Article number: | 54FU |
Availability: | In stock |
Used. Nickel plated.
From the 1975 Selmer Mark VII Catalogue:
No one has taken a more central part in the development of the modern saxophone than Selmer. As successors to the Sax manufacturing business, we inherited Sax's own working drawings, models, tools, even his factory and craftsman (the building is still used for assembling Selmer trumpets and trombones). The first Selmer saxophone was almost identical to Sax's own instruments, but in the 1920's our engineers created a new model so original in conception and superior in performance that if quickly became the preferred instrument of professional saxophonists everywhere.
Since then Selmer has introduced an improved model every nine years or so. But that is only the average; Mark VI saxophones remain current for most than twenty years - it has taken that long to improve it significantly enough to warrant the name Mark VII.
Anyone familiar with the quality of Selmer design and workmanship will recognize the Mark VII at once. The layout of it's mechanism, the refinement of its construction, its feel under the fingers and its finish are all so apparent that even someone unfamiliar with saxophones can recognize the instrument's special character.
Saxophonists will quickly discover even more important evidence of superior quality: faster execution, greater playing ease and comfort for the long rehearsal or concert, and above all sound. As Dr. Hemke says in the commentary on the facing page, Mark VII saxophones are more refined in tone and tuning even than the greatest earlier Selmer saxophones. Changes in bore proportions, tone hole placement and neck design give their tone a warmth and character that are extraordinarily well matched through the range, sensitive response at the most delicate pianissimo level and projection that carries a fortissimo right over a powerful brass section.
A professional artist whose livelihood depends on the quality of his performance, and hence on the quality of hi instrument, has good reason to pay a premium price for it. But what about the serious amateur or student? There is no denying that the initial cost of a Selmer Mark VII is high, but as time goes on it will seem more and more economical. There are sound practical reasons for this. The number of very old Selmers still in daily use among professionals proves that they remain at their best for decades with minimum servicing. The reputation of Selmer saxophones gives them a ready market, often at little or no reduction in price. But the most practical reason for all is the difference in the quality of your playing that a Selmer can make. In this respect, there just isn't a greater bargain."