Preserving an American Trumpet Legacy

Some of the most sought-after trumpet mouthpieces ever made were created in small Southern California workshops during the golden era of American trumpet manufacturing. Among them, the Calicchio name earned a reputation for mouthpieces that combined remarkable efficiency, flexibility, and projection. Because many were made in small quantities—or customized for individual artists—original Calicchio mouthpieces have become increasingly difficult to find.

Wanting to preserve this important part of trumpet history, Matt Simianer partnered with Peter Pickett of Pickett Brass and respected trumpet craftsman John Duda to recreate the classic Calicchio mouthpiece line. Over several years, the team located original mouthpieces from professional musicians and long-time Calicchio players, carefully studying and comparing them to identify the characteristics that consistently defined the Calicchio playing experience.

The result is not a collection of replicas for display, but a thoughtfully developed line of professional mouthpieces that captures the spirit of the originals while benefiting from the precision and consistency of modern manufacturing. Produced by Pickett Brass in Lexington, Kentucky, each mouthpiece reflects a shared commitment to honoring one of America’s great trumpet traditions for today’s musicians.