Well if you are, there is a beauty on eBay at the moment. This late model Mark VI has the newer-shaped spatula keys already, but if I were looking for a short wrap bass, that would not be a deterrent for me—all the new ones have keys shaped like this anyway.
I would also not be deterred by this Mark VI’s range, or its lack of a bis Bb. Buy hey, that’s me. :2cents:
Source: eBay.com
The seller describes this pristine looking horn like this:
I’m selling a beautiful Selmer Bass Sax that I played in the recent run of West Side Story on Broadway these last two years. Serial #369854. The horn is as close to “like new” condition as possible. There is a tiny dent/impression on the bottom, and a few scratches around the neckstrap hook and on the neck. Range is from low Bb to high Eb. No bis key. Keyboard is very comfortable (unlike a Conn or other older horns) and very easy to get around on. Intonation is very good. Great core to the sound. Comes with a Selmer C* bass mpc and a bunch of reeds. The case is a very protective but heavy anvil case. If you’re in the New York area, you’re welcome to contact me to try it. I’m happy to offer a no-questions-asked (though I’d be curious) money back guarantee, minus shipping and handling, which might be a lot due to the weight of case/horn.
The horn can be heard on the recent cast recording of West Side Story.
Check out the photos of this lovely horn.
Source: eBay.com
Anyone drooling into their keyboard yet? I know I am. So many beautiful vintage saxophones. So little space…. 😕
If you’ve been on the hunt for that perfect bass saxophone, perhaps this will be the one for you. The auction for this Mark VI runs until January 21. Bids are to start at $9,250.00. The Buy It Now price is $10,250.00.
Update: This bass did not sell on eBay after a couple of attempts. The 2nd time around the seller dropped the price to have bids start at $8,750.00, and a Buy It Now price of $9,750.00. That’s a drop of $500 on each of his original prices.
This is similar to my Mark 6 but with wonderful engraving.
As others have noted elsewhere, the Mark 6 is a just a bigger baritone. The sound lacks the full roundness of the American-made
basses but blends better with a sax section. Ideally one needs both!
Gee thanks Ross. You’re not helping my G.A.S. any. 😉
I’m so tempted by this horn Gandalfe. I’m really having to restrain myself. Seriously I am. :devil2:
If I were still playing bass—and by that I mean getting paid to do so, because right now I’m not playing mine in a band—I’d probably do something impulsive and buy this Mark VI. But since right now my Buescher is not working for a living, having another freeloader in the house just doesn’t make good economic sense. 😡
There are so many gorgeous instruments out there. I’d luv to try this instrument to compare it to my Buescher and Eppelsheim bass saxes. Looks like it might be heavier than my Buescher too.