2 things that affect the value of vintage Selmer saxophones

The value of vintage Selmer saxophones are nowadays greatly determined by:

1) The exact condition and especially whether the horn was ever relacquered or if it still has its original lacquer. The price difference between original and relacquer can be many thousands of dollars for certain serial numbers. 

2) The serial number, ie. when it was made. The most valuable vintage Selmer saxophones are the first year Mark VI (year 1954) and the Super Balanced Action (SBA – from 1947 – 1954). The earlier Balanced Action (BA), Radio Improved and Supers are somewhat less valuable – although fantastic horns! 

Moving forward in time, all 5-digit Mark VIses come down in value a notch from the first year Mark VI (although with a premium on the 80-87,xxx series caused by the “Michael Brecker effect”). Then, for no good reason other than it is easy to recognize, once you get to serial number 100,000 (6-digit), the value drops somewhat. A 100,001 will play just as fantastic as a 99,999 it is just a market value thing that will make a difference in price! 

As you move up past the 150 – 160,xxx, the value gets progressively lower with the 200,000+, the lowest valued Mark VIses. 

This is all pure market value and not a reflection on sound, quality, etc. 

At the end of the day, unless you are a saxophone collector, when choosing a saxophone that you plan on playing, my recommendation is to choose based on what feels and sounds right to you within your budget. Different era vintage Selmers are all terrific horns with their own specific differences when they are properly set up by a knowledgeable repair person.