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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jcn664" data-source="post: 641199" data-attributes="member: 9189">There is a significant nuance to what I have to say about the Mark VI.Is the Mark VI an excellent—even exceptional—saxophone?My answer is yes, and it always will be.However, is the Mark VI *the* best saxophone?No—certainly not. Quite simply, there is no "best" one; there is only the one you prefer, and the distinction between "best" and "preferred" is worlds apart.Of all the saxophones I’ve tested, I prefer my Conn F Mezzo-Soprano. Can I therefore claim it’s the best saxophone of all time? Of course not, because someone else might dislike both its ergonomics and its tone.To assert that the Mark VI is the best shows a lack of perspective and amounts to sheer fanaticism.Is the Mark VI worth its price tag?The answer is both yes and no. Yes, at a fair value—a price that reflects its true worth.No, when the cost is driven by details that don't affect the sound—factors stemming from the speculation that plagues the Mark VI market. In my view, a Mark VI alto should generally cost around €4,500, and a tenor a maximum of €8,000.Yet, we see Mark VIs on the market going for between €20,000 and €30,000 for absurd, speculative reasons.The situation in this market is extreme.Are there good, less expensive alternatives to the Mark VI?Of course there are.Couesnon Monopole Conservatoire, Pierret, Buffet Prestige (S1, S2, S3), etc.Is the Mark VI overrated? Unfortunately, the answer is yes—and it’s sad to say, but yes—because many people buy them at insane prices, thinking they’ll play better on a Mark VI simply because great artists played them. They think they’re buying a piece of their favorite artist's sound, but that’s not how it works; it’s a huge mistake, and it just fuels the hype for an absurd, imaginary effect.Is the Mark VI worth recommending?Yes, absolutely—it remains an excellent saxophone.However, not when the price is excessive; they are often sold at unaffordable prices, especially in the US and even more so in Japan.It is worth noting that importing a used French instrument—or coming to France to buy one—can sometimes cost less than buying it in the US.Does the Mark VI really live up to its legend?No, it’s a bit of a mirage. Yes, it is an excellent saxophone, but—once again—there are other saxophones, sometimes cheaper ones, that sound just as good.I often hear people say they play Pierret or Beaugnier horns and find them incredible—even superior to their own vintage Mark VIs. So, the Mark VI is indeed something of a mirage. That said, is it disappointing or bad? Far from it. It may be excellent, but the high regard in which most people hold it elevates it beyond mere excellence to the realm of absolute perfection—which isn't the case, as the Mark VI is far from flawless.Now yes i see many saxophonist sold this own mark vi to pay couesnon, sml, or pierret/beaugnier and one second instrument with or just hollidays with And it's not shock me</blockquote>