Hanson Musical Instruments & Hanson Community Arts

So I don't do reviews much, but I did want to do this one. I've been playing the clarinet for over 50 years now. Apart from the early days on Larks and Regents (!) it's been almost exclusively on French clarinets - Buffet and LeBlanc. Despite having the opportunity of playing in many amateur orchestras and ensembles I always thought there was something missing in my playing - I wanted a more expansive but nevertheless still refined sound. I found this and more in Alastair Hanson's clarinets. I knew from first play of my new A that it was something different - something special. Changing clarinets is not always easy, needing some perseverance as it is likely you will have adapted your playing to a previous manufacturer's design choices, which can lead to bad habits. For me there was some relearning to do, but I feel I am a better, more informed player for it. Specifically, my embrochure is now more relaxed and there are fewer special fingerings needed for both throat notes and high notes. I went for a T6 A and T7 Bb - I had the chance to play a few and these were the best for me. There is no denying the quality of these clarinets from their weighty feel. Alastair let's you try them on approval and this just confirmed my first reaction. Mine were the Symphonic bore as I felt this gave me better dynamic range but still with a refined tone. They feel comfortable with different music styles from classical to jazz; I've a concert playing Brahms 2 on Saturday, demanding accurate intonation in passages with the flute, that I can absolutely rely on these clarinets to deliver. I cannot recommend Hanson clarinets highly enough, and there is the added bonus of supporting a local music business and a genuinely passionate owner in Alastair. If you're like me and thinking of a change, you'll be missing an opportunity if you don't give Hanson a try!
Mar 23rd, 2023

Excellent shop and workshop producing great instruments. Alistair was very knowledgeable about the flutes he has and helped us but a great instrument for our daughter.
Feb 28th, 2023

Over the last 8 years I have bought 2 wonderful clarinets, a saxophone, a trumpet and an amazing cornet from Hanson's Music Shop and like a racing car they need a bit of tweaking from time to time so yesterday I followed the long and winding road to Marsden where Oly sorted out my clarinet and Jason did some work on my cornet whilst I waited. I didn't even have time to walk around the reservoir. They are now back in tip top condition and firing on all cylinders.
Jan 5th, 2023

Wonderful staff and music teachers! Family friendly community ensembles, music for everyone!
Dec 17th, 2022

Bought a Baritone Saxophone from the shop. They couldn't have been more accommodating! Let me try the horn (amongst others), they played the horn for me and did some touch ups in the workshop there and then for me. Couldn't recommend the shop any higher! I will definitely be returning in the future! Thanks for looking after me Olly!
Nov 7th, 2022