Hanson 20th Anniversary Instruments

Rogerb · Oct 17, 2008

I was up at Hanson last week to get my SA-5 serviced, and had a chance to blow their MkVI alto copy the SA-6. It's very nice but not, IMO, worth upgrading from the 5.

I was also chatting to Alastair, who was about to jet off to China for the trade show, and he tells me they are planning to release a range of saxes to celebrate his 20 years in the business.
The alto will be first, and they are hoping it will be available before Christmas, followed by others which will, essentially and at least temporarily, replace their 8-series pro range.
Alastair explained in detail the changes they are making, but I can't remember them all...the most significant, I think is the resiting of the octave hole by quite a large amount, which they found has, among other effects, 'sweetened' the top A & B notes a lot.
Most of the other changes are mechanical and cosmetic, I think, to make it more durable and 'pretty'!

I have asked him to put my name, provisionally, on the first 20th Anni GP alto 🙂

Hanson are aware that the really inexpensive saxes are a threat to their market-share and are not standing still and waiting for it to happen.....IMO there's still no-one making saxes which offer better VFM, taking their after-sales service into account.

And it's amazing how good my 5 sounds when someone else plays it :laugh:

Pete Thomas · Oct 18, 2008

Rogerb wrote:
Alastair explained in detail the changes they are making, but I can't remember them all...the most significant, I think is the resiting of the octave hole by quite a large amount, which they found has, among other effects, 'sweetened' the top A & B notes a lot.

That's very interesting, when I was there a couple of years ago I discussed the octave mechanism as I was having a problem with the A on some of the altos.

Rogerb · Oct 18, 2008

Yes, it was particularly the A which Alastair mentioned.

AlbionLass · Oct 21, 2008

That's really interesting.
I look forward to seeing the new models.
I was thinking of possibly trading my SA-5 in for an 8 early next year so I'm particularly keen to find out more about the anniversary alto.

It'll feel like trading in a boyfriend though so....

Rogerb · Oct 21, 2008

I'm trying to see how to put a positive spin on that thought, AlbionLass..... how about looking at it this way: he'd still have the same name, so perhaps he's just going-in for a total make-over?

No?...No, it doesn't work for me, either 🙂

Fortunately, I don't have that sort of relationship with my 5 😛

AlbionLass · Oct 21, 2008

I've given Hansons a ring this morning. The new models do sound really interesting. From what I've been told the standard finish for the anniversary alto will be silver plate. 🙂

Rogerb · Oct 21, 2008

Well, they'll just haveta make a few in GP so I can pick one!

I don't like all that polishing....and I do tend to think of saxophones as being 'gold-coloured' 🙂

They should wait another 5 years if they are going to make only silver!

AlbionLass · Oct 21, 2008

Rogerb wrote:
Well, they'll just haveta make a few in GP so I can pick one!

I don't like all that polishing....and I do tend to think of saxophones as being 'gold-coloured' 🙂

They should wait another 5 years if they are going to make only silver!

I was told if I wanted one in vintage laquer I could have one so I guess they'll offer the range of finish options.

Rogerb · Nov 22, 2008

I have been talking to Alastair recently and he's just about to jet-off to China again to check on progress which he says is encouraging.

We discussed the only minor issue I have with my SA-5 (the lh 'pinky' keys' being a bit of a stretch) and he says that has been addressed.

I reminded him I want my name...at least provisionally... on the first gold-plated one which passes the QC tests 🙂

AlbionLass · Nov 22, 2008

I rang Hansons earlier in the week and they said the new models would emerge somewhere around the second week in December.

I'm almost certainly going to chop in my SA-5 after Christmas . :w00t:

Rogerb · Nov 24, 2008

Me, too, I guess!

(It's sure to make us play better, eh? 😉 )

AlbionLass · Nov 24, 2008

Without a doubt...

:whistle:

Rogerb · Dec 9, 2008

AlbionLass wrote:
Without a doubt...

:whistle:

I rang Alastair (my Skype to his mobile) thinking I'd ask how his trip went, only for him to say "I am still in China...not back until 13th(?)...seven hours in the car today and four factory visits"
:x
He says the first of the new saxes should be in UK by about 20th Dec (IIRC) so I may get my hands on a few before Christmas ...watch this space 🙂

AlbionLass · Dec 10, 2008

I've pretty much decided to plump for an SA-8 (which was my original intention) rather than an anniversary model. (I was told they're expecting the new models to cost about 15% more).
I'm still about as excited as a kid at Christmas though. :w00t:

I think the SA-8s are coming in on the same shipment so yay!

Rogerb · Dec 10, 2008

Alastair is due back in the next coupla days...I'd suggest you discuss your options with him, as he knows more about "what's what" than anyone else there.

I hope and expect you'll enjoy whatever you get 🙂

I'm hoping to try/buy an Anniversary model, as there are, they say, some significant design improvements, whereas the 8 is really a 'de luxe' 5....
I have blown the 8 and the 6 (MkVI 'copy') and liked 'em but didn't think 'em that much better than my freshly-serviced 5!
(Not that, with my skill level, any of 'em sound that great.....but it's amazing how good my 5 sounds when my teacher plays it!)

AlbionLass · Dec 10, 2008

Unfortunately I have to put financial considerations above everything else so I may have to go for the 8 if there is indeed a 15% difference in cost.
Either way I want a vintage finish so at least that won't bump the price up.
The chap I've been speaking to is unsure of any differences between the Anniversary model and the SA-8 apart from different engraving as he's not seen one 'in the flesh'yet.
He did say I should be able to get a delivery before Christmas though.

Everyone at Hansons is always so helpful when I ring.

I'm hoping to speak to Alastair in the next day or two to sort things out.
We'll see though, maybe I can negotiate.

Rogerb · Dec 10, 2008

Oh, yes, do try...they treat 'existing customers' especially well, I think!

AlbionLass · Dec 11, 2008

Indeed 🙂

Rogerb · Jan 24, 2009

AlbionLass wrote:
I rang Hansons earlier in the week and they said the new models would emerge somewhere around the second week in December.

I'm almost certainly going to chop in my SA-5 after Christmas .

Well, this is 'after Christmas', but the 20th Anni instruments are still on the high seas....should be here about the end of the month.
(As you probably have been told?)

I shall be visiting in late Feb, so hope to be able to write my 'impressions'!