JP155 Trumpet

I recently have had the pleasure of reviewing two new trumpets developed by John Packer Ltd. At the outset I had no idea as to price or any other information.
The JP 155 Trumpet.

This instrument comes with a smart canvas covered pre-formed case with zip fasteners and convenient carry handles and rucksack straps. The package includes mouthpiece and all the trimmings.

The trumpet is finished in silver plate and has very attractive detailing engraved on the bell.

The 3rd slide trigger ring is fixed and extra stays and barrel style water keys suggest a fully loaded professional instrument.

The valves are again beautifully slick and smooth and the slides and overall finish are excellent.

Blowing the trumpet.

For this exercise I had a little help, with two of my students around we had a Bach Strad, a Yamaha Zeno and my Olds Recording to compare.

The JP155 certainly had the look of a top - notch instrument and the balance in the hand felt good.

The valves are fabulous and although my Olds valves have a shorter travel the JP155 holds its own. The sound quality is well centred, bright and sweet and although maybe not quite as big as the Yamaha or Bach it has much of the flexibility and response of the Olds. The notes are nicely grooved and the trumpet has a good secure feeling about it.

On this trumpet the very low register was a little tight, but it was compared to three well blown-in instruments. The intonation however was excellent and non of the others could better it.

It is my feeling that the JP155 could do a great job for all players on all types of repertoire with the possible exception of those professionals who want the largest of symphony orchestra sounds.

Finally the price.

When I opened the envelopes containing the RRP information I was gobsmacked!

The JP 155 RRP was just £519 with an 'State Education Assisted price of £325.

This trumpet at these prices can seriously challenge its much more costly rivals. With competitors at over a thousand pounds more expensive, only those in need of a large orchestral set-up or with hang-ups about what name is on the bell should spend more.

 
Nick Thompson
Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion
London College of Music and Media.

Principal Trumpet
Chamber Orchestra of Europe

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