Selmer Mark VI - The Most Expensive Legendary Saxophone in the World
“In the 1950s, artists like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Wayne Shorter bought a “Mark VI” trumpet without knowing the trumpet they owned would later become a legend!”
“Undoubtedly, the most famous and sought after saxophone in the world is the Selmer Mark VI. But why?".
Over the past 20 years, the price of the Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone and alto alto has risen to $40,000. Entire websites and blogs are dedicated to listing the final serial numbers for the “perfect” Selmer Mark VI, and collectors find these horns from lofts and under beds everywhere. In the world.
If you're looking to buy a saxophone, you might even wonder if modern Selmer saxophones can compete with legendary classical trumpets.
But how did this Selmer Mark VI saxophone become such a coveted object, and is there any truth to this myth?
What makes the Selmer Mark VI so sought after?
Where the story begins
The Mark VI was first produced by the Selmer company in 1954. It is the sixth new model produced by the factory since they began production of the first saxophone in 1922 and features many design features. new. Mark VI models were produced from 1954-1981. Super Action 80 was introduced by Selmer in 1980.
These new models are recorded with a serial number. The serial number stamped on the neck is used to identify Selmer saxophone models. Although Selmer's designs have improved, from the release of the revolutionary Balanced Action model in 1936 to the Super Action trumpet, the Selmer Mark VI offers the best combination of two key elements, melody and intonation.
In fact, some would argue that this trumpet is the 'perfect storm' of design innovations, and the new key designs from the Selmer Mark VI remain the benchmark for most new trumpets today.
Selmer produced the Mark VI until 1974, making thousands of these trumpets over the course of 20 years. During this time, many small improvements were made, and since each trumpet was hand-built, there were slight variations between the trumpets.
New developments
In 1974, the last of the Mark VI tenor and alto saxophones rolled off the production line, and Selmer debuted the new Mark VII. Although it took three years to develop the new Mark VII model l and it included changes to the octave mechanism, spoon key, neck and bell, the Mark VII never received the same welcome as the previous model. and is generally considered less popular.
Legendary
The Mark VI was used by many of the great players that came out in the 1950s, such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Wayne Shorter. Of course, these players bought a new "Mark VI" trumpet at the time, not knowing the trumpet they owned would later become a legend.
“Players switched to the Mark VI because the key feel and intonation were so much better,” says renowned repairman Emilio Lyons, who has rebuilt trumpets for players like Stan Getz and Phil Woods.
As these players inspire the next generations, Mark VI has become part of a legend that needs to be replicated. Even since the 1970s, players like David Sanborn and Michael Brecker have been huge supporters of Mark VI, and that continues to this day.
Without a doubt, the Mark VI was a very good trumpet and made a lot of sense when it first came out. And, today, for many players, the Mark VI is the only option if you are a "genuine" saxophone player.
However, over the years, many players have fabricated many legends about the Mark VI, from the "perfect serial number list" to the body made from recycled World War II artillery shells. Many people even wholeheartedly attest that the Mark VI sounds better than any other trumpet, although numerous "blind tests" (blind tests) have proven otherwise.
Either way, as trumpets have become more sought after, prices have risen dramatically, making the Mark VI not only a coveted object but a status symbol for many.
But does the myth of Mark VI have any scientific basis?
Steve Crow has personally owned several Mark VI sax and has rebuilt hundreds of them as one of the top repairers in the UK. Steve explains: “Personally, I first fell in love with the look and romance of Mark VI. Thinking about where a beautiful antique trumpet like the Mark VI has been, makes it come to life for me – even the smell when you open the box is great.”
Compared to modern trumpets, though, the Mark VI takes some getting used to, and for many people the most important thing is how it feels to play one. Steve said: “I always felt it had a certain 'resonance' when I played. “The trumpet feedback is very important to inspire you as a player – that is one of the strengths of the Mark VI, in my opinion.”
Different design
Whether there's any scientific reason why the Mark VI might be more 'sound' than newer ones is up for debate. However, there are glaring design differences between the Mark VI and Mark VII saxophones that have a real, quantifiable difference in sound and feel.
Although the Mark VI and Mark VII have the same tube body size, the neck and bell are different in size and shape. Steve said: “While changing the saxophone neck doesn't affect the sound to the audience, it has a big impact on the 'feel' of the trumpet to the player. “However, changing the chime has a big impact on the sound output and the warmth of the sound.”
Another consideration is the fact that the Mark VI bells are hand-painted using a different process than modern bells. This gives each trumpet its own unique character, unlike the uniformity you get from modern engineering trumpets.
Living with Mark VI: John Helliwell's Narrative – Supertramp
I bought my first Mark VI tensor brand new in 1964 and used it until 1997 when I replaced it with a (new) one from 1960! I love my Mark VI tensors. The sound has great focus and the trumpet really pulls in whatever I put up. I've used the trumpets continuously on tours with the Supertramp, and besides the usual maintenance, both are reliable instruments. In fact, I ended up selling my original VI to Laurent Hunziker in France, who performed with “The Logical Tramp,” a tribute band. So that trumpet is still being used to perform Supertramp tunes!
Of course, choosing a 40-60 year old sax as your 'daily player' has its own set of challenges. It's like using a classic car as your daily commute. You will need more maintenance unless your trumpet is completely overhauled and rebuilt by a good repairman.
It is understandable that many trumpets of this age have been heavily used and this affects not only the pads and cork, but also the alignment of the body and the wear of the frets. Even the main tube body can bend after years of playing. The good news is that everything can be handled right on a quality trumpet like the Mark VI.
“While there is a popular myth that there are 'good' and 'bad' Mark VIs, it really depends on how well the trumpet is repaired," says Emilio Lyons. “Because the Mark VI is built so solidly, a good repairman can bring any trumpet back to great condition to last another 50 years,” he said.
However, given the prices Mark VIs are selling today, you might think that taking one on tour is a risky business. Many London players prefer to use the newer trumpet in performances, leaving their precious Mark VI behind for entertainment.
Is the Selmer Mark VI for you?
Unfortunately, one of the main hurdles to overcome when buying a Mark VI these days is the price. With so many great quality new instruments on the market today, the price of new trumpets is quite competitive. Often you will pay more for a Mark VI in good condition than for a brand new instrument.
However, buying a Mark VI is an investment, unlike most other sax. And a well-groomed trumpet will appreciate over time.
"From the player's point of view, it should all be about the sound." - Emilio Lyons
For some, the authenticity of the original lacquer is an important factor. Many collectors will only look for trumpets that have as much of the original lacquer finish as possible and reject trumpets that have been 'striped off' of the lacquer or have been re-plated.
However, from the player's point of view, it's all about the sound, Emilio explains. “I gilded Mark VI sax for Ray Charles and Stan Getz, and they loved the trumpets – they played perfectly,” he said. "If a trumpet is properly replaced, it doesn't affect the sound at all."
Conclude
Owning a Mark VI saxophone is like owning a piece of musical legend. And, it's a wonderful instrument to enjoy, whether you appreciate the history of the great players who used these trumpets, the sound or the sheer beauty of the trumpet.
Regardless of whether you believe the legends of Mark VI's soprano, tenor, or alto voice, it's still a beautiful instrument. It's a piece of musical history that will hopefully stay with us for many years to come.
See more:
Selmer Paris: History of the Best Saxophone Company
Top 10 Best Saxophones For Beginners
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