: Their long-standing "affordable professional" best-seller of the last decade. Icon and Custom
| 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 saxophone serial numbers
Early Hansons (serial under 1000) were largely handcrafted in England. In the early 2000s, some student models (LX series) used Taiwanese bodies, assembled and finished in the UK. A serial number above 3000 on an LX model indicates a later, more refined UK-assembled horn. | | 2001 – 4000 | 2002–2005 |
Related search suggestions (terms to continue research): (Note: these are suggested search phrases you can use externally.) | | 6501 – 8500 | 2010–2012 |
Unlike major historic brands like Selmer or Conn, Hanson Saxophones does not publish a publicly available, year-by-year serial number chart. Instead, serial numbers for these British-designed instruments are often tied to specific or batches produced over the last 30+ years. Serial Number Location
: Introduced as a "True Vintage" alternative, often compared to the Selmer Mark VI in feel but with modern reliability. Series VIII
For the discerning saxophonist, the name Hanson carries significant weight. Originating in England, Hanson saxophones have carved a niche for themselves as high-quality, professional instruments, often compared favorably to vintage Selmers and modern Yamahas. Unlike mass-produced giants, Hanson’s production has been relatively boutique. This scarcity, combined with a reputation for rich tone and excellent mechanics, makes dating and authenticating a Hanson saxophone a crucial task for buyers, sellers, and collectors. The key to unlocking an instrument’s story lies in its serial number—yet unlike Selmer or Conn, Hanson’s serial system is less public and more nuanced. This essay provides a practical, research-driven guide to understanding, locating, and interpreting Hanson saxophone serial numbers.