[CraigAB]

Generally speaking, is there a certain number of years when the Mark VI's were produced, where the sound and intonation is superior?

For example the Stradivarius violins had a particular sound that no-one has been able to reproduce.

So I was wondering if that was similar for the Selmer Mark VI?

 

[soybean]

If you read the Selmer section here you will find many opinions on this topic: http://forum.saxontheweb.net/forumdisplay.php?111-Selmer-(Paris)

Just be aware that you will find fans of the Mark VI from every era. It also can be said that each one is different, even when made on the same day so you really have to play it first before buying.

 

[CraigAB]

Cheers Soybean.

I was just wondering if there was a general consesus that's all. As the Mark VI run went for 20 years.

But it looks like its going to be another one of those questions like "How long is a piece of string?".

 

[dshook]

Generally, serial numbers below 100,000 are more expensive (better?), with a spike in the 80,000s. Personally, I seem to prefer the earliest ones, and I own a late one (214xxx) which is a great horn too.

 

[gwd1]

I play a 139xxx that just screams...

 

[soybean]

Cheers Soybean.

I was just wondering if there was a general consesus that's all. As the Mark VI run went for 20 years.

You'll find that some players swear by the 1950s VIs and some will only play the ones near Sanborn's serial number. Others say that the last few years of production were actually the best. As dshook says, some years are more expensive and desirable, but that doesn't mean they will neccesarily play better. These were hand made saxes. You can find Selmers made in the same week that sound and play different from each other. Best to play before you buy. If that is not possible, try to get one with original lacquer in as best condition as possible. That way, it will hold up as an investment and be easier to sell if you have to.

 

[Horned Toad]

At least up to a certain serial number range, it is not an issue of what is 'better' but more of what specific character, response and tone those particular time periods might have.

 

[Dr G]

I play a 139xxx that just screams...

OK, so that's one to avoid...

 

[soybean]

:mrgreen: Haha! :mrgreen:

 

[Steve Stockham]

Ah, but are we talking about altos or tenors? As I understand it, there was an insert placed in the curve to correct an intonation problem in the tenors. This would have been retro-fitted to earlier production runs but didn't they start coming from the factory this way? Again, what is desirable (serial numberwise) in an alto may not be the same for the tenor.

 

[harmonizerNJ]

.....As I understand it, there was an insert placed in the curve to correct an intonation problem in the tenors......

An insert was also placed in the bow on some altos. Interesting discussion here:
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?167063-Which-VI-altos-have-the-patch-in-the-bow

 

[Dr G]

Cheers Soybean.

I was just wondering if there was a general consesus that's all. As the Mark VI run went for 20 years.

But it looks like its going to be another one of those questions like "How long is a piece of string?".

No, it's a matter of "Could you better define your question?"

SATB???

As Horned Toad has responded, the horns changed character with the various revisions. If you were to ask which year of Mk VI tenors were darker in character or which were least focused, you might get a more definitive answer.

 

[Little Sax]

No, it's a matter of "Could you better define your question?"

SATB???

As Horned Toad has responded, the horns changed character with the various revisions. If you were to ask which year of Mk VI tenors were darker in character or which were least focused, you might get a more definitive answer.

What? No 'ninos or basses?

 

[Dr G]

What? No 'ninos or basses?

Hey, I was being generous even mentioning SAB - might as well add Eb clarinets. :twisted:

Tenor - It's all that matters.

 

[Little Sax]

Hey, I was being generous even mentioning SAB - might as well add Eb clarinets. :twisted:

Tenor - It's all that matters.

I've never seen a MKVI eefer, do you have one.

I was over at PMWoodwind last night and Paul was telling me about a MKVI sop he recently sold.
It was an early 5 digit, SBA engraving, US engraved/lacquered, and it was near mint.
He had it less than four hours and sold it for $14k.

...I guess that's the sweet spot for sopranos!

 

[CraigAB]

Thanks for the responces guys, I appreciate it.
Could It be said that, over time the sound has changed? In which direction lighter/darker/centered?

I was trying to avoid specifics, but if you think that is not possible, then you view on whichever sax you have had experience with is fine.

 

[hakukani]

My Mk VI tenor is the best. Everyone that's tried it has loved it, including Duncan Bamsey (who used to work for Randy Jones), the last tech to work on it.