The Merewether System

Richard (Dick) Merewether grew up in Australia and studied horn at the Sydney Conservatoire, going on to play 2nd horn with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, where he knew Barry Tuckwell who became the orchestra’s 5th horn.

In 1950, the opportunity to travel to London arose and Dick took the chance, soon picking up playing work and gaining a reputation as a high quality player specialising in the extreme upper register.

Dick was at this time playing a horn that Alexander had built for him to one of his own designs. In 1959 he took it to Paxman for modifications and discussions about various design possibilities were initiated. Subsequently, Dick and Bob Paxman started working together and formed one of the most successful partnerships in horn building history. In the early years, the first single f-alto horns were produced, quickly followed by the first double Bb/f-altos, Bb sopranos and triple horns. Many other models were developed along with other design changes and innovations, including hollow rotors and new bell and mouthpipe tapers.

The fundamental feature that Dick introduced and that for which he is best known, concerns the direction of airflow through the valve block. The principle behind this Merewether System is that the air should travel in the same direction through the valve block on all sides of the horn, allowing for smoother slurring and transition over the whole range. Therefore, when switching between any two sides of a horn (F to Bb, Bb to f-alto etc), the direction of airflow remains constant, rather than suddenly reversing on itself.

In addition, the rotors always turn in sympathy with the airflow, rather than against it. This minimises disruption, allowing the player to concentrate on making the most beautiful sound, rather than fighting turbulence within this most sensitive part of the instrument. This principle applies to all Paxman designs including descants and triples, which is why Paxman horns are still marked Merewether System.