Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers Review

When ordering replacement parts (pads, corks, springs), knowing your serial number helps identify the bore size.

Additionally, the screw threads changed in 2010 (Serial ~4,500). If you lose a pivot screw on a #7,800 horn, a screw from a 2023 horn (#18,000) will not fit. Always quote your serial number to a repair technician.

The serial number is the saxophone’s fingerprint. Over time, lacquer wear, replating, or aggressive polishing can erase it entirely. Here is how to protect it: hanson saxophone serial numbers

For saxophonists seeking a professional-grade instrument without the stratospheric price tag of a vintage Selmer or Yamaha, the Hanson Saxophone brand has become a revered name. Founded in the heart of England, Hanson has carved out a niche by producing high-quality, hand-assembled saxophones that rival their continental competitors.

However, because Hanson is a smaller, specialized manufacturer (compared to mass-production giants), information about their serial numbers can be notoriously difficult to find. Unlike Selmer or Conn, there is no single, government-published ledger for Hanson serials. Additionally, the screw threads changed in 2010 (Serial

If you own a Hanson—whether it’s a prestigious SA-5, a Series 6, or a student LX series—decoding the serial number is the key to understanding your instrument’s age, production run, and potential value.

In this guide, we will explore how to read Hanson serial numbers, the history behind the numbering systems, how to date your saxophone, and why this matters for collectors and players. Before diving into charts

Step-by-step practical method:

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 handwritten ledgers in the Marsden workshop.

Furthermore, Hanson doesn’t release massive production runs. They produce a few hundred instruments per year. Consequently, serial numbers do not follow a strict "Year = Number" algorithm as strictly as mass producers. Instead, they follow generations and model lines.