Selmer Mark VI

Overview

The Selmer Mark VI is a saxophone line produced by Henri Selmer Paris between 1954 and 1974. It covers the full saxophone family — sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass — and is widely regarded by professional players as a reference instrument, particularly the alto and tenor models. Its combination of comfortable ergonomics, evenness across the range, and a tone that responds richly to subtle changes in air and embouchure has kept demand for clean used examples high for half a century.

Origin & History

Selmer Paris had been a leading saxophone maker since acquiring Adolphe Sax’s workshop in 1929. The Mark VI succeeded the Super Action in 1954, introducing a redesigned key cluster and a new bore that broadened the sound and improved intonation. Over twenty years of production, small refinements were made; serial numbers and engraving variations let collectors place a given instrument by year and city of manufacture (typically Paris and, for some keywork, Mantes-la-Ville). Production ended in 1974 when Selmer transitioned to the Mark VII; later Selmer models — the Super Action 80 series, the Reference, and the Supreme — followed.

How It’s Played

Like all saxophones, the Mark VI is played with a single-reed mouthpiece, key fingerings drawn from a Boehm-influenced system, and breath support from the diaphragm. The Mark VI keywork sits comfortably under the fingers and the instrument is responsive to subtle changes in air pressure, which suits the wide dynamic and tonal palette demanded by jazz improvisers and orchestral players alike.

Cultural Significance

The Mark VI is closely associated with the golden age of jazz saxophone. John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and many others played Mark VI altos and tenors on landmark recordings. Classical performers and pop and rock saxophonists adopted the line in equal numbers, and clean instruments now sell at prices that rival many new professional saxophones.

Related Instruments

• Bass saxophone – low end of the family
• Yamaha BB – Japanese contemporary instrument contrast
• Varitone – Selmer-era saxophone effects unit
• Bass trombone – low brass partner in big bands
• Gretsch 6120 – contemporary jazz guitar partner

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Mark VIs equally prized?
Players tend to prize alto and tenor models from particular serial-number ranges most highly.

When was production?
1954 to 1974, in Selmer’s French factories.

What replaced the Mark VI?
The Mark VII in 1974, followed by the Super Action 80, Reference, and Supreme lines.