April 05, 2026 I Acquisition
John Packer Musical Instruments Acquires Smith-Watkins
Richard Wright, instrument technician, with Dr. Richard Smith, founder of Richard Smith Musical Instruments, the company behind the Smith-Watkins brand.
John Packer Musical Instruments has announced the acquisition of Richard Smith Musical Instruments, the company behind the Smith-Watkins brand.
The news sees Smith-Watkins, known for its cornets and trumpets, become part of the family which includes brands, 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 its facility near York, U.K. Alongside Rath Trombones in Yorkshire and Taylor Trumpets in Norfolk, the acquisition further strengthens U.K. brass instrument manufacturing.
Richard Smith Musical Instruments has a global reputation for producing world-class brass instruments hand-made in the U.K. and performed in diverse settings from jazz and chamber music to big band, orchestra and studio recordings. Smith-Watkins instruments can be found in many of the leading military bands in the U.K. and beyond, including bands belonging of the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.
