Rath Trombones: The Yorkshire trombone maker marking 30 years as the top brass
A brand of trombones made in Yorkshire can be found in pretty much every conceivable musical situation – from symphony orchestras and opera houses, film studios to pop groups, brass bands, jazz and funk groups.
The list is endless.
This year Rath Trombones of Honley, Huddersfield, is marking three decades of producing hand-crafted trombones, made in Honley and performed all over the world by many of the world’s leading instrumentalists.
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.
He 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.”
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.
The company recently welcomed Cuban trombonist Claudia García Soto to its growing roster of artists.
She said: “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.”
In January 2024 Rath Trombones was acquired by John Packer Musical Instruments and its managing director, Rob Hanson. JPMI look after marketing, distribution and logistics while Rath focuses on manufacturing.
And everything seems to be going well.
There’s a team of a dozen people working at the Honley workshop and showroom, including sales manager Tim Sidwell and production manager Tom Wellings, who have worked for the company for some two decades.
The technicians make models like the Rath R4F which costs around £5,000.
Each instrument is tailored to the customer’s specifications.