Celebrations are in order for a renowned Yorkshire musical instrument manufacturer recently, as Rath Trombones celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The company is marking three decades of producing hand-crafted trombones, made in the UK and performed all over the world by many of the world’s leading instrumentalists.
Michael Rath, founder and research and development technician at Rath Trombones, said: “I’m so grateful to customers who have supported us down the years. It’s so heartwarming to see Rath Trombones performed all over the world in everything from symphony orchestras to brass and military bands, as well as pop, funk and commercial music.
“I’m very proud that Rath Custom trombones have been produced by our team in Yorkshire, which continues to grow, while maintaining the high standards and attention to detail for which Rath has become so well known. I know the company can look forward to a very bright future indeed.”
News of Rath Trombones’ 30th anniversary comes as the company recently welcomed Cuban trombonist Claudia García Soto to its growing roster of Artists.
A graduate of the Professional School of Arts in Matanzas, Cuba, Claudia has toured extensively with the likes of Orquesta Tango and Orquesta New York.
She has also worked as a trombonist on European tours with international artists including Jacob Forever, Chamaco Rivera, Javier Vázquez (Grupo Niche), Pupi Santiago, Tito Rojas and Luisito Carrión.
Reflecting on her new status as a Rath Artist, Claudia said: “Becoming a Rath Artist represents a very important step in my professional career. It is an enormous pleasure to be part of a brand that I have always admired for its quality, innovation and dedication to musicians.
“Having the opportunity to visit the factory, meet the team personally and discover all the work that goes into creating each instrument has made this experience even more special.
“I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter and continue growing musically alongside Rath.”
Company founder Michael Rath began his professional career as an apprentice with Paxman Musical Instruments in London, the renowned manufacturer of French horns. After nine years honing his skills, Michael opened his own brass instrument shop in West Yorkshire, specialising in repairs and customisation. His clientele grew to include professional musicians, particularly trombonists, from throughout Europe.
In 1995, British jazz trombonist Mark Nightingale asked Michael to create a bespoke instrument. This tenor instrument became the first Rath trombone and in 1996, Rath Trombones was established.
Michael Rath trombones are found in almost every conceivable musical situation: in symphony orchestras and opera houses, in film and television studios, in pop and commercial music groups as well as brass bands, wind bands, big bands, jazz and funk groups, and so many more genres and ensembles.
Widely acknowledged as being amongst the best instruments available, many of the world’s leading performers choose to play a Michael Rath trombone. Artists such as Aubrey Logan, Carol Jarvis, Mark Nightingale, David Gibson, Bert Boeren, Marc Godfroid, Dennis Rollins, Csaba Wagner, Brett Baker, the Black Dyke Band and many others play a Rath trombone simply because they believe it’s the best instrument for them.
Michael Rath trombones have earned their reputation for excellence because of the concept of flexibility, unique design and the quality of their construction.
In addition to the renowned Rath Custom range, Rath also introduced the extremely popular R00 series of trombones, bridging the gap between student level instruments and Rath’s custom, modular, hand-crafted instruments. Everything that Michael Rath knows about designing and producing trombones has been utilised in creating a series of trombones that are elegant in their simplicity, yet economically attainable.
In January 2024 Rath Trombones was acquired by John Packer Musical Instruments and its managing director, Rob Hanson. The agreement sees JP Musical Instruments look after marketing, distribution and logistics for the Yorkshire business, while retaining Rath’s focus as a maker of outstanding, bespoke trombones, the choice of leading symphonic, commercial and studio trombonists all over the world.
The Rath Trombones shop is located in Honley, Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. The team in Honley has grown to 12 people, with several having been part of the team for a considerable part of its history, including sales manager Tim Sidwell and production manager Tom Wellings involved for around 20 years each.
Rath Custom Trombones continue to be made in the UK, and performed all over the world. Alongside Smith-Watkins and Taylor Trumpets, which have also been acquired by JP Musical Instruments in recent years, the brands are helping safeguard the future of UK brass instrument manufacturing.
More information on Rath Trombones is at: www.rathtrombones.com.
