I recently came across a Selmer Paris model Bari sax (low Bb - high f) with a 280xxx ranged serial number. Based on the Selmer serial number chart, it puts it in the Mark VII era. However, there is no Mark VII stamp anywhere on the body or bands. Thoughts?
Re: Selmer Bari Sax
Posted by Sax Historian Nerd on 5/1/2024, 8:00 am, in reply to "Selmer Bari Sax"
Posted by DesertJazz on 5/1/2024, 5:59 am, in reply to "Selmer Bari Sax"
Baris always seem to have some weird quirks across lines as they transition. You should give the guys at SaxQuest a call, they are experts on vintage horns like this. Sounds like a good horn that would be worth overhauling to me either way. Too bad it's not got the Low-A though!
Re: Selmer Bari Sax
Posted by Sax guy on 4/30/2024, 11:24 pm, in reply to "Selmer Bari Sax"
Selmer is notorious for having many variations of the engraving and stamping on the body. Even the dimensions of the body tube varied across the production of MkVI horns especially. Some horns have a model stamp, some do not. There are several variations of horizontal and vertical model stamps. Some have a serial number on the neck, some do not. Some of those things varied based on whether the horn was meant for the US market or the European market, and of course that was 50+ years ago so it's entirely possible the horn crossed the ocean at some point. Some of those things varied based on what the factory stamper had for lunch that day, or maybe he went home early and just skipped a bunch of horns.
I've never seen a MkVII bari. Selmer says only "a small number" were made. According to the serial chart on the Selmer website, MkVI low Bb bari saxes continued into the 388K range (which is into the Super Action 80 timeframe). It's entirely possible that what you have is a MkVI bari. Even if the "official" model number is MkVII, the general wisdom is that MkVII baris are just MkVI baris with an extra I.
Most of this only matters if you're trying to resell it. Otherwise, if it plays, it plays!