Vintage Mark VII Alto With American Engraving #247646 AS-IS

Here we have a lovely Selmer Mark VII alto sax in original gold lacquer with an American-style engraving on the bell, serial number 257646. This sax is playing decently through some leaks. We are offering it in as-is playing condition, needing an overhaul, since our shop is backlogged.

 

The Mark VII was Selmer Paris' follow-up model to the Mark VI towards the end of the 1970s. The instrument features a unique bore design, enlarged keywork, standardized high F#, and, specifically, the earlier series of this model still received the American engraving you would see on the Mark VI saxes.

 

Sonically, this sax plays with the sensibilities of a Selmer: more compact and slightly bright compared to a Mark VI. They can get gritty and edgy, or they can be sweet and sentimental. The Mark VII can cover it all. A notable player of this model would be the great Masato Honda. Hear his solo in Tank! by The Seatbelts, from the Japanese anime Cowboy Bebop.

 

Physically, this alto is in solid shape, showing some regular lacquer wear, predominantly on key touches. There's also acid bleed in various places across the horn, namely near the serial number, this is purely cosmetic and doesn't affect playability or structural integrity. The neck isn't showing signs of pull down, no resolders to be found anywhere, just a body tube bend. The horn could use a full overhaul: teardown, replacement of all the pads and felts, as there are still original materials present. A few springs could be replaced as well.

 

This horn will ship in as-is condition with its original neck, all in a black hard-exterior box-style carrying case with a black soft leather cover.