If you are holding a saxophone with the serial number "Hanson" engraved on the bell:
Hanson saxophones are workhorses, designed by engineers in the UK to solve the durability issues common in student instruments. The serial number is your link to the company's renowned customer support and the verification of that British engineering heritage.
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
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
You can also identify the "generation" of a Hanson saxophone by its technical specifications: Untangling Saxophone Serial Numbers (Complete Guide)
Unlike major vintage manufacturers with public registries, Hanson Saxophones maintains a private serial number database. Because they are a smaller British boutique maker, they do not publish a standardized chart of years versus serial ranges. Locating Your Serial Number
On most Hanson saxophones, the serial and model numbers are engraved at the bottom of the straight body section, typically near the thumb rest or the lower stack of keys. Identifying Your Model
While you may not find a public "year list," the model name often accompanies the serial number, which can help pinpoint the production era: V-Series: Entry-level/intermediate student models.
VIII (Series 8): Their long-standing, "affordable professional" best-seller.
LX Series: Pro-tier instruments designed for a vintage sound with modern reliability. ICON / CUSTOM: High-end, bespoke British designs. How to Get Your Horn Dated
The only definitive way to verify the exact manufacture date of a Hanson saxophone is to contact the company directly with your serial number. They are known for their personalized customer service: Email: info@hansonmusic.co.uk Phone: 01484 848 060 (UK) Website: Use the Contact Us form on their official site.
To decode your serial number, first identify the era.
By taking these steps, you can gain a better understanding of your Hanson saxophone's serial number and what it tells you about your instrument.
Unlike vintage saxophone brands like Hanson Musical Instruments
does not provide a public, centralized database or chart for their serial numbers. Saxophone.org
As a boutique British manufacturer based in Marsden, West Yorkshire, Hanson handles serial number tracking internally rather than releasing sequential lists. hansonsaxophones.com How to Use Hanson Serial Numbers
Since there is no public "age finder" tool, here is the standard process for verifying a Hanson instrument: Direct Verification
: To determine the exact build date, original purchase records, or specific model variant (e.g., ST8, LX, or Series VIII), owners are encouraged to contact Hanson Musical Instruments directly via email. Identification Patterns
: Users on enthusiast forums have noted various serial formats, such as "HT" followed by a five-digit number (e.g.,
), which may correspond to specific series or production runs. Physical Location
: On most Hanson saxophones, the serial number is stamped on the back of the body tube , near the bottom thumb rest or the bow-to-body brace. hansonsaxophones.com Model Context
Hanson uses serial numbers to track high-quality, modern instruments rather than antique or "stencil" horns. Common models identified in their tracking include: hansonsaxophones.com How to find the serial number on a woodwind instrument
Unlike major historic brands like Selmer or Conn, Hanson Musical Instruments does not publicly publish a chronological serial number chart. Because they are a boutique British maker that began producing saxophones in 2003, their production runs are significantly smaller and often involve bespoke or limited-edition models. Key Identification Details
Since a master list is unavailable, you can identify the age and "tier" of a Hanson saxophone by its model markings and specific production milestones:
Manufacturing Era: Hanson was founded in 1989 but did not start making saxophones until 2003. Any Hanson saxophone will date between 2003 and the present. Model Series (Hierarchy of Quality):
Series V: Entry to intermediate level, designed to take players from grade 1 to post-grade 8.
Series VIII (formerly "8"): Their best-selling professional line for over a decade.
LX / LX Custom: Hand-built in Marsden, West Yorkshire; these are high-end professional horns designed to rival vintage Selmer Mark VI tonality.
ICON: Bespoke, limited-edition instruments celebrating British design.
Evolution of Builds: Earlier models from around 2015-2020 are noted by players to have thicker walls and heavier construction compared to the newer, more resonant "thin wall" designs. How to Verify Your Specific Serial Number
If you need an exact manufacturing date or to verify authenticity, you must contact the maker directly. They maintain internal records for their bespoke builds: Company: Hanson Musical Instruments Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire, England
Contact for Records: Use the Hanson Contact Page or their official service department to inquire about a specific serial number.
If you can tell me the serial number or model name (like "Series VIII" or "LX") stamped on your horn, I can help you identify its likely features and market position. Saxophones - Hanson alto saxes | CafeSaxophone Forum
Let's look at three hypothetical examples to illustrate how this works in practice.
Example 1: Serial # 287
Example 2: Serial # 5,980
Example 3: Serial # 16,200