak of according to the seller. Lacquer coverage is great, with wear at the usual spots (the palm touches,spatulas,left side of the bell, etc). No engraving (euro horn) but I actually kinda like that. Gives the horn a very clean, utilitarian look :) He said 85% coverage, which is VERY good for original lacquer. Comes in a flight case and what seems an otto link mpc. I hope the link will be from the same time period as the horn...hehe. Could be a great bonus! Overall, I'm pleased. I haven't tried it yet, but everything looks tight and I don't believe I'll be dissapointed. Now the hard part comes...waiting! I expect it in 1 1/2 to 2 weeks... This is the first 5-digit horn I will have gotten to try. My teacher says they are very good horns and he ranks them second only to his SBA...
JonL User ID: 0143424	Apr 27th 6:31 AM Batman...I have a good friend who plays an 86xxx, that he bought new. There's very little lacquer left on it anywhere at this point. He's been playing it forty-some years now, doing pretty much just routine maintainance with a good, local repairman, who is now retired and telling my friend it's finally time for a real overhaul! Absolutely one of the very finest tenors I've ever played. Not that I want my friend to retire from playing, but he said when he does he'll sell the horn to me! Congratulations on your good fortune. Hope you enjoy this horn, man.
BATMAN User ID: 1076954	May 8th 5:29 AM OK...the suspense is killing me! Payment has been recieved, and sax has been shipped to me via two-day EMS. I can't wait! Will post my thoughts on this sax in a few days. Again, it's an 83K MK VI, so there are some lofty expectations. Let's see how it does against the SBA's I've played already... I wish Ron Blake was in town...so I could A-B his horn to mine.
Alan User ID: 9892733	May 8th 5:36 AM "Anticipation"......real killer when you're waiting on a 5 digit VI, huh? Good luck with the horn. Hope it surpasses all your expectations.