ON Wednesday 16th May a local lady came into the shop asking if we would value an old instrument for her. This happens very regularly and always generates a slight air of excitement because you never know what is going to come out of a battered old case or scruffy shopping bag. Usually, it's some tarnished and tangled web of brass tubing that would be lucky if it justified going on a pub wall.

Sometimes however... The lady took out two lengths of pale material and said that this flute (for that was what it was) had belonged to her mother and grandmother and could it be made to work again. Hmmmm. Interesting... looks like ivory... looks very old... very old.

It had four keys, well at least it should have had four keys, but one was missing with only the saddle remaining. The two keys on the body joint were of a slightly different design than the footjoint key, so we surmised that they were a later addition. Also, bizarrely, it had two embouchure holes. We searched for a makers name. Even under the best magnification it looked like it was made up of indistinct elements of a mixture of letters that could have been S's or E's or B's or R's or F's or H's. We just couldn't fathom it out, but we did have a sneaking feeling that this was something interesting...

On Thursday 17th May, we emailed some images and had a long conversation with an old friend in London who is an expert in these things. He was also quietly intrigued about it. He explained that the additional embouchure hole would have been added when standard pitch rose after the Baroque period, but from what he could see this was a 17th century ivory flute.We agreed to ship the flute to him immediately by courier for a full examination and so that our friend could call in other experts for their verdict.

Friday 18th May. Early in the morning, and within minutes of the courier delivering the flute, we get a call from London. 'It's a Scherer'. We'd heard of lots of makers from this period, but not Scherer. 'Is that good?' we asked. 'It's very rare' came the reply. So rare that the word was already out and notables were offering their opinions and queuing up to come and see it. In it's day it would have been the crème de la crème. Our London expert wasn't prepared to quote a value, as he wasn't certain exactly what effect the modifications would have on the price if it were offered for sale. However, as he put it 'it's worth a lot of money and it's staying in my safe'.

Now we wait. Hopefully, we will bring you up to date soon when we get more news. Watch this space...!

ARE you a brass player? Do you need a job?

We're currently looking for someone to work on Saturdays in our busy shop in Taunton.

We need an experienced brass player capable of playing to a good standard and who is articulate and accurate, you may be just the person we are looking for.

We need someone to deal with customers in the shop and on the 'phone, check stock and perform basic administratuve and tidying duties. This position commences on July 7th, 2012.

Please apply in writing giving relevant experience and reasons why you might be appropriate for the job.

Write to:

Steve Herbert, Brass Department Manager
John Packer Ltd
141 Staplegrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 6AF

What is the JP+ Scheme? 

THE JP+ Scheme allows you to upgrade your JP instrument to a higher spec JP model (within the same musical family) and receive a discount of up to 20%.

Why Upgrade?

SO you've got off the marks and are progressing through the grades - well done! Our JP instruments are designed to support the progress of a player, so by upgrading you'll be allowing yourself to reach new potential.

Who Can Upgrade?

ANY school or individual owner of a JP Musical Instrument can upgrade. They can even keep their old instrument. Proof of purchase is required.

What Saving Can Be Made?

THE JP+ Scheme allows you to upgrade any JP model and save as follows:

10% off a JP 1 Series instrument
15% off a JP 2 Series instrument
20% off a JP 3 Series instrument

If you're at a state school you can still purchase it via the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme and save the VAT! For more information on the AIPS click here

How Do You Do the JP+?

IT'S easy! Call us on 01823 282386. We'll need to know what instrument you want to upgrade, and details of your current JP instrument. You can then buy your new JP instrument!

ALL UK retailers of JP Musical Instruments are participating in the scheme.

Terms & Conditions:

Must be same instrument type. You cannot upgrade a flute for a trumpet! Offer only applies to John Packer Musical Instruments. You can keep your own instrument, although you may be able to part exchange it (subject to condition etc.). You must present us with proof of purchase/ownership, including the model and serial number. You can only use your instrument to upgrade once. This scheme cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer or promotion. We reserve the right to close the offer at any time without notice or obligation.

Speak to one of our sales staff to arrange your upgrade. Call 01823 282386.

If you have been thinking of upgrading your old instrument there has never been a better time! Get your hands on a brand new top quality Besson product without the need to find all of the money up front.

For a Limited time Besson Musical Instruments, in association with John Packer Ltd and Moneyway, are offering 0% Finance on their full range of instruments. You can spread the cost with affordable monthly payments but have your instrument delivered immediately!

A minimum 10% deposit is required with the balance being repaid over 12 months.

Contact a member of our sales team on 01823 282386  for more details! 

Example

Besson Prestige BE2028 Cornet in Silver

Interest Rate 0%APR
Cash Price £2600.64
Deposit £260.06
Total amount of Credit £2340.58
Representative APR 0% APR
Term of Loan 12 months
Total amount payable £2600.64
Monthly Repayment 1 monthly payment of £195.03 and 11 monthly payments of £195.05. 

24 Month ‘Low Rate’ Finance also available!

If you are interested in a higher value Besson instrument you may wish to spread the cost over a longer period. We are able to offer this with low rate finance of 2.9% Representative APR.

 

Example

Besson Sovereign BE967 Euphonium in Silver

Interest Rate 2.9% APR
Cash Price £4844.83
Deposit £484.48
Total amount of Credit £4360.35
Total charge for Credit £131.25
Representative APR 2.9% APR
Term of Loan 24 months
Total amount payable £4976.08
Monthly Repayment £187.15

 
Terms and conditions apply.
Scheme is available for a limited period only and may be withdrawn at any time.
Moneyway is a trading name of Secure Trust Bank Plc. Registered in England and Wales 541132. Registered Office: One Arleston Way, Solihull, B90 4LH. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and licensed by the Office of Fair Trading under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate consumer credit.
The retailer (John Packer Ltd) acts as a credit intermediary and only introduces to Secure Trust Bank PLC.

NINETY-FIVE brass players travelled to Queens College, Taunton in Somerset on Saturday 14^th April to attend the John Packer Brass Band Workshop with top soloists David Thornton (Brighouse & Rastrick) and Richard Poole (Foden’s).

The day started with David giving warm up advice and tips to all the players before tackling the various pieces of music which were designed to stretch the capability of the assembled ensemble.

As well as coaching the players throughout the day both soloists were given the opportunity to have their share of the spotlight, Richard’s awesome soprano playing in his own arrangement of La Virgin De La Macarena was just stunning and not to be outdone David followed with his faultless performance of the famous Euphonium solo The Carnival Of Venice during the final session of the day.

Steve Herbert Brass Department Manager of John Packer’s had given everyone a lighthearted ‘Brass Band Quiz’ and later in the day presented prizes to Graham Davies, John Woods & Dave Coles who came joint first with Christine Sweetapple, Jessica Smith, Holly Whale & Tegan Hill receiving runner up prizes.

Everyone who attended the day thoroughly enjoyed the event. Steve and his team give a big thank you to all the participants who took part in the day and also to David and Richard who made the whole day that something extra special.   

COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS:

‘What a great day. Us three Brummies had a marvelous time. A long drive but worth every mile. Please do it again – soon’.

‘Again, many thanks for organising today’s brass music fun day. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I am amazed at the amount of information I came away with that will hopefully make me a better player. Both David and Richard are masters of their chosen instruments and it was pleasure listening to there expert advice and to hearing them play. I have both of David’s solo CD’s and the latest Foden’s CD featuring Richard’s sop solo and so I knew what great soloists they are, but hearing them live was just fantastic. It would be good to this as an annual event and if this is to be the case, please put my name down for next year.’

 ‘I have attended several brass workshops in the hope of 'self improvement' (!)  This was by far the most effective and moreover it was highly enjoyable.  I have no criticisms whatever  --  just the opposite.’

 ‘Organisers seldom receive thanks, but I would like to add my thanks alongside, no doubt, that of many others and express the hope that the event will be repeated.’

There may be a special deal just for you in our fabulous Spring sale...

We can often beat advertised prices, so if you're after a new instrument, or an accessory, call us on 01823 282386 to speak to a specialist and get our best price.

If you're quick you can even bag a bigger bargain in our clearance department! We've a fantastic selection of ex-display instruments. Never pre-owned, these instruments offer a substantial saving to their new counterparts. And once they're gone - they're gone!

View ALL BRASS    view ALL WOODWIND

Full PDF of instruments available by clicking this link: CLEARANCE SALE 2012.pdf (136.00 kb)

Along with these instruments there are also some superb discounts on accessories, some up to 35% off the shop price. Discounts are only available on products while they are in stock - so shop now to avoid disappointment!

Shop now:          10% off    20% off    30% off   50% off

THE John Packer Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme has been a vital component in support of music in state schools since we pioneered the scheme in the 1990s.

However, with the advent of the Academy status schools, considerable confusion has arisen over whether or not the AIP scheme still applied. Many Academy Schools are either uncertain about the situation or believe that the AIP scheme is no longer applicable to them. If you are in that group then finally we have clarity...

Recently a school with which we have dealings made an enquiry to HM Revenue & Customs about this matter. This is an extract from the reply that they received from the government department:

"This matter has been looked into and I can advise you that academies are allowed to use the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme. It was originally thought that academies wouldn't be involved in this scheme and therefore it would not be applicable to them. However, we have now received information to the contrary and VAT Supply Policy have confirmed that academies can use the scheme in the same way that local authorities can.

Therefore I can confirm that academies can use the AIPS subject to the usual conditions of the scheme."*

* full text available if required.

This is great news for the parents of musical pupils and for music in schools. Please share this with your finance team, music staff and parents.

For your interest you can also view our current AIPS handout, complete with prices and details of our instrument hire scheme, by clicking here.

The Take It Away Scheme is now open to individuals purchasing a musical instrument for someone under the age of 18.

After the government funding was cut to the Arts Council, Take It Away was unable to offer the scope of support they had done previously.  After a significant drop in sales amongst suppliers and pressure applied by Take It Away and the Arts Council to gain funding the service has returned.

Those wishing to apply for a loan for an instrument for an under 18 year old will be able to do so, however it will only be an instore option and a disclaimer will have to be signed by the person taking the loan agreeing who the instrument is for.

Unfortunately it remains the same that over 25′s will not be able to apply for the loans for instruments for themselves. 

If you would like to find out more, ask us some questions or arrange a purchase you can call the shop on 01823 282386. You can also visit this page for T&C's

With only six weeks to Christmas, can it really be too soon to start thinking about what to buy your loved ones this year? Gifts bought at the last minute lack thought - tending to lead to a bemused face on Christmas Day - "More socks! - great..."

If you know someone likes music it gives you an abundance of gift ideas - many of which can be found on our website. We sell musical stationery, jewellery, cards, culinary gifts, along with pretty glass suncatchers.

We also sell a large range of tuners and metronomes which are popular stocking-fillers...

Have a browse round the accessories and gift departments and you're sure to find the perfect gift!

THE Yamaha Upgrade Bonus Scheme is back! Which means there's never been a better time to cash in on your old brass or woodwind instrument, and upgrade to a fantastic new Yamaha model.

The scheme is ideal for students looking to upgrade their instruments. And parents can also take advantage of the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme to save the VAT. Schools and Music Services can even ditch their old instruments gathering dust in a cupboard and upgrade them to hardy Yamaha instruments.

Customers can part exchange any brand of brass or woodwind instrument, however, the minimum part exchange allowance depends on the category of instrument purchased and part exchanged.

Please see the table below for details:

Student & Intermediate Upgrades

Professional Upgrades

Example:

Upgrade Non-Yamaha Student Flute to Yamaha YFL211 Flute via AIPS
Recommended Retail Price (inc. Vat) £609
Packer’s Discount Price (inc. VAT) £487.20
Packer’s Discount Price (Ex Vat with AIPS) £406
Upgrade Bonus -£30

Total to pay £376 ex VAT. (38% off the Recommended Retail price!)

For more details about the scheme and to find out how much you could get for your old instrument, call the shop on 01823 282386 or email sales@johnpacker.co.uk.

Offer ends 31st January 2012.