I have seen these go for $1000 or so that have been re-lacquered at some point. Since I know that a proper re-lacquer does not change the sound, but only the value perception, and since I value the protection qualities of lacquer, I would probably save some money - If I wanted a really old Selmer. The keywork on these might be uncomfortable to you. It is to me - I'm used to the Mark VI style of keywork.