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Sax on the Web Forum Archive / Selmer saxes / Price for a tenor MK VI?

Next 20 Messages

Peter
User ID: 0589754 Jul 10th 4:47 AM
What`s a good price for the customer for a late (serial 200xxx)Selmer Mk VI?

lesax
User ID: 1251404 Jul 10th 6:26 AM
Under $4000 if it is in average condition with good pads. For a relacquer or a horn with extreme wear, considerably less.

Brice B.
User ID: 9649143 Jul 10th 6:50 AM
These days I wouldn't pay anything over $3000. If you watch Ebay, there's a lot of these horns going for $3000 or less.

BATMAN
User ID: 7998213 Jul 10th 6:57 AM
I agree with Brice B.

If you look hard, you can find the late examples for reasonable prices. I found a 5-digit MK VI for $3500, so good deals on vintage Selmers are out there.

Brice B.
User ID: 9649143 Jul 10th 9:59 PM
I remeber last year I sold a 169XXX VI alto for $3700. Now I'd be lucky to sell it for $3000. Really look around on here and Ebay. Don't buy from a Vintage dealer, because in my mind, they're too stuck on themselves to realize that selling VI's is nothing special (can you say Wichita Band and Instrument?...).

Steve Goodson
User ID: 0067194 Jul 11th 9:12 PM
And don't listen to people like Brice B. who is apparently so stuck on himself that he knows it all! How many years HAVE YOU been in the horn business, Brice?

danm
User ID: 0366544 Jul 11th 11:35 PM
Well, I bought my MK VI from a "Vintage Dealer" and I feel that I got a great deal. When I deal with a dealer, I know who I am dealing with they have a phone number and an address. The last two horns (both Selmers) that I bought came from professionals in the business and I had no surprises in their condition. I spent no money to set them up as they were already set up when I got them. If I spend thousands of dollars for a horn I want to know who I am buying from so I don't get burnt. I have a 214XXX MK VI and I paid less than $3000.oo for it from a dealer. It was original laq and in good shape.Also the price you see on the web may not be the price you will pay for it. Make an offer and if it is within reason it may get accepted, mine did.

AG
User ID: 9892733 Jul 12th 1:22 AM
oooooh, it's hot down in N'awlins.....speaking only for myself and my own personal experience I would rather buy from an established, reputable dealer and know that I am getting an excellent horn plus be able to play it, look it over, and hold it, and know there is a guarantee behind it plus good service and maintenance when I need it. (and did I mention first chance to buy at a preferred customer discount the next vintage meyer that comes in with an old beat up horn trade in......?) I'm sure Ebay can be a satisfying, money saving experience at times for those with on line buying knowledge and experience; it can also be a crap shoot if you're not careful. I've never dealt with Mr. Goodson, nor have I met him. The two Selmer altos I've bought so far were from an old established music store/Selmer dealer in E. Texas.....a new Mark VI in 1965 and a new Mark VII in 2000 (one new one left in the warehouse still in the plastic). The service and maintenance on both horns over the years has been excellent.....never charged for a leak ck or adjustment or even a neck re-cork.....disc. on any reeds or mouthpieces. If I have to bring my horn in the tech stops what he's doing (usually on school horns) and takes care of me, unless he's got an emergency. However, that's just my preference (convenience I guess) in horn purchasing, and I'm sure there are many others and opinions. Don't think it matters that much who's got the horn for sale if it's THE one you've been waiting and looking for..... if you observe the normal precautions to protect yourself on the purchase. I just feel more comfortable and worry less with a well known dealer that I know. Maybe some day I can visit Mr. Goodson's shop if I ever get back to New Orleans....look at all his horns, find one I like and say "it's cheaper on ebay, saw one just like it last wk....." 8^D .....then run! ( with my luck he'd be the local voodoo queen's horn repairman, and everything I played from then on would sound like a bad Kenny G on an old leaky soprano......:~)

Mack
User ID: 9858163 Jul 12th 4:44 AM
I would certainly pay more if if I bought it from a dealer, than from a private person. But I would not pay more than $3000 unless it was a spectacular specimen. But it seems like prices here in Europe are a generally lower than in the states. I have not seen any dealers who take more than $4000 except for gold plated ones or other rarities.

brianm
User ID: 2484284 Jul 12th 10:46 AM
AG -
I'm in Houston. Please tell me the name of the dealer in E.Texas.
Email: bmetelits@att.net

Brice B.
User ID: 9649143 Jul 12th 10:50 AM
Whaooo Stevey!! Listen, I happen to think a lot of you and your business, but lets be real, Mark VI's shouldn't be priced so high. I mean, They're great horns, and they deserve their reputation, but NO HORN should be that expensive. I bought my brand new car for only a few thousand more than what some shops are asking for VI's. There's simply too many of them out there to pay that much money for them. Say I buy one on Ebay, pay $2800 for it, and even if I spend $300-$400 in repairs, I've still not spent as much as I would at a shop. But my main point is that 1) THe market has been flooded with VI's which means that the prices have fallen, and 2) Most shops have not realized this. Again, I was mainly speaking out against Wichita Band, who I have dealt with several times.

And I've been buying and selling horns for at least 5 years, which is not much, but I didn't just speak out of ignorance.

Son of Selmer
User ID: 2727884 Jul 12th 10:56 AM
Steve's just mad because Ebay has hurt everyones's business, and because US shops can't compete with European prices. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!!

Steve Goodson
User ID: 0067194 Jul 12th 10:59 AM
The market price has definately fallen for AVERAGE condition VI's, but the collectors are still paying top dollar for exceptional examples. Ebay is generally, IMHO, the sales outlet of last resort. I don't consider it to be a very reliable barometer of the overall market. As I have said many times before: "A horn is worth what a willing buyer and willing seller can agree upon".

I think that the prices for EXCEPTIONAL MK VI horns are still too low. They aren't making any more of them, and the demand for them seems to be quite steady. I see no reason that it will decline in the forseeable future.

The low prices you refer to on Ebay are compensation for the risk factor involved in an Ebay transaction.

John T.
User ID: 8506593 Jul 12th 11:07 AM
Thank God you guys arent into Guitars.

Desirable Vintage guitars (old Strats,Pauls,Jazz Boxes) START at around $2k and easily go over a $100K for something thats Celebrity owned (ie. Jimi Hendrix or Eric Claptons "Stuff").

Even a New Gibson Guitar from their Custom shop or Historic Collection will start around $2K (retail not list) to around $15K for a Gibson Citation Model.

So we dont have it that Bad!

Jerry K.
User ID: 9523443 Jul 12th 11:12 AM
I think a person would be quite insane to buy any sax on eBay for $3000 or more sight unseen. The only exception would be if it was offered by a known and respected dealer with a trial period - not likely to find a $3000 VI Tenor that meets that criteria! A few VI tenors may have sold for $3000 or less in recent months on eBay, but by the time you get a professional overhaul you'll still be into the sax for nearly $4000. Besides, the horn may be relacquered or a dog - can't tell without seeing and playing it. If you want to gamble play the lottery. For me I'm not interested in making $3000 bets.

danm
User ID: 0366544 Jul 12th 12:48 PM
I agree with what Steve said about ebay.I have bought and sold about 15 horns on ebay and I have been blessed by never getting stuck with a lemon. I have sold some horns here on sotw and they were good transactions and more enjoyable than ebay sales. I think Jerry K is right about spending this kind of money on an ebay sales unless you know a respected dealer with a trial period. To me some other instruments cost much more than sax's like a Haynes flute for example.
Good instruments cost money and most times you get what you pay for. I am a player not a collector so the looks matter little to me. Its the playing and tone thats important to me and only I can place a price on what that is worth to me.

mostly alto guy
User ID: 0122954 Jul 12th 3:48 PM
I agree with whoever said it above: MK VIs are priced high because buyers will pay.

If you had a used car that was supposedly worth a grand, and somebody who wanted it real bad offered you 2 grand, would you offer it to him for a grand because that's what you thought it was worth? DUH!? And if this happened over and over with the same model car, wouldn't you start asking for more in the first place? Again, DUH?!

As for ebay, it makes me nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I did buy one horn sight unseen from an unknown (to me), seller, and even paid Buy it Now price. It is a great horn, at a reasonable price, one that I couldn't bear to let go to someone else. Not a MKVI, an S1.

lesax
User ID: 1251404 Jul 12th 6:04 PM
Yeah Brice, the prices for average Mark VIs are falling through the floor. You would be well advised to dump the ones you have now at the current high price, wait six months and then buy several real cheap as prices scrape bottom. Yeah, that's right, dump 'em quick. I might buy 'em if you got 'em cause I'm a sucker for your average six and besides the Ref54 is a much better horn and cheap too. Let me know when your ready to get rid of the overpriced junk. I know a few idiots who'll buy 'em.

MBushaw
User ID: 0130044 Jul 12th 6:50 PM
mostly alto- strange, I got my S1 alto on a buy-it-now that was too low to pass up too! I'm selling my Cigar Cutter and Balanced Action altos, they can't keep up to the S1.

SaxGuy80
User ID: 1655274 Jul 12th 6:59 PM
Id be interested in your Balanced Action Alto. What ya asking for them?

Next 20 Messages

Peter User ID: 0589754	Jul 10th 4:47 AM What`s a good price for the customer for a late (serial 200xxx)Selmer Mk VI?
lesax User ID: 1251404	Jul 10th 6:26 AM Under $4000 if it is in average condition with good pads. For a relacquer or a horn with extreme wear, considerably less.
Brice B. User ID: 9649143	Jul 10th 6:50 AM These days I wouldn't pay anything over $3000. If you watch Ebay, there's a lot of these horns going for $3000 or less.
BATMAN User ID: 7998213	Jul 10th 6:57 AM I agree with Brice B. If you look hard, you can find the late examples for reasonable prices. I found a 5-digit MK VI for $3500, so good deals on vintage Selmers are out there.
Brice B. User ID: 9649143	Jul 10th 9:59 PM I remeber last year I sold a 169XXX VI alto for $3700. Now I'd be lucky to sell it for $3000. Really look around on here and Ebay. Don't buy from a Vintage dealer, because in my mind, they're too stuck on themselves to realize that selling VI's is nothing special (can you say Wichita Band and Instrument?...).
Steve Goodson User ID: 0067194	Jul 11th 9:12 PM And don't listen to people like Brice B. who is apparently so stuck on himself that he knows it all! How many years HAVE YOU been in the horn business, Brice?
danm User ID: 0366544	Jul 11th 11:35 PM Well, I bought my MK VI from a "Vintage Dealer" and I feel that I got a great deal. When I deal with a dealer, I know who I am dealing with they have a phone number and an address. The last two horns (both Selmers) that I bought came from professionals in the business and I had no surprises in their condition. I spent no money to set them up as they were already set up when I got them. If I spend thousands of dollars for a horn I want to know who I am buying from so I don't get burnt. I have a 214XXX MK VI and I paid less than $3000.oo for it from a dealer. It was original laq and in good shape.Also the price you see on the web may not be the price you will pay for it. Make an offer and if it is within reason it may get accepted, mine did.
AG User ID: 9892733	Jul 12th 1:22 AM oooooh, it's hot down in N'awlins.....speaking only for myself and my own personal experience I would rather buy from an established, reputable dealer and know that I am getting an excellent horn plus be able to play it, look it over, and hold it, and know there is a guarantee behind it plus good service and maintenance when I need it. (and did I mention first chance to buy at a preferred customer discount the next vintage meyer that comes in with an old beat up horn trade in......?) I'm sure Ebay can be a satisfying, money saving experience at times for those with on line buying knowledge and experience; it can also be a crap shoot if you're not careful. I've never dealt with Mr. Goodson, nor have I met him. The two Selmer altos I've bought so far were from an old established music store/Selmer dealer in E. Texas.....a new Mark VI in 1965 and a new Mark VII in 2000 (one new one left in the warehouse still in the plastic). The service and maintenance on both horns over the years has been excellent.....never charged for a leak ck or adjustment or even a neck re-cork.....disc. on any reeds or mouthpieces. If I have to bring my horn in the tech stops what he's doing (usually on school horns) and takes care of me, unless he's got an emergency. However, that's just my preference (convenience I guess) in horn purchasing, and I'm sure there are many others and opinions. Don't think it matters that much who's got the horn for sale if it's THE one you've been waiting and looking for..... if you observe the normal precautions to protect yourself on the purchase. I just feel more comfortable and worry less with a well known dealer that I know. Maybe some day I can visit Mr. Goodson's shop if I ever get back to New Orleans....look at all his horns, find one I like and say "it's cheaper on ebay, saw one just like it last wk....." 8^D .....then run! ( with my luck he'd be the local voodoo queen's horn repairman, and everything I played from then on would sound like a bad Kenny G on an old leaky soprano......:~)
Mack User ID: 9858163	Jul 12th 4:44 AM I would certainly pay more if if I bought it from a dealer, than from a private person. But I would not pay more than $3000 unless it was a spectacular specimen. But it seems like prices here in Europe are a generally lower than in the states. I have not seen any dealers who take more than $4000 except for gold plated ones or other rarities.
brianm User ID: 2484284	Jul 12th 10:46 AM AG - I'm in Houston. Please tell me the name of the dealer in E.Texas. Email: bmetelits@att.net
Brice B. User ID: 9649143	Jul 12th 10:50 AM Whaooo Stevey!! Listen, I happen to think a lot of you and your business, but lets be real, Mark VI's shouldn't be priced so high. I mean, They're great horns, and they deserve their reputation, but NO HORN should be that expensive. I bought my brand new car for only a few thousand more than what some shops are asking for VI's. There's simply too many of them out there to pay that much money for them. Say I buy one on Ebay, pay $2800 for it, and even if I spend $300-$400 in repairs, I've still not spent as much as I would at a shop. But my main point is that 1) THe market has been flooded with VI's which means that the prices have fallen, and 2) Most shops have not realized this. Again, I was mainly speaking out against Wichita Band, who I have dealt with several times. And I've been buying and selling horns for at least 5 years, which is not much, but I didn't just speak out of ignorance.
Son of Selmer User ID: 2727884	Jul 12th 10:56 AM Steve's just mad because Ebay has hurt everyones's business, and because US shops can't compete with European prices. Get over yourselves and do something about it!!!
Steve Goodson User ID: 0067194	Jul 12th 10:59 AM The market price has definately fallen for AVERAGE condition VI's, but the collectors are still paying top dollar for exceptional examples. Ebay is generally, IMHO, the sales outlet of last resort. I don't consider it to be a very reliable barometer of the overall market. As I have said many times before: "A horn is worth what a willing buyer and willing seller can agree upon". I think that the prices for EXCEPTIONAL MK VI horns are still too low. They aren't making any more of them, and the demand for them seems to be quite steady. I see no reason that it will decline in the forseeable future. The low prices you refer to on Ebay are compensation for the risk factor involved in an Ebay transaction.
John T. User ID: 8506593	Jul 12th 11:07 AM Thank God you guys arent into Guitars. Desirable Vintage guitars (old Strats,Pauls,Jazz Boxes) START at around $2k and easily go over a $100K for something thats Celebrity owned (ie. Jimi Hendrix or Eric Claptons "Stuff"). Even a New Gibson Guitar from their Custom shop or Historic Collection will start around $2K (retail not list) to around $15K for a Gibson Citation Model. So we dont have it that Bad!
Jerry K. User ID: 9523443	Jul 12th 11:12 AM I think a person would be quite insane to buy any sax on eBay for $3000 or more sight unseen. The only exception would be if it was offered by a known and respected dealer with a trial period - not likely to find a $3000 VI Tenor that meets that criteria! A few VI tenors may have sold for $3000 or less in recent months on eBay, but by the time you get a professional overhaul you'll still be into the sax for nearly $4000. Besides, the horn may be relacquered or a dog - can't tell without seeing and playing it. If you want to gamble play the lottery. For me I'm not interested in making $3000 bets.
danm User ID: 0366544	Jul 12th 12:48 PM I agree with what Steve said about ebay.I have bought and sold about 15 horns on ebay and I have been blessed by never getting stuck with a lemon. I have sold some horns here on sotw and they were good transactions and more enjoyable than ebay sales. I think Jerry K is right about spending this kind of money on an ebay sales unless you know a respected dealer with a trial period. To me some other instruments cost much more than sax's like a Haynes flute for example. Good instruments cost money and most times you get what you pay for. I am a player not a collector so the looks matter little to me. Its the playing and tone thats important to me and only I can place a price on what that is worth to me.
mostly alto guy User ID: 0122954	Jul 12th 3:48 PM I agree with whoever said it above: MK VIs are priced high because buyers will pay. If you had a used car that was supposedly worth a grand, and somebody who wanted it real bad offered you 2 grand, would you offer it to him for a grand because that's what you thought it was worth? DUH!? And if this happened over and over with the same model car, wouldn't you start asking for more in the first place? Again, DUH?! As for ebay, it makes me nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. I did buy one horn sight unseen from an unknown (to me), seller, and even paid Buy it Now price. It is a great horn, at a reasonable price, one that I couldn't bear to let go to someone else. Not a MKVI, an S1.
lesax User ID: 1251404	Jul 12th 6:04 PM Yeah Brice, the prices for average Mark VIs are falling through the floor. You would be well advised to dump the ones you have now at the current high price, wait six months and then buy several real cheap as prices scrape bottom. Yeah, that's right, dump 'em quick. I might buy 'em if you got 'em cause I'm a sucker for your average six and besides the Ref54 is a much better horn and cheap too. Let me know when your ready to get rid of the overpriced junk. I know a few idiots who'll buy 'em.
MBushaw User ID: 0130044	Jul 12th 6:50 PM mostly alto- strange, I got my S1 alto on a buy-it-now that was too low to pass up too! I'm selling my Cigar Cutter and Balanced Action altos, they can't keep up to the S1.
SaxGuy80 User ID: 1655274	Jul 12th 6:59 PM Id be interested in your Balanced Action Alto. What ya asking for them?