[Rockplayer]

Hi folks, I was inquiring on a Craig’s list add about a late model Mark VI up for sale, SN 235829, high F#, the pics I was sent (I did ask for more/higher resolution images) would indicate it’s a six, but before I take off on a two hour drive with $$ in hand to try out the horn and possibly buy it I wanted to get some expert opinions. I’be Compared the engraving with a number of other Sixes and the key work and it’s the same. The wear on the sax looks realistic, the person selling said it has about 70% of the original lacquer still on it, would appreciate input.

 

[Tranechaser]

It's hard to tell from those photos, but the RH pinky keys are VI style. Do you have a picture of the left hand pinky cluster, the front of the bell to bow ring, or the front of the neck? Any of those would make it easier to tell. I had a VI that was a 234XXX and it was a great horn. Since your name is "Rock Player," I'm assuming your're a rock and roller and this would be a great horn for you if it's a late model VI.

 

[Rockplayer]

Here are some more pics

 

[1saxman]

Its a VI, and many of the late ones were real screamers. My 186 certainly is. Neck looks like the original one. Lack of engraving is seen frequently on these the same as the MK 7. Not quite sure what you want 'opinions' on but IMO if you don't know a MK VI when you see one you probably don't need to spend it.

 

[littlewailer]

Its a VI, and many of the late ones were real screamers. My 186 certainly is. Neck looks like the original one. Lack of engraving is seen frequently on these the same as the MK 7. Not quite sure what you want 'opinions' on but IMO if you don't know a MK VI when you see one you probably don't need to spend it.

For some reason I've always liked the later VI's much more than the earlier ones. The later ones just seem more free blowing and less stuffy.

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

For some reason I've always liked the later VI's much more than the earlier ones. The later ones just seem more free blowing and less stuffy.

I had a 62xxx that blew exceptionally freely, was very big sounding and was very responsive. It "popped" exceptionally well.

 

[Rockplayer]

Thanks for the input folks.

 

[Rockplayer]

1saxman, well I wasn’t interested at all in your opinion, each of those pics (except the last few I was sent which pretty much confirmed it was a six) was a little different. And specific “tell tale” indicators weren’t visible (right hand pinky keys & the two point connection) In my first post but they were defined in the last group of pics I received. Plus, sometimes when a person has an interest in an item they might overlook something obvious to someone who has experience with the model sax in question. Hence the reason I was looking for input. I checked a couple sites related to mark vi s/n’s and couldn’t find any two which were consistent, most indicated a sax in that s/n range were mark vii’s. So rather than spend four hours driving to check out the horn I decided to seek out some opinions from folks on this forum, I still haven’t “seen” the sax and until I do I’m still not 100% sure it is as advertised. I don’t post often on SOW specifically because a certain portion of the members are jerks, and like yourself post replies which have zero to do with the question.

 

[Tranechaser]

That's definitely a VI, and it looks to be in pretty good shape. I would drive 2 hours each way to check it out if I were you. Good luck!

 

[Rockplayer]

Yeah, I set up a time/spot to meet him tomorrow morning, traffic will be hell (going from south OC to West LA).

 

[ScottReed]

Looks like a nice horn. I also agree that the later models are great. Some of the European Vi’s weren’t engraved and possibly later American Vi’s.
Ignore 1saxman. If we didn’t ask questions we would never learn and I think this is a great website for learning if you can weed out all the opinions

 

[SimonJazzSax]

Yes. The VIs were produced until 241xxx or so.

This is more than likely a Euro horn as it is unengraved and has the high F#. The American VIs were still engraved and most didn't have high F#s.

The Mark VIIs which started around 241xxx were also engraved for the American market until the late 25x,xxx's / 260xxx.

I have had a 240xxx Mark VI alto and a 241xxx Mark VII alto side by side and they both had beautiful engravings.

Good luck with the purchase. Please meet in a public place. There was a robbery on the west coast not too long ago (guy was apprehended) that involved a for sale MK VI.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Tranechaser]

Yeah, I set up a time/spot to meet him tomorrow morning, traffic will be hell (going from south OC to West LA).

I feel your pain. I live in Bakersfield and I can probably get to that one faster than you despite it being farther away!