Smith-Watkins brand bought by John Packer Musical Instruments

John Packer Musical Instruments, one of the UK’s largest specialist brass and woodwind retailers and manufacturers, has confirmed the acquisition of Richard Smith Musical Instruments, based in Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire, and the company behind the Smith-Watkins brand.

Smith-Watkins is internationally recognised for its handcrafted cornets and trumpets.

Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer Musical Instruments, said: “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.”

The company is now part of a family that includes other respected names such as JP Musical Instruments, Rath Trombones, Taylor Trumpets, Sterling Musical Instruments and Rudall Carte Woodwinds.

Smith-Watkins instruments will continue to be manufactured at their facility near York.

Mr Hanson said: “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.”

The acquisition marks the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship between JP Musical Instruments and Richard Smith Musical Instruments, who began collaborating in 2008 on the popular JP Smith-Watkins range of trumpets and cornets.

Smith-Watkins brass instruments are used worldwide in jazz, chamber music, big bands, orchestras, and studio recordings.

The brand has a particularly strong reputation within military music.

Smith-Watkins instruments are played by bands in the British Army, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force.

Their fanfare trumpets have been used at high-profile events including the Grand National, the 2011 wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, and the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Dr Richard Smith, who founded Richard Smith Musical Instruments, is a prominent figure in the world of brass instrument design.

He completed a doctoral thesis on trumpet acoustics before spending 12 years at Boosey and Hawkes as chief designer and technical manager.

During his time there, he was responsible for the Besson brass range.

His designs include the original trumpets played by Derek Watkins (906) and John Wallace (907), trombones used by Roy Williams and Don Lusher (937), and the Sovereign/Besson 928 cornets, which remain popular in brass and military bands worldwide.

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.”

His research has been published widely in scientific journals, and he has presented papers at international conferences.

He has also worked with leading symphonic and session musicians across Europe, the US, and Japan.

In 2000, Dr Smith’s ‘The Soloist’ cornet was awarded Millennium Product Status by the UK Design Council.

The instrument, which features interchangeable leadpipes for varied playing conditions and genres, was recognised as a prime example of British design and innovation.

John Packer Musical Instruments has twice received the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, most recently in May 2025.