We're delighted to have received this review from Mark Armstrong about our JP351SW LT trumpet. Mark is Musical Director at NYJO and Jazz professor at the Royal College of Music. 

"I was recently asked by the chaps at John Packer's if I would review one of their recent introductions to the market - the JP351SWLT trumpet. Having both tried and been impressed by some of their earlier instruments I was keen to see what they had conjured up now. This interest was further enhanced by the fact that this instrument is a movement into new higher market areas for the Packer team and this means that you are battling with tougher opposition. Firstly the model number - 'SW' shows that, once again, Richard Smith (of Smith-Watkins) has been involved both in the overall design and, specifically, the all important lead pipe.  The 'LT' refers to the fact that the bell is very lightweight which, combined with the nickel silver reverse leadpipe, is an interesting combination on a large bore instrument.   

"On first sight I was impressed by the build quality - lovely construction and the slides and valves all moved sweetly and positively. Not only are Packers collaborating with the best designers in the West they are also using western grades of materials and, it seems, the best technology to ensure good construction quality. This instrument is over £1000 less than my own trumpet, but the build quality appeared to be equal.  It's impressive even when you open the case and look at it.  

"That's the cosmetics dealt with, but how does it all combine as a working tool for a musician? I tested this trumpet both at home and 'in the field'. My initial tests made me feel so confident in the instrument’s capability that it has now been heard by many people who have been to see Chicago in the West End. The sound is pleasingly warm and centred even at extreme dynamics and its overall characteristics make it ideal for jazz, big band or showmusic etc. Capable of power or subtlety with equal ease.   

"Frankly, at this price, this instrument is amazing value. Packer's intention in bringing higher quality & performance to the market place at accessible prices has certainly been achieved. I have been happy to use it professionally and will be using it again on Boxing day when I take NYJO to the Today [BBC Radio 4] programme.  This trumpet is without doubt capable of professional performance, but priced to be accessible to players doing the higher ABRSM grade exams. Great combination!"

See this wonderful trumpet by clicking here!

"...Wildest surpise: John Packer Rath (student horn????) (available at Dillon)

The multiple question marks are because this horn [JP230 Rath], other than the $700 pricetag, did not say "student" at all.  This horn has the most heat, bite, and sizzle of ANY "student/intermed" horn I've ever tried.  Absolutely perfect for pop/soul/funk/section playing, in my opinion. And an incredible high range playability.  Just remarkable. Horns like this have the potential to change the game at many levels.  Remember the loud playing small bore thread? This horn goes on it, darn near the top of the list. A very dominant, passionate high register, and slots great between High F and altissimo A flat - I'm not used to horns that you can lean on THAT hard (fff) and get your effort's worth up in that register. I had to settle in and focus in order to stop cracking the F from above...

Instead of sending my students who are looking for a solid jazz horn on a semi-tight budget to find an old 2B or 3B, for the same or less money - this horn is a winner. 

And I tried the .5

25 [JP231 Rath] as well -  This horn handled somewhat like a .508 but played very big and still soulful...More of a solid blow than a 3B, and with a broader yet quite intense sound. Think of Jimmy Bosch type tone without the effort that you'd normally have to give to get that much sound out. I had NO idea on first try that it was .525.  This is kind of what I imagine a KING 4B really WANTS to do...Both excellent horns, and exciting additions to the marketplace in terms of quality and pricepoint. Congrats to Rath and Co..."

For the full review click here

For more information about the American Jazz trombonist Roland Barber click here

WE'RE exceptionally proud of our JPRath collaboration trombones. Below you will find a link to a review that has been posted on the famous and authoritative 4BarsRest website.

The review has been written by Stephen Sykes who is very much a rising star in the trombone firmament and who is rapidly following in the impressive footsteps of his father Steve Sykes, the world renowned tuba player. Stephen won the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist competition in 2009 and took the awards for Best Soloist at the British Open and Brass in Concert.

In an extract of Steve's review he says: "John Packer's decision to team up with Michael Rath has been fully vindicated. These instruments are much more than just getting a well known manufacturer to 'lend' their name to be stamped on a cheap and cheerful product. Built in china, real care and attention to build quality and design has produced four excellent instruments - all the more remarkable given the price that are being sold at. What you get for your money are four very good instruments designed with the performer and their limitations, but especially their aspirations in mind."

For the full glowing review click here 

We believe this review reaffirms the confidence that we have in these fabulous trombones.

Anyone wanting to know more about this exciting range of instruments, can contact the John Packer Ltd brass department by emailing steve@johnpacker.co.uk, or calling 01823 282836.

THE antique finish may make the JP251SWA look old - but it is very much a new trumpet on the brass scene.

Andy Hague - who directs the Music For You Jazz Summer School, and has acted as an external examiner for the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama jazz degree course - tried it recently and described it as "outstanding".

He was so taken with it, he even made a recording of him playing it!

In between playing and recording Andy found time to wax lyrical about the 251SWA, here is what he said:

"For starters, this instrument looks fantastic if you like the unlaquered or vintage appearance that has become popular amongst jazz players in recent years. It also has rather snazzy valve top inlays which an eleven-year-old pupil described as “cool,” so there you have it.

"The playing characteristics of this instrument are outstanding, and as other reviewers have pointed out it does genuinely bear comparison with trumpets costing several times more. Overall I’ve found the intonation to be rather better than for the professional level instrument I’ve played for many years, requiring less lip and slide adjustment for those awkward notes. It feels comfortable and easy to play.

"The JP 251SWA represents excellent value for intermediate players, and is certainly worth considering up to professional level. Give it a try, you might be pleasantly surprised."

Picture: Andy Hague with the JP251SWA trumpet

Click here to buy the JP251

John Packer JP231 Rath Trombone

“This is the first we are told, of a number of collaborations between retailer John Packer and manufacturer Michael Rath, with Rath having had a hand in the design of the instrument and Packer finding a quality manufacturer in China. The 231 comes with a medium-large bore and a very playable, lightweight slide. The build quality is excellent and the finishing is nothing short of superb. It’s a very responsive instrument, particularly in the middle-to-lower register, where it can really bark. The upper register needed a little getting used to, requiring as it did a lot more puff. But the tone is warm and the character of the sound suggests that the 231 would be just as comfortable in a symphony orchestra setting, as it would be used by a jazz group or big band. At a fraction of the price you might expect to pay for a horn of this quality, it all packs into a standard nylon denier semi-hard, zippered shaped case, with exterior zippered pocket, grab handles and a back harness with a Velcro flap cover.”

David Gallant

Jazzwise November 2009.

Click here to buy