Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers

Decoding the Past and Present: The Complete Guide to Hanson Saxophone Serial Numbers

For the discerning saxophonist, the name Hanson carries significant weight. Based in Marsden, West Yorkshire, England, Hanson Saxophones have carved out a unique niche in the market. They are revered as the "people's professional saxophone"—handcrafted instruments offering boutique quality and intonation that rivals French heavyweights (Selmer, Yanagisawa) at a fraction of the price.

But whether you are a collector looking at a vintage Series VI, a student buying a used RA Series, or a player verifying a new TA Series, one question always arises: What does the serial number tell me?

Unlike the extensive, century-spanning ledgers of Conn or Selmer, Hanson’s history is shorter, more intimate, and surprisingly analog. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Hanson saxophone serial numbers: how to date your horn, identify the model, spot fakes, and understand the factory history. hanson saxophone serial numbers

4. Warranty Checks

Hanson offers a transferable warranty on many of their horns, but they require the serial number to verify the original purchase date. If you buy a used Hanson, email the serial number to info@hansonsaxophones.co.uk to check if any warranty remains.

Why the Serial Number Matters for the Owner

Because Hanson saxophones are modern, the serial number serves two primary practical purposes: Decoding the Past and Present: The Complete Guide

  1. Warranty Verification: Hanson saxophones are renowned for their warranty (often marketed as a "Lifetime Warranty" for the original owner). The serial number is the unique identifier used to validate this warranty. If you are buying a used Hanson, the serial number allows the new owner to check if the warranty is transferable or if the instrument is a legitimate Hanson product.
  2. Replacement Parts: As a modern manufacturer, Hanson keeps spare parts in stock. If you need a specific pivot screw or a replacement key guard, providing the serial number ensures you get the part that matches the production run of your specific horn.

How to Authenticate a Hanson Using the Serial Number

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.

The 3-Step Authentication Check:

  1. The Font: Hanson uses a distinct, serif font stamp. It is crisp, deep, and slightly irregular (because it's hand-struck). Fake stamps usually look too perfect or too shallow.
  2. The Logic Check: If you have a "Hanson TA Series" (released 2020) but the serial number is #550 (which belongs to 1996), you have a fake. The serial number must match the physical features of the era.
  3. The Registry: Sadly, there is no public online database. You must email Andy Hanson directly (via the contact form on hansonsaxophones.co.uk). If you provide the serial number, he will usually reply within 48 hours with the exact build sheet and original sale date.

Buying Advice: The "Fake" Problem

While there are few fake vintage saxophones, the modern market is flooded with counterfeits of popular student horns. Because Hanson established a factory in China to produce their designs, lesser factories sometimes attempt to copy the aesthetics.

Modern Serial Numbers (Post-2010)

In the last decade, Hanson shifted to a more complex system to prevent counterfeiting and assist warranty tracking. A modern serial might look like: HSA5-14-0823 Why the Serial Number Matters for the Owner

Note: The year code is not universal across all models. Some modern horns use a simple sequential number starting from 10,000.