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ABOUT PAXMAN |
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AN INTRODUCTION Paxman was established at the turn of the century by Harry Paxman, but did not start production of horns until 1945, when no more than twelve instruments a year were made. 1950 saw the arrival in England of Richard Merewether, a professional horn player whose career had started with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. As his career in this country progressed, he found himself specialising more and more in the high register of the instrument. He had been working on ideas of horn design for a number of years and had researched areas of physics which he thought to be fundamental to the successful design and manufacture of such instruments. He approached Robert Paxman with these ideas, and persuaded him to build horns in f-alto and F/f-alto. These instruments were so successful that Merewether and Paxman continued their association and went on to develop a range of over 50 models. They became a unique duo, known to players all over the world as the figureheads of a highly skilled team. Fifty years of research and development have produced the instruments that put Paxman at the forefront of horn manufacture. Instruments that are much sought after by players world-wide. Paxman do not take their position as one of the world's leading horn makers lightly, and are constantly making great efforts to maintain their innovative role. Players' comments and opinions are actively sought, and there is continuous research and incorporation of advantageous modifications. Special requests are always undertaken where technically possible. Each horn is carefully assembled and meticulously checked after manufacture to ensure that it meets the high standards expected of a Paxman insument. |
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IN 1993, Robert Paxman was awarded the MBE (photo: Charles Green) for his services to the musical instrument manufacturing industry. |
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Following management changes in December 2007, the company is now jointly owned by Bob Paxman, Timothy Jones - principal horn of the London Symphony Orchestra (photo: Nik Milner), and Gary Ray (seen below) - president of Wichita Band Instrument Co. Inc., the US distributor for Paxman horns. |
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THE PAXMAN HORN CENTRE The London centre of Paxman's activities has moved over the years from the early days in Gerrard Street, via a long period in Covent Garden, to the present premises in Union Street, south of the river Thames. The light and airy showroom - the only establishment in England dedicated solely to horn players - holds an enormous range of new and Second Hand Horns of various makes. Horn Accessories and a large collection of Sheet Music, Books, CDs and DVDs are also on sale. |
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REPAIRS For as long as there has been a Paxman shop there has been an unrivalled on-site repair facility. From 8.30am until 4.00pm advice is always available, and if work load allows it is often possible to obtain an on-the-spot repair. |
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THE FACTORY Paxman horns have traditionally been built outside London. In 1994 the factory moved to its present location in Staplehurst, Kent. David 'Satch' Botwe, John Turner and their team are a vital part of Paxman and their high standards of craftsmanship are fundamental to the outstanding reputation of Paxman instruments throughout the world. Left to right back row: Roy Cox, Tom Skew, Gavin Hilton, Jim Collins and Miles Hilton. |
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ABOUT THE HORN CENTRE • REPAIRS SERVICE • BACK TO TOP • JOBS WITH PAXMAN
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