About Us
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Alastair Hanson founded his musical instrument making business in 1989 after graduating from Leeds College of Music and with support from The Prince’s Trust. The first Hanson Clarinets came shortly after and were handmade by Alastair himself. Now over 30 years on, we are the worlds first FSC Certified maker of woodwind instruments thanks to our sustainable and ethical practices, and we are making Clarinets everyday for happy customers all over the world.
Sustainable practices Since 1986
Ethical. Sustainable. Fair.
Hanson Music is a family firm based in Marsden, West Yorkshire, England. Owned by the Hanson family: husband and wife Alastair and Jenny Hanson who have two daughters; Lucy and Eleanor, baby brother Robin, a beloved spaniel Sasha, five rabbits and six chickens. Alastair’s expertise and experience in instrument design and manufacturing has led to international demand for his services as a consultant. Alastair has worked with factories manufacturing for Buffet, Selmer, Howarth, and many more. Local demand is more likely to be from his daughters (let’s play with the Lego Daddy!) or spaniel Sasha requesting a walk.
In 2011 we became the worlds first FSC Certified maker of woodwind instruments thanks to our sustainable and ethical practices. We use only the finest woods from ethical sources to make our Clarinets, so you can be sure you are buying the highest quality instrument.
More than just a music shop
In 2018 we founded ‘Hanson Community Arts’; a not-for profit organisation providing music making to the community – headed by the inimitable Simon Wood and run in our premises in Marsden, West Yorkshire.
Award winning clarinets
Internationally acclaimed for our outstanding contribution to sustainable and fair manufacturing, the best clarinets in the World need not cost the Earth.
Only the Best wood
The best material for your clarinet to be made from will depend on what kind of music you play, where you live and play, how you care for your clarinet and of course your preferred favourite look and tone. Our carefully selected Rosewood wood is naturally seasoned for up to 12 years, while our African Blackwood is seasoned for up to 14 years.
incredible precision
Our Clarinets are made with exacting precision that is made possible thanks to our world leading machinery and knowledge. Sculptured by computer controlled ‘CNC’ machinery to fine tolerances and multi tapered tone holes with a 200 point single helix finish, you won’t find this level of precision on other Clarinets.
made in the uk
Our Clarinets are handbuilt in Marsden, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom using only the finest materials and methods available to us. When you buy from us you can be sure that you are buying from an ethical, sustainable and fair British company.
Come visit us!
Visit our workshop in the beautiful Yorkshire Moors
Visitors to the workshops are made very welcome but don’t expect glitzy showrooms! Instead you will find busy workbenches and an equal mix of traditional and modern engineering.
Relax in the knowledge that we do not employ salespeople – instead you will be greeted by expert craftsmen providing down to earth, honest, practical help and advice. There are often exclusive offers on display items, prototypes and special editions not available online. Book an appointment below to ensure we have an appropriate memeber of staff available to deal with your query.
Telephone Helplines & General Shop Sales
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Repair Workshop
Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm
Contact Us
01484 848060
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Hanson Musical Instruments
Marsden
West Yorkshire
HD7 6AB
Great Britain
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