Yes, great article; thanks!
Adam18, the Mk6' are the most highly regarded, as you know; but Mk6's are not all created equal. During the lifespan of that model there have been certain years when the horns produced were (it is no longer made) really special. There is a lot of speculation and myth around the possible reasons why this is so; and it is. The cream of the crop of the Mk6's were the horns made from the late 50's to early 60's; those horns are the most sought after and most valuable. Generally speaking they do have some special qualities in the sound and response. I have had occasion to speak to a couple of the artisans who worked for Selmer during those years and there are two main reasons for their excellence: the manufacturing process was not as automated as it is today and the formulation of the metal used during those years was different; it was, technically, not brass but bronze with its higher copper content.
Adam18, the Mk6' are the most highly regarded, as you know; but Mk6's are not all created equal. During the lifespan of that model there have been certain years when the horns produced were (it is no longer made) really special. There is a lot of speculation and myth around the possible reasons why this is so; and it is. The cream of the crop of the Mk6's were the horns made from the late 50's to early 60's; those horns are the most sought after and most valuable. Generally speaking they do have some special qualities in the sound and response. I have had occasion to speak to a couple of the artisans who worked for Selmer during those years and there are two main reasons for their excellence: the manufacturing process was not as automated as it is today and the formulation of the metal used during those years was different; it was, technically, not brass but bronze with its higher copper content.