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. hanson saxophone serial numbers
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 Unlike major historic brands like Selmer or Conn,
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
Because Hanson is a modern company that has maintained consistent, quality-controlled production, their serial numbers offer something rare: traceability. You can email the maker with a number from 2004 and receive an answer within days. This stands in stark contrast to vintage horns where serial lists are fragmented or lost. Case Studies: What Real Serial Numbers Mean Let's
For buyers, a higher serial number generally indicates a newer instrument, but Hanson has improved designs over time—e.g., an LX from serial #6500 will have subtle ergonomic tweaks over one from #2500.
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.
For 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.
If you reply with the exact serial number and model (alto/tenor), I can give you a more precise date based on logged examples from repair archives.