Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers ❲Limited 2027❳

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 hanson saxophone serial numbers

: 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. If you are holding a saxophone with the

: 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)

This is a common inquiry for owners of Hanson SA-5, SA-8, or student model saxophones (made by Hanson, England, now discontinued). Hanson did not publish a full public serial number chronology, but the following guide is compiled from collector data, repair logs, and direct correspondence with the original company. Hanson saxophones are workhorses, designed by engineers in

Important note: Hanson sold saxophones under their own name (typically built in Taiwan/China, assembled/finished in England) and also used serial numbers for warranty records. After Hanson closed its woodwind division (circa 2013–2015), records became fragmented.

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

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. |

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.

Unlike Yamaha or Selmer, Hanson rarely uses letter prefixes before the number. If you see "L-5000," the 'L' is part of the model designation written elsewhere, not the serial. If there is a letter in the serial number, it was likely a custom order or a prototype.

However, be aware of Suffixes: