Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers

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

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: hanson saxophone serial numbers

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

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 Because they are a smaller British boutique maker, they do not publish a standardized chart of years versus serial ranges.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 What if the number is missing

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. A prototype or pre-production model (1980s)

What if the number is missing?

If your Hanson saxophone has no visible serial number, it may be:

A prototype or pre-production model (1980s).
A replacement body from Hanson’s repair department (they sometimes issued unnumbered bodies).
A fake (extremely rare—Hanson is a niche brand, not typically counterfeited).

How to Use the Chart:

Locate your serial number (usually on the back of the body, near the thumb rest, or on the bell brace).
Identify the model prefix (e.g., SA5, LX, ST8).
Compare the numeric range to the table above.
If your number falls between two ranges, interpolate. For example, serial SA5 3100 would likely be 2005-2006.

Part 6: Contacting Hanson Directly – The Most Reliable Method

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.

8) How to verify authenticity and condition for buyers

Ask the seller for clear photos of the serial, bell, neck, and keywork.
Verify that serial placement and font match other verified examples of the same model.
Check for consistent wear patterns; mismatched wear between components may indicate replacements.
Get an independent inspection by a qualified repair tech if purchasing used.

2) Typical serial-number formats and date cues

Common serial formats seen on Hanson saxophones:
- Short numeric sequences (e.g., 5–6 digits): often used on earlier or lower-cost runs.
- Longer numeric sequences (6–8 digits): used later or on imports aligned with factory serial blocks.
- Occasionally alphanumeric stamps (letter prefix + numbers) indicating factory batches, export codes, or model lines.
No universal epoch (start year) applies across all Hanson saxes; matching a serial to a year usually requires cross-referencing:
- stamped features (font style, placement),
- accompanying hallmarks (patent numbers, “Made in [country]”),
- tooling features (brace shapes, keywork style),
- finish type (lacquer, plating) and construction details.

The Definitive Hanson Serial Number & Production Chart

Note: Because Hanson overlapped production of different series (e.g., making L series alongside ST8s), these dates are approximate. For exact dating, you can email Hanson with your serial number—they are famously responsive.

| Approximate Year | Serial Number Range | Notable Models Produced | Key Features of the Era | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1980-1985 | 1 – 150 | Original "Trevor Hanson" Custom | Hand-engraved bell, no model stamp, very narrow bore. | | 1986-1991 | 151 – 400 | Series V, Series VI | Round neck receiver, wire side key guards. | | 1992-1998 | 401 – 850 | Series VIII, 'The Hanson' (Student) | Transition to detachable bell keys. | | 1999-2002 | 851 – 1,400 | ST8 (First gen) | First "modern" professional horn. Raised tone holes. | | 2003-2006 | 1,401 – 2,800 | LX Series (Alto/Tenor) | Dark lacquer, blue steel springs, metal resonators. | | 2007-2009 | 2,801 – 4,500 | SA Series (Student Alto) | Affordable, durable, engraved "Hanson SA." | | 2010-2013 | 4,501 – 7,200 | SE Series, The Graduate | "SE" = Student Enhanced. Improved keywork. | | 2014-2016 | 7,201 – 9,900 | LX Anniversary | Engraved bell, pre-war style neck. | | 2017-2019 | 9,901 – 12,400 | RA Series (Revolution/Academy) | Porous black nickel keys (RA Noir). | | 2020-2022 | 12,401 – 15,700 | TA Series (Touring Artist) | Detachable bell, gold brass body, modern stack heights. | | 2023-Present | 15,701 – 20,000+ | Signature Series, Studio Models | 3D printed ergonomic touches, eco-friendly cases. |