A BUSINESS celebrating its 50th anniversary has announced a new brand will be joining as part of a new brand partnership.

John Packer Musical Instruments, the Wellington-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, with founder Andy Taylor remaining with the business.

Taylor Trumpets may be a relative newcomer to the trumpet history books, but the company's founder Andy Taylor has been in the music business for around 50 years, spending the past 35 years developing Taylor Trumpets.

Armed with little more than a few GCSEs and a keen interest in art, music and making things, Andy began his career as an apprentice brass musical instrument maker with the French horn manufacturers Paxman’s, in London.

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.

“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 a 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.”

Following Rob’s comments, Andy Taylor, founder of Taylor Trumpets said: “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 whilst helping Taylor Trumpets reach new audiences all over the world.

“I look forward to continuing to work on the tools to develop Taylor Trumpets for customers old and new.”