Mike Thompson international soloist described the single F – the JP162 - as “delightful from the word go”. He and his students felt that right from the first impression, when opening the case, it was something a young player would be happy to be seen with. It made a characteristic horn sound, blew very well, and was, in Mike’s words “a total thumbs up”.

Having kept the price a secret, and even though Mike knew roughly what kind of money a children’s horn would go for, everyone was blown away when the price tag was revealed. Some students suggested something in the region of £600-700 (ie half the price of the equivalent student horn from Paxman or Yamaha). Mike himself – knowing what the single Bb mini horn would go for – suggested £300. (Tony Halstead, who also had a blow and was pleasantly surprised by the quality, bid £350.)

Jonathan Stoneman.