Hanson Saxophone Serial - Numbers Patched
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
Certain production runs or older generations of the Hanson LX or custom-built series are highly sought after by players for their specific tonal qualities. A serial number confirms if a horn belongs to one of these coveted batches.
Usually identifiable by the "LX" prefix or specific engraving styles. These represent the "high-performance" line.
Identifiers marking specialized builds, such as raw brass, silver-plated, or gold-lacquered finishes. Batch and Bespoke Production hanson saxophone serial numbers
Marking Hanson’s transition into world-class professional saxophone manufacturing. The "Raw" brass models became incredibly popular among jazz and commercial players for their immediate response and complex harmonic overtones. If your serial number belongs to a Raw or VL series saxophone, it represents Hanson's top-tier, British-finished craftsmanship. How to Verify and Date Your Hanson Saxophone
| Approximate Year | Model | Serial Number Range | Notes | |----------------|-------|---------------------|-------| | 1987 | First Hanson Alto | 001 – 050 | Handmade prototypes | | 1992 | SA-5 Alto | 100 – 350 | First commercial model | | 1995 | SA-8 Tenor | 500 – 800 | Engraved bell | | 1998 | Series 6 Soprano | 900 – 1200 | One-piece body | | 2003 | LX Student Alto | 2000 – 2800 | High-gloss lacquer | | 2007 | SA-5 (refined) | 4000 – 5200 | Post-relocation | | 2014 | Evolution Tenor | 6500 – 7200 | New keywork design | | 2020 | Hanson Artist Model | 9000 – 9500 | Limited edition |
While the serial number is key, the model name can also offer significant clues about your instrument's age and where it was assembled. Hanson's model lineup has changed over time, with different series often associated with different manufacturing sources. This public link is valid for 7 days
: Generally lower-cost outfits that may use a different serial prefix than the professional lines. Hanson SA8 alto saxophone review
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
of the serial number and the model engraving on the bell. Can’t copy the link right now
Hanson engraves the serial number in a standardized location across all of their saxophone families, including soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone models.
Hanson Manufacturing Origins: "Made" vs. "Designed" in England
When analyzing a Hanson serial number, it is crucial to look at the text engraved directly adjacent to it. Hanson has utilized different production methods over the years to cater to various price points: The Evette / Student Era
Vintage collectors prize for SA5 models, often fetching £1,500–£2,500. Modern horns (serial 7000+) typically sell for £800–£1,200 used—still excellent value, but not “collector” pricing.
Hanson saxophones hold a unique and highly respected position in the modern woodwind world. Founded in the United Kingdom, Hanson Instruments has earned a stellar reputation for blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative, modern engineering. Whether you are looking to buy a pre-owned Hanson sax, sell an instrument you already own, or simply learn more about your personal horn, understanding the Hanson serial number system is essential.