I Asked Pro Sax Players if the Selmer Mark VI is Overrated

Are Vintage Saxophones like the Mark VI and Balanced Action Overrated or Underrated?

At the 2025 NAMM show, I took the opportunity to ask several professional saxophonists their opinions on vintage Selmer Mark VI, Balanced Action, and vintage saxophones in general, in a game called “Overrated or Underrated.”

Grace Kelly and Mike Phillips expressed their admiration for vintage horns, appreciating the craftsmanship and sound, noting that older saxophones were made with more attention to detail and with more emphasis on craftsmanship. On the other hand, musicians like Tivon Pennicott and Andrey Chmut were less enthusiastic, with Tivon dismissing them as overrated and Andrey leaning toward their overrated status based on personal experiences and the evolution of modern saxophones.

Other artists, such as Mindy Abair and Jason Gay, echoed similar sentiments about the Mark VI being overrated, though with some nuance. They noted that modern horns tend to be more reliable and that there are so many more options now than there used to be.

Many of the musicians that I talked to felt that the hype surrounding vintage horns, particularly how high their prices tend to be, don’t always justify their performance.

Others took a middle-ground approach, suggesting that while vintage horns might be overrated for beginners or casual players due to their steep prices, they still hold value for certain players. Demarius Jackson acknowledged that while he owns a Mark VI, the cost might not be justified for a new player.

Taj Davis hilariously noted that the high price of vintage horns isn’t justified, because it’s not like they come with lasers, right? Overall, there seemed to be a consensus that while a lot of players respect the vintage horns, modern alternatives often deliver comparable or superior performance.

Be sure to check out the full video to see everyone’s answers!