New crowned British Open Champions Cory will be heading to the Royal Albert Hall next weekend with a trio of new trombones to their name.

However fans need not despair that they may have lost any of their acclaimed team of Chris Thomas, Kyle Blake and Andrew Williams — as the trio will be supplemented instead by the arrival of three brand new top of range instruments from Michael Rath Trombones.

Perfect set-ups

Tim Sidwell of Rath told 4BR: "The guys visited us a few weeks ago and spent several hours enjoying putting together their perfect individual set-ups. Their requirements were to play on the very best instruments as performers and to be able to blend as one as a section."

He added: "They are world class brass band players in a world class band and we are proud as a company to support them in this way. We can't wait to hear them in action at the Albert Hall next weekend."

In response, Cory's star solo trombone player Chris Thomas told 4BR: "Personally, mine is such a pleasure to play. I've given it an absolute hammering for a week now, looking for the dead spot that every instrument I've tried has, but I have to admit defeat.

It just sings throughout the range and the fitting process ensured that I have an instrument that is tailored not only for the sound I want, but also for who I am. It was an eye-opener and I cannot recommend the experience highly enough."

The brass band sector is very important to us as trombone players are really informed about what they want from their instruments. We cater for that — as has been shown with our latest link with the world's number 1 ranked bandRath Trombones

Strong customer base

Tim believes that the move to link up with Cory strengthens the company's foothold in the brass band market place — one which has seen them as the providers of choice to Black Dyke since 2006.

"We have built up a very strong customer base over the years and by expanding our range to cater for players at different levels.

The brass band sector is very important to us as trombone players are really informed about what they want from their instruments. We cater for that — as has been shown with our latest link with the world's number 1 ranked band."

Image by Lorne Campbell (copyright)