Sterling Musical Instruments was founded in the UK in 1987, with a focus on producing brass instruments tailored to the traditions of the British style brass band. In its early years, the company drew upon the expertise of several former Boosey & Hawkes craftsmen, which enabled Sterling to establish itself quickly within the brass band market as a maker of hand built, high quality instruments.

As the company grew, it recognised a shift in demand: many musicians no longer wanted standard, “off the shelf” models, but sought instruments that reflected their own playing style and individual requirements. In response, Sterling developed the Virtuoso Range, a line that allowed performers to customise their instruments to meet their personal needs.

The company’s founder, Paul Riggett, an accomplished brass musician himself brought with him extensive knowledge and experience. Before establishing Sterling, Riggett had served as Manufacturing Manager at Boosey & Hawkes Ltd, where he gained unparalleled expertise in the design and production of professional brass instruments. His vision and craftsmanship laid the foundation for Sterling’s enduring reputation in the brass band world.