Over the years, Hanson has made incremental improvements to their keywork and bore designs. Providing the serial number to a technician or back to Hanson directly ensures you get the correct replacement pads or parts for that specific "version" of the model. Contacting Hanson for Records
The exact method to decode Hanson (or Jupiter) saxophone serial numbers can vary over the years and by model. Generally, the serial number can give you:
| Serial Number Range | Approx. Year | Model(s) | Notes | |-------------------|--------------|----------|-------| | 1000 – 2000 | 1999–2001 | SA-5 (Alto), SA-8 (Tenor) | Early production; keywork based on Selmer-style. | | 2001 – 4000 | 2002–2005 | SA-5, SA-8, Student Alto | Most common range. Stamped "Hanson, England" on back of body. | | 4001 – 6500 | 2006–2009 | SA-5II, SA-8II | Rebranded models with slight keywork updates. | | 6501 – 8500 | 2010–2012 | SA-5III, SA-8III | Final own-branded run. | | 8501 – 9500 | 2013–2014 | Limited stock, some stencils | Some sold via remaining stock after closure. | | 9501+ | 2015+ | Not authentic Hanson | After Hanson woodwind ceased, no new instruments with valid serials. Any high number >10k likely a fake or another brand mislabeled. |
Hanson’s premium models—such as the celebrated Hanson LX and custom Raw models—feature significant or total manufacturing steps completed within the UK. These instruments boast different serial brackets, higher-grade engraving, and are stamped "Made in England." The serial numbers on these premium horns are tightly logged in Hanson's internal workshop books. How to Verify Your Hanson Serial Number hanson saxophone serial numbers
To help me give you more specific details about your instrument, could you tell me: What are visible in the serial number?
Unlike massive global manufacturers that produce hundreds of thousands of instruments a year using strictly numerical automated stamps, Hanson operates on a smaller, more boutique scale. 1. Model Code Prefixes
Before diving into charts, you must understand the philosophy. Hanson is a family-run business (founded by Trevor Hanson, now run by his son, Andy Hanson). Until very recently, they kept in the Marsden workshop.
Because Hanson is a smaller brand, counterfeits are rare —but "Franken-horns" (saxophones assembled from random parts and stamped with a fake Hanson logo) appear on eBay occasionally. Over the years, Hanson has made incremental improvements
Understanding the production era of your serial number helps contextualize which iteration of Hanson engineering you own. The Student and Intermediate Series (SA / ST / LX)
Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers: A Guide to Identification and Dating
If you have exhausted all online charts and still cannot date your saxophone, . Hanson Saxophones is still an active, family-run business, and they are famously helpful with serial number inquiries.
The digits following the prefix generally indicate the chronological production number within that specific design run. 2. The Custom and Pro One Distinction Generally, the serial number can give you: |
Ensure the neck matches the horn, as a non-original neck can significantly impact the intonation and value.
Hanson Saxophones, based in West Yorkshire, England, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship, acoustic design, and pioneering use of innovative materials like saxbrass and custom-engineered keys. Whether you are buying a used instrument, selling your current horn, or insuring your gear, understanding your Hanson saxophone serial number is essential.
On a Hanson saxophone, the serial number is typically , 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
