Having reviewed the JP233 single valve bass trombone some time ago I was delighted to be asked to offer my thoughts on the new John Packer JP333 double valve instrument.
The latest addition to the John Packer trombone family has once again been designed with input from the British trombone guru, Michael Rath.
His expertise has been invaluable in the long term success of the JP/Rath range- and continues to project a very clear message: These are superb value instruments produced with high end quality.
Rath hallmarks
The JP333 maintains all the hallmarks I’ve come to expect from the John Packer range of instruments over the years.
The attention to detail is evident from opening the Pro line JP case; one that is has a compact set up that still has space for the accompanying trombonist’s gadgetry. It also comes with extra interchangeable padding to ensure the instrument is protected without you having to carry around unnecessary weight.
The case also comes with an excellent maintenance kit and (approx.) 2G size heavyweight mouthpiece.
I am really very impressed with the build quality of the JP333.
I was fortunate to spend the time testing the instrument against other well known names, and was hugely impressed with the overall consistency it presented.
Pleasing
The instrument feels sturdy and is ergonomically well designed, with the introduction of a counterweight to add balance. The hand slide is well spaced and the overall feel when holding the instrument is pleasingly comfortable.
Looks can be deceptive with some instruments, but the JP333 is an aesthetically pleasing instrument. The lacquer finish is consistent and flawless.
The 9.5 inch gold brass bell offers a warm and focused sound and the consistency throughout the entire register is very centred and focussed.
The 9.5 inch gold brass bell offers a warm and focused sound and the consistency throughout the entire register is very centred and focussed.
The flexibility the Michael Rath designed lead pipe offers is the key though to this instrument’s success; the different harmonics feel effortless when playing exercises in flexibility (Remington/Van Dijk et al), and the shifts in the lower register work very well between open instrument and the often difficult lower valve combinations.
As a result the instrument produces a fine, rich sound. Each different register of the JP333 is also focused; the middle to high register sings easily and gives a superb lyrical quality across the various harmonics.
The standard rotary valves offered on the JP333 offer a compact, warm sound in the lower register that is able to project when required or blend in softer dynamic playing.
It has the flexibility to perform both in an orchestral or brass band setting, offering a good weight of sound allied to subtlety – artistic virtues every bass trombone player needs!
Don’t just take my word for it. Contact your local John Packer dealer to book a test drive - you won’t be disappointed.
Overall:
Overall I feel that the JP333 is an excellent addition to the bass trombone market - offering exceptional value for money for a high quality instrument.
Due to its flexibility, it should also feel at home playing in a solo or recital capacity and would also make an excellent contribution to section work in an orchestral, brass band, symphonic wind ensemble, brass chamber ensemble or more commercial or big band.
Don’t just take my word for it. Contact your local John Packer dealer to book a test drive - you won’t be disappointed.
Find out more:
Price: £1,649.00 inc VAT
https://www.jpmusicalinstruments.com/prod/john-packer-jp333-rath
Specification:
Model: JP333 Rath
Key: Bb/F/Gb
Bell Size: High Grade Brass 241mm (9.5")
Valves: Rotary 2
Bore: Large 14.27mm (.562")
Water Key: Lever 1
Body: High Grade Brass
Finish: Lacquer
Lyre Box: No
Mouthpiece: Yes
Leadpipe: MIchael Rath Leadpipe
Instrument Weight: 2.62Kg (5lb 12oz)
Weight with case: 7.7Kg (16lb 15oz)
Box Dimensions: 96x34x36cm (38x13x14in)
Boxed weight: 9.9Kg (21lb 13oz)
Test Driver:
Garrath Beckwith is regarded as one of the UK’s leading freelance bass trombone players.
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, he studied with the likes of Adrian Morris, James Gourlay, Chris Houlding, Ian Bousfield, Ben van Dijk and John Iveson.
He has performed with many of world’s leading brass bands including the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, BNFL, Williams Fairey, Yorkshire Building Society and Grimethorpe Colliery, as well as enjoying a diverse musical career playing with high profile ensembles in many musical genres, including leading professional orchestras and ensembles - from Syd Lawrence to the Halle, the Welsh Chamber Orchestra to the pop group Elbow.
Garrath is an award winning Head of Music at Saddleworth School, and is the bass trombonist and ensemble manager of the leading brass ensemble, Austonley Brass.
https://www.austonleybrass.co.uk/meet-austonley-brass
E-Mail: garrath@austonleybrass.co.uk
