1954 Selmer Mark VI Tenor Saxophone ULTRA RARE 1st Version With "Double S” Neck

Description: I ship to the USA only. This is the rarest, most unique, and first Mark VI version ever made and is regarded as the "Holy Grail" Mark VI. This original lacquer, all-original American engraved 1954 56xxx Mark VI tenor saxophone is in amazing physical condition and in exceptional, very finely tweaked playing condition! It is ready to play and perform for many years to come! The neck is original to the horn and has the matching serial number. This super rare first version of the Mark VI is the one that introduced the Mark VI and began the Mark VI legend, changing everything for the sax world. Very few of these first version Mark VI’s were made. Only a few hundred of this version were made in late 1954 only. The earliest ones, like this one, have the double “S” logo on the matching neck, which actually stands for “Selmer et Cie” (Selmer and Co.) Not all 1954 Mark VI’s have the double S on the matching neck.This earliest, first version "double S" Mark VI is a transitional design with several unique features that only these 1954 horns have, differentiating them from all the normal non-"double S" Mark VI’s that came after this elusive 1954 "double S" version, such as: 1. As mentioned above, the “Double S” logo on the neck.2. The longer “bis” rod that shares the side Bb post.3. The two leg low C guard (later Mark VI’s have three legs on the low C guard).4. The very elaborate engraving that extends to the bottom bow found only on this first version Mark VI.5. The fine adjustment screws to set the key feet heights on the right hand stack keys as seen on SBA's.6. The beautiful extra dark brown honey lacquer color of the late SBA which is a unique feature and identifier of the original lacquer of these first version, American engraved "double S" neck 1954 Mark VI's. There is no mistaking the look because of its bold two-tone color appearance. In certain lighting, the reflective lacquer gives the dark brown honey color which very clearly contrasts with the lighter yellow color of the more exposed brass where the engraving was cut. It is very different from the look of younger Mark VI's that came after it, which have far less visual contrast between the color of the body lacquer and the color of the engraving areas. It is a rare look that is stunning and unmistakeable.7. The larger bore, bell and neck diameter of the late “SBA” (Super Action) Selmer saxophones. (which gives these first version Mark VI’s the warm tone and wide expression the SBA’s are well known for).8. The pad sizes (pad cup sizes) are identical to late SBA pad sizes, unlike all other Mark VI's.9. The taller rod for the left hand pinky G# key. 10. The more rounded, oval shaped touch pearl on the left hand pinky G# key.11. Interesting fact: Supposedly, under the Mark VI hard rubber left hand thumb rest, these very early "double S" 1954 Mark VI's (or at least some of these) are known to still have the SBA bezel machined for an SBA mother of pearl finger button. The original thumb rest on this specific horn has never been taken off so I have not confirmed if this specific example has the old SBA bezel underneath the thumb rest, but it could very well have it. This first version "double S" Mark VI has other early Mark VI features seen only on early 1954-1957 Mark VI’s (55xxx to around 70xxx), such as: 1. The skinny side E key leg with no round foot. (after around 1957, Mark VI’s have the round foot on the side E key leg).2. The thin feet on the right hand stack keys that land on the body tube (wide round feet are seen on the right hand stack keys of Mark VI’s after 1957.Being transitional in build, this Mark VI has an incredible, very unique sound that is between the sound of the latest SBA’s and the typical early, five digit Mark VI’s of the 1950’s. It sounds like the loudest SBA ever made, with the power, volume, and versatility of the Mark VI while also benefiting from the great keywork of the Mark VI. It has the loudest, clearest, most beautiful mid range of any Mark VI ever built. The sound is the epitome of beauty and power, encompassing the mid range clarity, warmth, and wide tonal expression of the SBA together with the volume, power and versatility that the Mark VI introduced and continues to be widely known for today. This rare first version Mark VI is the best of both in one horn and is a joy to play. The loudest SBA tone with Mark VI keywork!This 70 year old Mark VI is in excellent physical and working condition. The original lacquer is a beautiful dark brown honey color as seen on late SBA’s and only these first version Mark VI’s. A sign of a good sounding and playing horn is that it has been played and used, as this one has been. The lacquer has been very well taken care of and preserved. The body of the horn is in stunning condition, with only a little bit of wear on the back of the sax by the belt line and on the keys from use. There is also some lacquer wear on the neck. As expected from a 70 year old horn that has actually been played, there are fine, small scratches throughout the body and neck from handling and playing the sax.There are no significant, visible dents anywhere on the horn. There are no solder repairs anywhere on the horn.This saxophone has just been freshly re-padded completely with the highest quality, custom ordered and built “Tenor Madness Nickel Plated Solid Brass Screw-back Reusable Resonators” with the highest quality “Music Medic Chocolate Roo Pads” which are incredibly durable, providing many years of daily use. The chocolate roo pads provide the classic, beautiful look, complementing the horns rich dark honey original lacquer. The custom screw back resonators, being reusable, can be reused and kept together as a matching set whenever a pad needs to be replaced in the future. A lot of care and attention went into the repad job and setup. Every single key height was meticulously regulated for the best possible pitch, tone and resonance throughout the entire range of the sax. This horn sounds amazing and performs exceptionally.The saxophone does not have the original case but is in a modern, safe, and protective case.The saxophone will be very carefully packed and padded and will be insured for full value. This is the rarest, "Holy Grail" Mark VI, which possesses the fullest, most mid-rich and most beautiful tone of all the Mark VI's created, in stunningly beautiful condition and ready to play!

Price: 32999 USD

Location: Oak Park, Illinois

End Time: 2024-11-16T07:14:38.000Z

Shipping Cost: 350 USD