[2Tonic]

I encountered something today I would like to run past the forum members. I was looking at a horn for sale that is advertised as a Mark VI. The serial number is 233,xxx. The Selmer serial number chart at http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#Selmer shows that serial number would be a Mark VII. However, the owner of the horn is absolutely certain it is a Mark VI.

Is it possible the chart is wrong?

 

[ericdano]

Maybe, but if it says mark vi on it then I'd probably go with that.

I encountered something today I would like to run past the forum members. I was looking at a horn for sale that is advertised as a Mark VI. The serial number is 233,xxx. The Selmer serial number chart at http://www.conn-selmer.com/content/resources/serialno.php#Selmer shows that serial number would be a Mark VII. However, the owner of the horn is absolutely certain it is a Mark VI.

Is it possible the chart is wrong?

 

[bandmommy]

The Selmer charts are usually pretty accurate.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I recall this issue came up several years ago. Have you searched through the SOTW to see if you could find info? I agree that even when the chart says 231XXX is a MKVII, if the markings on the bell bow joint says MKVI, that's what it is. DAVE

 

[BarrySachs]

I have a #20k BA alto but the chart puts it as a RI. I guess there was some overlap.

 

[Am I Too Loud?]

Selmer started making Mark VII's before they stopped making VI's, so the serial numbers overlap. I have seen Mark VI's as late as 240K. In fact, the majority of Selmers I have seen in the 230K's have been VI's, not VII's. Obviously, this only applies to altos and tenors.

 

[Ref696]

I've seen a couple VIs in the 240xxx+ range. Selmer charts dont account for the horns made from left over parts after the official release of the next horn.

 

[AMASAX]

Please use the SEARCH button/feature of SOTW. Doing so would produce mucho posts on this subject. Reading said posts would offer up that there has always been a lot of overlap on Selmer serial numbers when switching to new models.

233xxx is a valid number range for both M6 & M7 horns.

 

[averageschmoe]

Has anyone seen a MK VII in the 230's? I've seen plenty of sixes, but I've yet to see a VII under 240.

 

[Bubba06]

Along with the comments above, if it was a soprano for example, they didn't have Mark VIIs.

-Bubba-

 

[JazzFox]

I have a 234k Mark VI tenor. I have found quite a bit of error in the Selmer serial number charts.

 

[Mike F]

I have a 238XXX MKVI tenor. As AMASAX said, this has been discussed a lot. There was a huge overlap MKVI to VII and the rest of the official Selmer serial number chart is well know to be somewhat inaccurate.

 

[sukstr]

On a similar theme, I have both a MKVII Tenor and Alto in the 316xxx range - which according to link above suggests they are SA80.

 

[Tharruff]

The serial number list posted by Selmer is an 'APPROXIMATION' at best...which is kind of funny since they have the records and I believe that they could make it 'pretty accurate' if they wanted to put the time into it...

 

[paulwl]

But remember - every little bit of interest they encourage in their old, discontinued instruments (a) costs their staff time and money and (b) perpetuates a mythic status for the old horns that distracts interest - and potential buyers - from the new horns.

 

[harmonizerNJ]

I own a 238k Mark VI alto, and have held in my hands another different 238k Mark VI alto.