Selmer Mark VI

Production shifted to the Mark VII for the tenor and alto in the mid-1970s (see discussion of serial numbers below), and to the Super Action 80 for the soprano and baritone saxophones in 1981.

American-assembled Mark VIs have floral or scroll engraving, with only the earliest models extending to the bow.

Switching over from its predecessor, officially named the Super Action but commonly called the Super Balanced Action, Selmer's earliest Mark VI models were transitional, incorporating design elements from the preceding model.

The bore taper, bow, neck designs, and some mechanical features changed throughout the history of the Mark VI.

The length of the bow was increased on altos during the 85K serial number range to address certain intonation issues.

Some contend that the neck design changes account for the different tonal and playing qualities between earlier and later Mark VIs.

Latter-year Mark VIs gained a reputation of being lower quality than early versions (possibly due to Selmer's higher annual production output of the popular saxophone), leading to a greater demand of early-year Mark VIs with a five-digit serial number.

This has been verified by original owners with receipts of their instruments showing purchase dates earlier than they would have been produced according to this chart.

The Mark VI Sopranino model was produced from 1954-1985 and can be found within the serial number range of # 55201-378000.