John Packer Musical Instruments acquires Taylor Trumpets in latest milestone for UK-based company in 50th anniversary year

John Packer Musical Instruments, the UK-based musical instrument retailer and manufacturer, has announced the acquisition of specialist UK brass instrument maker, Taylor Trumpets.

The agreement will see JP Musical Instruments look after marketing, distribution and logistics for the Norfolk business, while cementing Taylor Trumpets’ international reputation for producing stunning, hand-crafted trumpets, cornets and flugelhorns. Taylor Trumpets will continue to be made in the UK.

Founder Andy Taylor will remain with the business, continuing to share his expertise in instrument design. It is the latest chapter in a career which has spanned 50 years, 15 of which saw him working for Paxman Horns before spending the past 35 years developing Taylor Trumpets.

The acquisition of Taylor Trumpets comes after John Packer Musical Instruments previously announced the purchase of Michael Rath Trombones earlier in 2024, and signifies the latest step in the evolution of JPMI, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Rob Hanson, director of John Packer Musical Instruments, commented: “Welcoming Taylor Trumpets to the stable at John Packer Musical Instruments is a very natural step in the evolution of the relationship between the companies, one which stretches back to when we started working together on the extremely popular JP By Taylor collaboration.

“From the renowned Piranha Trumpet to the creamy-toned Phat Boy flugelhorn, Taylor Trumpets have a stellar reputation for making outstanding instruments with great tone, playability, build quality and design. That is testament to Andy Taylor’s immeasurable talent as an instrument maker and designer. We’re delighted that he will remain with the company, striving for the highest standards while enabling customers all over the world to continue enjoying his beautiful creations.”

Andy Taylor, founder of Taylor Trumpets, commented: “The development of Taylor Trumpets has proved that we can push the boundaries of trumpet making further than most, offering custom instruments that sound magnificent and stand out in a crowd.

“The acquisition of Taylor Trumpets by John Packer Musical Instruments is the latest chapter in a successful relationship which started out with the popular JP By Taylor idea. I know Rob Hanson will continue to hold dear the values of high quality, skilled craftsmanship, while helping Taylor Trumpets reach new audiences all over the world, and I look forward to continuing to work on the tools to develop Taylor Trumpets for customers old and new.”

JP Musical Instruments has established itself as a preeminent supplier of student and intermediate brass and woodwind instruments to the education service, bands and professional players from Taunton to Tonga, the Midwest to Melbourne, and Ireland to Iceland, with the support of its global dealer network. In 2018, the company was given the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

Taylor Trumpets has an international reputation for producing bespoke, hand-crafted instruments in the UK to the highest standards. The instruments are renowned for their craftsmanship, and their ability to stand out in a crowd with their distinctive appearance, finding favour with musicians all over the world.

More information on the products and services on offer from JP Musical Instruments is at: jpmusicalinstruments.com.

Information on Taylor Trumpets is at: taylortrumpets.com.