[atmartin50]

Hi all,

Please see the attached photo. A neighborhood friend's father was a saxophonist in Ohio big bands for many years, and has had this tenor in a closet for the past 30 or so years. Apparently, he has only pulled the horn out once in all that time.

Could anyone identify the horn based on the photo? It seems like it might be a Mark VI, but I'm not positive. If it is indeed a VI, can you tell anything more about the approximate age? I've never played or owned a vintage horn. Side note: I dig the built-in Bb clarinet case! I guess doubling was pretty much compulsory then.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! My friend tells me that it needs a little work, but from this view, it seems like it's in decent shape. I may make him an offer if he is willing to part with it. I'm really curious to know what mouthpiece is in there, along with the Rico Royal and La Voz reeds and the loosely-stored neck (yikes!).

Many thanks!
Aaron

 

[buddy lee]

Looks like a VI to me. If you can find out the serial number you can know for sure along with year of mfg. Good photos of the bell engraving would help determine if original lacquer or not. This could be a very valuable horn...

 

[Kritavi]

That is a VI, I can see the top of the engraving. The neck is right too. Serial number and a good shot of the bell would tell a lot more.

 

[AddictedToSax]

Looks like your friend has a very expensive and valuable horn, original lacquer or not. Given his dad's taste for tenor saxophones there's a good chance that clarinet is something worth having too. Any chance it's made of wood and says Buffet Crampon on it?

 

[atmartin50]

Thanks for the input so far, folks! I felt pretty certain it was a VI but wanted to get other opinions.

Looks like your friend has a very expensive and valuable horn, original lacquer or not. Given his dad's taste for tenor saxophones there's a good chance that clarinet is something worth having too. Any chance it's made of wood and says Buffet Crampon on it?

Yes, my friend told me that his dad said it was "pretty top of the line back then." I'll probably get a chance to see it (or maybe even play it) in the weeks ahead, so I'll know more about both the tenor and the clarinet at that time. Thanks again!

 

[Sacks Of Phones]

Any chance it's made of wood and says Buffet Crampon on it?

If so, follow these easy steps:

1) Proceed to nearest toolbox.
2) Secure hammer (the larger, the better).
3) Proceed to clarinet, hammer in hand.
4) Smash clarinet to small bits.
5) Obtain dustpan and brush.
6) Collect bits of clarinet with dustpan and brush and promptly discard in nearest trash receptacle.
7) Return hammer to toolbox and dustpan/brush to location where found.

:twisted::twisted: Kidding. It depends on how it plays. Buffet has messed with the R-13 recipe a lot. Some years like the late 70's were horrid. :twisted::twisted:

 

[Dr G]

Looks like your friend has a very expensive and valuable horn, original lacquer or not. Given his dad's taste for tenor saxophones there's a good chance that clarinet is something worth having too. Any chance it's made of wood and says Buffet Crampon on it?

Likely a better chance that is says "Selmer". Perhaps a Series 9?

 

[1saxman]

Looks like a $6000 set. It actually would sell for more on ebay with some documentation on condition. I'd say the 'friend/family' price on this would be at least $4500. You should figure on an overhaul on the sax at about $1200. Of course you might get lucky and they just give it to you.

 

[Guto]

Looks like a $6000 set. It actually would sell for more on ebay with some documentation on condition. I'd say the 'friend/family' price on this would be at least $4500. You should figure on an overhaul on the sax at about $1200. Of course you might get lucky and they just give it to you.

IMO it's worth at least 2x that much.

 

[Sakshama]

To me it looks like #80xxx to #100xxx serial number range by the engraving, original laquer, the best of the Mark VI. Buy it if you can and whatever price your friend comes with, will be most likely undervalued.

 

[Lambros]

To me it looks like #80xxx to #100xxx serial number range by the engraving, original laquer, the best of the Mark VI. Buy it if you can and whatever price your friend comes with, will be most likely undervalued.

I'd say you're right in your evaluation and the early style doubled scroll frieze on the body to bow collar ring was the giveaway for me. The clarinet looks to be an R-13, based on the key work and other things such as the flared top joint, etc and I can almost make out the Buffet stamp on the upper joint by the slotted barrel key guide. Could be an equally desirable vintage late 50s to early 60s Buffet; it would make sense.

 

[Saxtripper]

Looks like a $6000 set. It actually would sell for more on ebay with some documentation on condition. I'd say the 'friend/family' price on this would be at least $4500. You should figure on an overhaul on the sax at about $1200. Of course you might get lucky and they just give it to you.

LOL. Are you kidding me? This saxophone is worth over 10K.

 

[Jazz House]

I guess doubling was pretty much compulsory then.

Ha! Still is!

Seriously, though, nice horn. And definitely worth more than 6K if original!

 

[atmartin50]

Thanks, all! I knew that the tenor would be valuable, but did not think it would be quite that valuable. This situation will require some class and some tact. I've never met my friend's dad and do not want to insult him (either with (a) an offer that is too low, or, (b) based on the opinion of another neighborhood buddy who knows this friend better than I and also knows his father, even making an offer in the first place. This second friend seems to think that if we were to play some duets together and share music stories/experiences, the gentleman might simply give it to me, which, frankly, is a potentially awkward situation for me, as well).

As I mentioned, I've never played or owned an older/vintage horn (aside from a Mark VI baritone back in university jazz ensemble), and I've always been curious about the Mark VI tenors and altos. In order to make a respectable offer, I'd probably have to sell my new YTS-62iii to avoid shelling out money for a divorce attorney . If I do end up with the horn, I'd probably part with the clarinet, as the only licorice stick I'm interested in is the bass.