Good MARK6

[Chris]

Hi Fans,

can somebody tell me which Mark 6 are best (serial) and which Mark6 (serial) i should not buy?

Thanks!

[singlereed]

Prepare for a lot of posts! Cogniscenti reckon the 5 digit ones are best. Many think ones without a top F# key are better than ones with it.

I have had limited experience I have a 155### tenor (1968) which is an absolute belter, yet the alto I tried that was 158### (1969) was a competent and sweet horn, but nothing special, and I sold it on as my Serie III is a much better horn, for me anyway.

I have played a couple of quite early VIs but they were well worn and rattly and I am afraid if I am not comfortable with a horn, I'm not going to likle it no matter how good it sounds, si it never gets past first base.

Anyhow, sit and wait there are lots of people who know their VIs here. My 2c worth is to try any VI you can regardless of its number, you can find a killer in any range.

[Andrew]

I agree...unless you are only in it to find a VI that is worth a lot (5-digit horns), then you should just try ever VI you see. They all have their pros/cons. I personally play on a 5 digit horn, and it's the greatest horn I've played yet. I've played on many 6 digit horns that play almost as well as mine does. You've just gotta try them all out.

[RS]

Some top players think the 130k-140k range is the pinnacle of quality for VIs. I don't know. Maybe. I think intonation is better and more consistant on the the later horns. But workmanship of construction and durability of lacquer seem to be better on the earlier horns. So maybe horns in the middle range have the best qualities of both the earlier and later VIs. Personally, if I was looking to buy a VI and I came across a real player and the price was right I wouldn't care what the serial number was.

[mostly alto guy]

RS is right, I think. If you have your heart set on a VI, play every one you can get your hands on with your current favorite setup and a reed or two you've been playing a lot and consider really good. Save such reeds for testing VIs, since they are your "control" factor and won't last forever. (This would hold true for play testing all horns.)

The debate on which VIs are the best will never end. Only the indiviual can decide. If two seem equal otherwise, choose the one whose pads are in the best shape if the cost of a repad is an issue. If repad costs are not an issue, choose the one with the best finish.

All of this is out the window if resale is on your mind. If resale is the key, go for serial number (5-digit), condition of original finish, and lack of dents/resolders. Little else seems to drive the price, since sellers all claim their horns, regardless of serial number, high F-sharp or not, etc., are great players.