1968 SELMER Mark VI Alto Saxophone, silver-plated, high F#, 150xxx

Davin Sanborn owned and played a large number of SELMER Mark VI saxophones. For him, the first Medium-Bow series following the Long-Bow era produced the very best Mark VI altos.

During the Mark VI period, SELMER changed the bow length (the lower bow section) several times (more on this: Long-/Medium-/Short-Bow – Legendary Saxophones). The second Medium-Bow series was built approximately from serial number 138xxx to around 169xxx. Instruments from this range are therefore often referred to as “Sanborn Altos.”

In our view, however, a Mark VI’s quality is not determined by the serial number alone. What truly matters is the instrument itself—and who played it, and how they played it.

This 150xxx Mark VI is an excellent instrument. In recent years, it was played classically by professional saxophonist Lukas Stappenbeck, and in terms of intonation and sound quality, it leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.