[james sax]

Hi,

Well the time has come to get myself one of these. Any advice on purchasing it and notable things to look for, its a 5 digit l 1959 lacquers heavily worn.

Thanks in advance.

 

[milandro]

If you are already looking at a 1959 very worn lacquer ask yourself if a later one in perfect state wouldn’t be nicer (for you) try before you buy, you don’t play the lacquer or the year

 

[Dr G]

Hi,

Well the time has come to get myself one of these. Any advice on purchasing it and notable things to look for, its a 5 digit l 1959 lacquers heavily worn.

Thanks in advance.

Can you play it before buying, or get it on trial?

If it looks heavily worn, expect it to need a real overhaul - not just a cleaning and repad - to get it in good playing condition. Of course, if you just want an old "collectible" horn, go for it.

Post some pictures and the asking price. The more details you can share, the better answers you can expect.

 

[Meyer65]

Best device I received, or could give, before buying my VI was to find a way to play multiple examples, ideally back to back. There are guys/shops out there with numerous horns to try. If you post where you’re located maybe someone will chime in with some contacts.

I also echo the sentiment to budget for some work needing to be done, at worst a full re haul.

 

[Grumps]

As with any SBA or VI alto, put on your mouthpiece of choice, make sure you're in tune... and then blow a nice, soft low B. If nothing unusual happens, it's a keeper.

 

[Reet McVouty]

Hi,

Well the time has come to get myself one of these. Any advice on purchasing it and notable things to look for, its a 5 digit l 1959 lacquers heavily worn.

Thanks in advance.

Okay, I guess I'll be the devils advocate here and ask why you feel that "it's time to get one of these." Have you ever played one before? What makes you think that because it's a MK-VI that it is better than any one of the major brands of new horns that are available today? That includes modern Selmers. I am not saying that the MK-IV is not a great horn, only that now most are well used and have been played on for many years which at some point wear and tear enter the equation. Then there is the fact that based on the MK-VI design many modern horns have caught up to the mythical beast in ergonomics, build quality and play-ability. But, I have to say if you must have one then as others here have said, play a bunch and select the best of the lot, don't concern yourself with the serial number. Just keep in mind, you can buy a really nice brand new horn with what you'll pay for a Mk-VI.

 

[1saxman]

As with any SBA or VI alto, put on your mouthpiece of choice, make sure you're in tune... and then blow a nice, soft low B. If nothing unusual happens, it's a keeper.

It would be unusual if it played, because the horn would have to be nearly perfect for that to happen, and that is highly unlikely.

 

[nn1229]

Okay, I guess I'll be the devils advocate here and ask why you feel that "it's time to get one of these." Have you ever played one before? What makes you think that because it's a MK-VI that it is better than any one of the major brands of new horns that are available today? That includes modern Selmers. I am not saying that the MK-IV is not a great horn, only that now most are well used and have been played on for many years which at some point wear and tear enter the equation. Then there is the fact that based on the MK-VI design many modern horns have caught up to the mythical beast in ergonomics, build quality and play-ability. But, I have to say if you must have one then as others here have said, play a bunch and select the best of the lot, don't concern yourself with the serial number. Just keep in mind, you can buy a really nice brand new horn with what you'll pay for a Mk-VI.

I cant speak for the OP, but as somebody who's carefully saving up to buy a Mark VI right now I can agree that modern horns have caught up in terms of usability and playing. I don't subscribe to the legends surrounding how vintage horns play, for me its more of a decision to set a goal to buy a beautiful instrument to play and own. Also, the age of the instrument is interesting to me. To hold a '64 VI and to think about how different the world was when it was new is a pretty cool feeling (I would imagine). Obviously this isn't worth the 6-10 thousand USD price tag, but it's more of an emotional decision rather than an educated one.

Also big +1 to your comment about serial numbers. I think Steve Goodson said it well in his youtube round up of Mark VI lore. The best Mark VI is the one that you love to play, it could be a 55xxx or a 230xxx.