John Packer Musical Instruments, one of the UK's largest specialist brass and woodwind retailers and manufacturers, has announced the acquisition of Richard Smith Musical Instruments, the company behind the famous Smith-Watkins brand.

Renowned for its cornets and trumpets it will now become part of a business that includes JP Musical Instruments, Rath Trombones, Taylor Trumpets, Sterling Musical Instruments, and Rudall Carte Woodwinds.

York manufacture

Alongside Rath Trombones in Yorkshire and Taylor Trumpets in Norfolk, the acquisition further strengthens UK brass instrument manufacturing, with Smith-Watkins instruments continuing to be manufactured at their facility near York.

Over the years the brand has gained global recognition performers from jazz and chamber music to big band, orchestras and studio recordings. They also have a strong presence in the military bands sector in the UK and beyond.

The acquisition cements a relationship between the businesses stretching back to 2008, when the companies first embarked on a collaboration to create the JP Smith-Watkins range of trumpets and cornets.

Huge honour

Speaking about the new link, Rob Hanson, Managing Director of John Packer Musical Instruments, told 4BR: "It's a huge honour to welcome the Smith-Watkins brand to the John Packer Musical Instruments family.

With his groundbreaking acoustic research, Dr Richard Smith was a pioneer and the result has been outstanding musical instruments which light up concert halls, recording sessions and military parades all over the world.

These beautiful instruments will continue to be handcrafted in the UK, helping strengthen the future of UK brass manufacturing, and ensuring musicians all over the world can enjoy playing Smith-Watkins for generations to come."

It's a huge honour to welcome the Smith-Watkins brand to the John Packer Musical Instruments familyRob Hanson

Drive and passion

Dr Smith wrote a doctoral thesis on trumpet acoustics before joining Boosey and Hawkes, where he worked as chief designer and technical manager responsible for the famous Besson brass range. In 2000, his 'The Soloist' cornet was awarded Millennium Product Status by the UK.

In response, Dr Smith, said: "Seeing Smith-Watkins instruments performed on the world stage has been an honour, and it gives me great pleasure knowing they are the choice of many of the world's leading trumpet players.

"I have known Rob Hanson for many years, and with his drive, passion and inimitable business acumen, I know he will help ensure the company can thrive and continue to reach new audiences all over the world."

Awards

John Packer Musical Instruments has won the King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category on two occasions; firstly in 2018 (then known as the Queen's Award) and more recently, in May 2025, recognising the outstanding international growth of the flourishing business.

More information:

More information on John Packer Musical Instruments is at: https://jpmusicalinstruments.com

More information on Smith-Watkins is at: https://smithwatkins.com