Unlike major vintage manufacturers with public registries, Hanson Saxophones maintains a private serial number database. Because they are a smaller British boutique maker, they do not publish a standardized chart of years versus serial ranges. Locating Your Serial Number
- Locate your serial number (body, below thumb rest).
- Note the model prefix (SA5, LX, ST8, etc.).
- Compare to the milestone chart.
- Email Hanson for a definitive answer.
- Register your saxophone on their website if it is a modern model.
It is not on a metal plate or stamped on keys. The engraving matches the instrument’s lacquer (brass/gold lettering on lacquered horns, silver on silver-plated models).
While you can use the charts and guidelines in this article to estimate your saxophone’s age within a year or two, the gold standard remains a direct inquiry with the Hanson factory. They are proud of their history and happy to help you discover yours.
How to Get a Definitive Answer
For precise dating of your Hanson saxophone:
If you reply with the exact serial number and model (alto/tenor), I can give you a more precise date based on logged examples from repair archives.
Case Study 1: SA5 876
- Model: SA-5 (likely alto)
- Number: 876
- Likely Year: 2001 (based on the 500-1200 range for early 2000s)
- Value Context: This is a mid-production horn, built just before the factory relocation. It likely has a dark lacquer and hand-hammered keys. Resale value: ~£1,000.
9) Resources and research avenues
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Reverb) — search completed listings for matching serials and model photos.
- Saxophone and woodwind forums — community members often share serial-lookup knowledge and can spot re-stamped parts.
- Local instrument technicians and repair shops — they can date instruments by construction and tooling marks.
- Vintage catalogs and import/export directories — useful for cross-referencing years and distributor names.