Q&A: Liz Wilkes

Stentor first established its reputation as a distributor of stringed instruments. When did this expand to include brass and woodwind?

Although Stentor is well-known for its range of orchestral stringed instruments, this is not our only focus. We are the leading independent distributor of musical instruments in the UK, representing some of the best quality musical brands across multiple categories, including Valencia guitars and Mahalo ukuleles. We have always had a brass and woodwind line and currently sell J Michael brass and woodwind. In the past Stentor distributed King, Benge and Armstrong brass and woodwind, before its parent company was sold.

You recently acquired Jupiter, the brass and woodwind maker. How does the brand fit in within Stentor?

Jupiter fits well with our mission to produce instruments, parts and accessories that offer good quality and value, and enable students, players and musicians to fully enjoy their music-making.

As the manufacturer of Stentor student stringed orchestral instruments, with distributors worldwide, Jupiter fits well with our experience in the education market.

Is it important for Stentor to diversify?

We constantly look to improve the product offering we have available and always concentrate on quality and affordability in our products. It is not necessarily diversity that is important, rather offering breadth and choice suitable for players of all abilities.

What are your future plans for Jupiter?

We have concentrated on growing the number of Jupiter retailers across the UK since we took over the brand and will continue to do this. We also aim to increase awareness and knowledge of Jupiter instruments amongst teachers and players. The brass and woodwind range is now much more extensive and we would like to expand sales of Jupiter's more innovative models such as the Jupiter WaveLine flute and Jupiter Ergonomic trombone.

They sound intriguing – can you tell us a little more?

The Jupiter WaveLine flute (pictured, above) has a special design that allows for a significantly shorter flute body, while keeping the headjoint and keys in line. Its tuning, sound and response are identical to those of a normal-sized flute – it's great for both children and adults as it helps relieve strain on the back and spine. There are two models available – one with a D footjoint aimed at young players aged 5 upwards, and one with a C footjoint for players aged 7 upwards and adults. The C model also has an extension kit available to allow players to convert their WaveLine flute into a straight flute.

The Jupiter Ergonomic trombone caters to the needs of younger players or players needing a more comfortable balanced instrument. It features a moulded hand grip on the slide and padded thumb hook, and a special curve at the bell (the ‘gooseneck’), which allows the player to hold the trombone closer to the body in an ergonomically relaxed posture. Trombone players have commented on how comfortable it is to play.

That sounds very forward thinking. How do these products sit alongside Stentor's broader ethos on music?

At Stentor we strongly believe that each child should have an opportunity to play a musical instrument and that music should be a part of everyone's development throughout their life. We consider that all students should have access to musical instruments that are easily playable and responsive in sound. Stentor provides instruments, parts and accessories that offer good quality and value, enabling the creation of more music makers, players and musicians.

www.stentor-music.com
www.jupiter.info
info@stentor-music.com
Jupiter brochures available on request via the Stentor website or can be downloaded from the main Jupiter website.