*
banner

John Packer team up with Rath Trombones

John Packer Ltd has teamed up with Rath Trombones to offer the perfect specialist service for players of every level looking for the perfect trombone.

Rath trombone
 

John Packer Ltd, based in Taunton in Somerset, has announced that they are to become the only brass specialist in the South of England to stock Michael Rath handmade trombones.

Exciting opportunity

John Packer Brass Department Manager Steve Herbert told 4BR: “This is an exciting opportunity for our customers to own and play a professional trombone that has been carefully selected from our stock of Rath trombone slides, bells, leadpipes, and valves.

These instruments are acknowledged around the world as being of the highest standard."

Right combination

He added: "All Rath trombones are modular, and with around 7000 different ways of putting together a Rath bass trombone for example, there will always be the right combination of parts for a player – it’s simply a question of finding it.

However, the resulting instrument will be totally customised to deal with the players exact requirements.

We offer a highly personal service where the instruments are tailored for each individual. Owing to the number of possibilities, this is an exciting process, but also one which needs time to take advantage of all the potential possibilities."

Specialist appointment

To ensure that you get the necessary personal attention it is done exclusively on an specialist appointment basis with Steve himself, whilst each trombone is then constructed by hand, in the same workshop in Northern England.

Exacting standards

Standards are exacting to say the very least, as Steve added: "It's one thing to have an outstanding concept and design, but the execution needs to be just as good, especially for an instrument where the client rightly expects the highest standards."

John Packer Ltd will have all models of the more recent additions to the Rath range – the R00 series.

Based on the most successful modular combinations of the R10, R4F and R9, the R100, R400 and R900 bridge the gap between student instruments and the custom hand crafted instruments.

In addition there is also the highly popular JP/Rath collaboration models so there are trombones for every level of player.

It's one thing to have an outstanding concept and design, but the execution needs to be just as good, especially for an instrument where the client rightly expects the highest standardsSteve Herbert

Further details:

For further details or to make an appointment to try out these fantastic instruments please call Steve on 01823 282386 (menu option 1) or steve@johnpacker.co.uk.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

March 4 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge.


Red Admiral

Red Admiral changes Entertainment date

March 4 • The popular contest day has been changed to the 27th September.


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: The Power of Love (Philip Harper)

March 4 • Hit the flux capacitor and head back to 1985 for a cracking concert closer...


Japanese Championships

Report & Result: 2026 National Brass Band Ensemble Championship of Japan

March 4 • There were further encouraging signs of ensemble development in Japan at the recent national Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Craig Roberts

BA (Hons), MA
Conductor / Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd