Wellington-based John Packer Musical Instruments has acquired a Yorkshire-based company renowned for producing hand-made brass instruments, writes Phil Hill.
Richard Smith Musical Instruments joins John Packer, one of the UK’s largest specialist brass and woodwind retailers and becomes part of the family which includes JP Musical Instruments, 4th Trombones, Taylor Trumpets, Sterling Musical Instruments, and Rudall Carte Woodwinds.
Richard Smith’s Smith-Watkins instruments, used by military bands, will continue to be manufactured near York.
The company has a global reputation for producing world-class brass instruments that are performed in diverse settings from jazz and chamber music to big band, orchestra, and studio recordings.
Smith-Watkins fanfare trumpets have been used at prominent public occasions, such as the beginning and end of the Grand National, the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration, the opening of the London Olympics, and the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer, said: “It’s a huge honour to welcome the Smith-Watkins brand to the John Packer Musical Instruments family.
“With his groundbreaking acoustic research, Dr Richard Smith was a pioneer and the result has been outstanding musical instruments which light up concert halls, recording sessions and military parades all over the world.
“These beautiful instruments will continue to be handcrafted in the UK, helping strengthen the future of UK brass manufacturing, and ensuring musicians all over the world can enjoy playing Smith-Watkins for generations to come.”
Dr Richard Smith, founder to Richard Smith Musical Instruments, said: “Seeing Smith-Watkins instruments performed on the world stage has been an honour, and it gives me great pleasure knowing they are the choice of many of the world’s leading trumpet players.
“I have known Rob Hanson for many years, and with his drive, passion and inimitable business acumen, I know he will help ensure the company can thrive and continue to reach new audiences all over the world.”
John Packer Musical Instruments was founded in Taunton in 1974, and more recently moved close to junction 26 of the M5, just outside Wellington.
It has twice won the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade and has been judged Best in Show at the National Association of Music Merchants Show in Anaheim, California.
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