These guys are in the UK. Anybody know anything? Reviews?

i just did a google search and they appear to be quite good make, and if you go to the clearence section of their site there is some bargains

From a quick glance at their website, they seem pretty reputable, though prior to this post I had never heard of them. I have never, nor do I know anyone who has ever, played one, so I can't truly speak for them. If you are interested, contact the company and see if you could work out some kind of trial.

Hi,

i just saw this thread and would like to invite anyone reading to call me personally about our instruments

+44 (0) 7801 818378

Alastair Hanson

I will be pleased to answer any questions and help in any way.

We are passionate about making great instruments and also about looking after our customers.

I have just recently bought a Hanson clarinet for my daughter. I was extremely impressed with the advise and customer service (which included a factory tour). The instrument, in my opinion, made from rosewood, looks really beautiful, and stands out from the usual African blackwood instruments.Although an organist, not a clarinetist, the tone, again in my opinion, matches that of any other equivalent instrument. The instrument comes with 5 years free servicing and, because my daughter is only small Hansons constructed a modified E key for ease of playing

I bought a Hanson student model in 2003 and taught myself for a few years before taking lessons. During that time I became interested in clarinet repair and ended up buying others from Ebay - too many!
I still use my Hanson for playing with our band when we play outside because the humidity/temp in this part of Italy varies a lot, and I don't want to risk cracking my wooden instruments.
It's remarkably well made, very sturdy, and despite being abused over the years and taken on holiday every summer, it's never had a single problem.
The keywork seems to be the most comfortable of all my clarinets. Pads and key cork are high quality and I haven't had to replace any at all. The black hard rubber is now a bit greenish, but I've left it in the sun too many times.
It came with two barrels, good quality accessories and a choice of vandoren mouthpiece -5RV or B45. For a beginner, I recommend the 5RV.
Customer service was fantastic and overall, the quality-price ratio was outstanding.
Now, if only they'd start making oboes...!!

Steve