Understanding Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers Hanson Musical Instruments, based in Marsden, West Yorkshire, has been producing high-quality woodwind and brass instruments since its founding in 1989. Unlike vintage mass-market brands with centralized public databases, Hanson Saxophones follows a more bespoke manufacturing approach, making serial number identification a more direct process through the maker. Where to Find the Serial Number
On a Hanson saxophone, the serial number is typically engraved on the back of the instrument, near the bottom of the straight body section, often just below the right thumb rest. Because many Hanson saxophones—specifically the LX Custom and Icon series—are hand-built or finished in Britain, these numbers are unique identifiers used for warranty tracking and authenticity. Determining the Age of Your Hanson Saxophone
Hanson does not publish a standardized "year-to-serial" chart like Selmer or Conn. However, you can estimate the age based on the specific model series and its launch date: Series V - Hanson Saxophones
Hanson Saxophones, a family-owned British firm established in 1989, does not publish a standardized serial number dating chart in the same manner as historic giants like Selmer or Conn
. Instead, dating a Hanson instrument often requires looking at the specific evolution of their model series or contacting the workshop directly. Understanding Hanson Serial Identification
Unlike mass-produced vintage horns where serial numbers were strictly sequential across decades, Hanson numbers serve more as internal production trackers.
: As with most modern saxophones, the serial and model numbers are typically engraved on the back of the instrument, near the bottom of the straight body section or under the right thumb hook. Dating Method
: Because Hanson is a contemporary "boutique" manufacturer, there is no public database to cross-reference a number with a specific year. The most accurate way to date a Hanson is to contact Hanson Musical Instruments directly with your serial number. Model Eras as Chronological Guides hanson saxophone serial numbers
Since serial charts are unavailable, owners can estimate the age of their instrument by its model series and specific manufacturing milestones: The Early Years (1989–2000s)
: Founded by Alastair Hanson, early instruments were hand-built in Marsden, West Yorkshire. Instruments from this era are relatively rare and often feature body tubes sourced from European partners before assembly in the UK. Series V (Post-2003) Hanson Series V
was introduced around 2003 and has since become a staple for students and advancing players. If your serial number is associated with a Series V, it was likely produced after 2003. The "British-Made" Era (Last 10-15 Years)
: Hanson gained significant recognition for being the only company to manufacture complete saxophones in Great Britain for nearly a century.
: Introduced as a "True Vintage" alternative, often compared to the Selmer Mark VI in feel but with modern reliability. Series VIII
: Their long-standing "affordable professional" best-seller of the last decade. Icon and Custom
: These represent the most recent, high-end bespoke production lines. Manufacturing Signatures Case Study 1: SA5 876
You can also identify the "generation" of a Hanson saxophone by its technical specifications: Untangling Saxophone Serial Numbers (Complete Guide)
SA5 876For the discerning saxophonist, the name Hanson carries significant weight. Based in Marsden, West Yorkshire, England, Hanson Saxophones have carved out a unique niche in the market. They are revered as the "people's professional saxophone"—handcrafted instruments offering boutique quality and intonation that rivals French heavyweights (Selmer, Yanagisawa) at a fraction of the price.
But whether you are a collector looking at a vintage Series VI, a student buying a used RA Series, or a player verifying a new TA Series, one question always arises: What does the serial number tell me?
Unlike the extensive, century-spanning ledgers of Conn or Selmer, Hanson’s history is shorter, more intimate, and surprisingly analog. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Hanson saxophone serial numbers: how to date your horn, identify the model, spot fakes, and understand the factory history.
All Hanson saxophones—from student-level ST series to professional LX and AE series—receive a unique serial number at the time of final assembly and quality control in the UK. The company does not publicly publish a full, exhaustive historical log, but they have provided enough data over the years for players and collectors to reliably date instruments.
Key characteristics:
If you have exhausted all online charts and still cannot date your saxophone, go to the source. Hanson Saxophones is still an active, family-run business, and they are famously helpful with serial number inquiries. Model: SA-5 (likely alto) Number: 876 Likely Year:
Because Hanson is a smaller brand, counterfeits are rare—but "Franken-horns" (saxophones assembled from random parts and stamped with a fake Hanson logo) appear on eBay occasionally.
The 3-Step Authentication Check:
In the last decade, Hanson shifted to a more complex system to prevent counterfeiting and assist warranty tracking. A modern serial might look like: HSA5-14-0823
HSA5 = Hanson SA-5 Alto14 = Year of manufacture (2014)0823 = Unit number (823rd saxophone made that year)Note: The year code is not universal across all models. Some modern horns use a simple sequential number starting from 10,000.
Collectors' Forums and Communities: Websites like Reddit, dedicated saxophone forums, or collector groups on Facebook can be invaluable resources. Experienced collectors or repair technicians might be able to offer insights based on their encounters with Hanson instruments.
Saxophone Repair Shops: Professional repair shops, especially those with experience in vintage instruments, may have encountered Hanson saxophones and could provide guidance or connect you with someone who knows more about the serial numbering system.
Vintage Musical Instrument Databases: Some online databases or archives focus on vintage musical instruments. These might not specifically list Hanson saxophone serial numbers but can offer a broader context or similar instruments' production details.