Band Supplies to promote Jupiter and XO ‘Pro’ Brass

Leading UK-based brass retailer, Band Supplies, with outlets in Leeds and Glasgow, has formed a vigorous dealer partnership with Korg UK, which distributes the Jupiter student and XO Professional brass instrument ranges, to develop and promote the brands.

Why, because the Managing Director of Band Supplies, Ronnie Tennant, firmly believes in the design and build quality of both ranges. He commented: I’ve been dealing in the Jupiter student range since 1986 and have always found it to be of the highest quality, as well as affordable for the student market. Everything about the instruments is so good, from the engineering and build quality, to the finish.”

Also talking about the XO Professional brass instrument range distributed by Korg, Ronnie told BBW: “The range hasn’t necessarily enjoyed the same exposure as other leading instrument brands, but stands alongside the best, so Band Supplies is going to increase the range’s exposure in the market. “Several leading players attest to the quality and performance of XO, including Roger Ingram who has been involved with the design, research and development of the new XO series of Professional trumpet. To quote Roger, ‘these horns are consistent and fabulous. It’s without doubt the best trumpet I’ve ever played.’ Tubist Andrew Hitz also plays XO and says it’s the ‘only tuba he ever needs.’”

Ronnie Tennant added: “What’s so good about Korg UK, which distributes both ranges, is that it listens to players and dealers as part of its research and development processes, and is very receptive to what customers need, taking everything on board, which sets the Company apart from some other manufacturers. I’m being very sincere when I say that, because the Company has done so in the past, particularly on the youth woodwind side, the education market loves its instruments. Band Supplies has been very successful at getting Jupiter student instruments into schools.”

The announcement that Band Supplies has formed this partnership with Korg UK coincides with the appointment of Stephen Adcock to a consultative product development and marketing role for Korg.

Stephen formerly enjoyed a long career with Yamaha’s Band Orchestral Division before setting up his own business, Valve & Reed in Cornwall. He has been motivated to step back into the cut and thrust of instrument development and marketing for Korg’s Jupiter and XO ranges because the instruments are “excellent.” He further commented: “There are many companies that I could do this for, but these instruments are very good quality. The Jupiter student background brass range deserves greater profile, so we will be relaunching it with even more attractive pricing, as well as undertaking fresh instrument development with top brass artists.”

Currently, the XO range includes professional Bb C and piccolo trumpets, flugel, Bb tenor, Bb/F attachment and bass trombones, as well as euphoniums and tubas, but expansion of the XO range for brass band is now planned along with increasing the brand’s profile in the UK, with the help of Band Supplies. Both ranges are made by one of the biggest musical instrument manufacturers in the world - the Taiwan-based KHS, which has been developing and making instruments with superior build quality for 30 years.

Said Stephen Adcock: “The XO ‘Pro’ Brass range is established as a leading brand in North America and other global markets. We are confident that, with KHS, new instrument development will happen to the highest standards.”

He added: “All XO trumpets have a full, rich sound, precision, low resistance and perform at the highest level, whether that be for a classical concert or a recording. The trombones are free-blowing, well-balanced and rich, with defined overtones, and the newly developed XO professional compensating euphoniums and tubas amaze players with their ease of playability, intonation, dynamic breadth projection and responsiveness. XO continues to challenge other legendary models by offering a level of performance that is beyond expectation.”

Bands Supplies Leeds: Telephone 0113 245 3097
Band Supplies Glasgow: Telephone 0141 339 9400
www.bandsupplies.co.uk
www.jupitermusic.co.uk
www.xobrass.com
 

Photo: Band Supplies Managing Director, Ronnie Tennant