Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers -

Unlike larger mass-production manufacturers, Hanson Musical Instruments does not publish a public serial number chart. Because they are a boutique family firm that hand-builds many of their professional models in Marsden, West Yorkshire, their serial numbering system is proprietary and managed internally. How to Date Your Hanson Saxophone

If you are trying to identify the age or "paperwork" history of your instrument, follow these steps:

Contact the Maker Directly: This is the only definitive way to verify a serial number. You can reach out through the official Hanson Saxophones website or the Hanson Music main shop.

Locate the Engraving: Serial numbers are typically found on the back of the instrument, near the thumb rest or on the bottom of the straight body section.

Identify the Model Series: Since Hanson has been in business since 1989, you can narrow down the age by the model name:

Early Models (1990s–early 2000s): Often simply labeled "Hanson."

Series 8 (2010s): Their best-selling line for over a decade.

Series VIII / LX Custom (Present): Current professional production models. General Industry Context

For comparison, while companies like Selmer Paris or Yamaha use sequential numbers that correlate to specific years in public databases, smaller boutique makers often use numbers that denote batch codes, technician identifiers, or specific custom build orders.

If you can provide the specific serial number or a photo of the engravings, I can help you look for similar models and their estimated production windows. Saxophone Serial Numbers: Info & Chart

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): hanson saxophone serial numbers

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

Identifying the specific manufacture date of a Hanson saxophone

via serial number is distinct from legacy brands like Selmer or Conn because Hanson does not publicly publish a comprehensive chronological serial number chart. Instead, they typically use alphanumeric prefixes to denote specific model series. How to Identify Your Hanson Saxophone

To determine the age or specific model of your instrument, use the following methods: Prefix Identification

: Hanson often includes a model-specific prefix in the serial number. For example, some owners have reported serial numbers starting with (e.g., HT90001) for specific series. Direct Verification 5- to 6-digit numbers (e

: Because official records are maintained internally by the company, the most reliable method for a full history is to contact Hanson Musical Instruments directly. Experienced users recommend

rather than emailing for a faster response regarding model and year verification. Location of Serial Number

: On most Hanson saxophones, you can find the unique serial number engraved on the back of the body tube

, typically near the thumb rest or toward the bottom of the straight section. Common Hanson Models

Knowing your model name can help narrow down the production era even without a chart: : Often considered their flagship "pro" series. LX / LX Custom : High-end models known for specific custom finishes. : A popular student-to-intermediate model. Series 5 / Series 8

: Standard production tiers often differentiated by material and keywork.

For verification of a potentially stolen instrument, you can check the serial number against databases like the Stolen Saxophone Register if you are buying secondhand. Taming The Saxophone contact information for Hanson's workshop to verify a specific number? HANSON HT Saxophone | CafeSaxophone Forum

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 are high-quality, professional instruments built in Yorkshire, UK, with many models featuring a blend of German-originated bodies and UK-manufactured keywork

. Due to their nature as a modern, specialized manufacturer (often with direct-to-consumer sales), they do not have a public, database-driven serial number chart like vintage brands (e.g., Conn or Selmer). Stephen Howard Woodwind Where to Find Hanson Serial Numbers rolled tone holes

Serial numbers on Hanson saxophones are typically engraved on the back of the body tube, often near the right thumb holder or on the bottom of the straight body section.

Serial numbers often include a prefix identifying the model type, such as "HA5" for a Series V (alto) or "HA8" for a Series VIII. Documentation:

As a UK manufacturer, Hanson provides a "buy-back" policy and free servicing, meaning they maintain internal records. How to Identify Your Hanson Saxophone Often labeled with "HA5" prefixes. Series VIII: Labeled with "HA8" prefixes. LX Series:

Alastair Hanson's "tribute" line, modeled after 1955-1958 Selmer Mark VI designs. Student/Intermediate:

While high-end models are fully built in the UK, some student/intermediate Hanson models utilize parts from China before being assembled in the UK. Obtaining Specific Age Information

To find the exact manufacturing year of a Hanson saxophone, it is recommended to contact Hanson Musical Instruments

directly with the serial number, as they keep records for their UK-assembled instruments. Stephen Howard Woodwind

Untangling Saxophone Serial Numbers (Complete Guide) - Jazzfuel

5) Known serial ranges and associations (community-compiled, approximate)

5- to 6-digit numbers (e.g., 100000–599999): frequently seen on Hanson student saxes from the 1970s–1990s; many such instruments were made in Taiwan or early Chinese factories.
6- to 8-digit numbers: associated with later-imported runs (1990s–2000s) when factories used internal longer serial blocks; presence of 7–8 digits can indicate a more recent factory production.
Alphanumeric prefixes (e.g., “H-12345”): sometimes used to indicate model family or batch, but interpretations are inconsistent across examples. Note: These ranges are approximate and based on scattered community reports; they are not authoritative factory records.

The History of Hanson Saxophones

Hanson Music was established in 1989 in West Yorkshire, UK, by Alastair Hanson. Initially a repair shop, the company eventually moved into manufacturing. Unlike many modern brands that simply stencil mass-produced instruments from China, Hanson designed their own instruments and initially manufactured them in the UK, before moving production to a dedicated facility in China where they maintained strict quality control.

This distinction is vital: a Hanson is not a generic "stencil" horn. It is a proprietary design.

Valuation Guide: What Serial Numbers Are Worth

Generally, older does not always mean more expensive for Hanson. Unlike Selmer, the market prefers modern Hansons.

Low Value (Sub $1,000): Serial # 4,500 – 7,200 (SA/SE series). These are student horns.
Mid Value ($1,500 – $2,500): Serial # 1,400 – 2,800 (Early ST8/LX) AND # 12,400 – 15,700 (TA Series). The TA series is currently the most popular used horn.
High Value ($3,000 – $5,000+): Serial # 1 – 150 (Original Trevor Hanson customs). Finding one for sale is like finding a Stradivarius. Also, the Anniversary LX models (Serial # 7,201 – 9,900) with heavy engraving fetch a premium.

Long feature: Hanson saxophone serial numbers

Why the Serial Number Matters for the Owner

Because Hanson saxophones are modern, the serial number serves two primary practical purposes:

Warranty Verification: Hanson saxophones are renowned for their warranty (often marketed as a "Lifetime Warranty" for the original owner). The serial number is the unique identifier used to validate this warranty. If you are buying a used Hanson, the serial number allows the new owner to check if the warranty is transferable or if the instrument is a legitimate Hanson product.
Replacement Parts: As a modern manufacturer, Hanson keeps spare parts in stock. If you need a specific pivot screw or a replacement key guard, providing the serial number ensures you get the part that matches the production run of your specific horn.

10) Practical example (how to research a specific serial)

Suppose serial “H-045678” on an alto with “Made in China” stamp:
1. Photograph stamp and instrument.
2. Note features (single brace type, rolled tone holes, engraving pattern).
3. Search “Hanson alto H-045678” and “Hanson alto Made in China serial” on marketplaces and forums.
4. Compare with sold listings (check photos for identical engraving/brace/key shapes).
5. If uncertain, post images on a saxophone forum and ask for help—include serial photo and full instrument shots.