Brand Spotlight | Legends Brass: A Unique Approach to Trumpet Mouthpieces

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

One of the main goals of Mouthpiece Online is to introduce readers to the boutique brands and smaller shops currently creating brass instruments, mouthpieces, and other accessories and relevant gear. Legends Brass is the first in the series of spotlights on these brands.

Who is Legends Brass?

Legends Brass is a boutique trumpet mouthpiece brand, sold through the Legends Brass online store. The product line includes professional quality commercial trumpet mouthpieces, modern reproductions of classic vintage mouthpieces, custom trumpet mouthpieces, and more. Owned and operated by Derek and Leslie Saidak, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, Legends Brass has been in business since 2010. Leslie is the business manager, filling orders and handling day-to-day operations. Derek is the trumpet consultant, guiding customers with trumpet mouthpiece choices, helping design custom mouthpieces, and answering technical questions.

Derek and Leslie Saidak at DCI World Championship Prelims, 2026

What makes Legends Brass Unique Among Trumpet Mouthpiece Companies?

Legends Brass bridges the gap between mass-produced mouthpieces and high-end custom fitting shops. Some trumpet players reach a point where they play one, and only one, trumpet mouthpiece every time they pick up the horn. In other words, they’ve found their “holy grail” mouthpiece and they’re done shopping. But most Legends Brass customers haven’t locked in on a single mouthpiece. Instead, they are open to using multiple different mouthpieces to suit their different playing styles and various gigs. They may still be on the “mouthpiece safari”, trying different things, or they may be settled into a set-up that includes a few different mouthpieces. The Legends Brass philosophy is not to push players to commit to a single mouthpiece, but to encourage them to use the mouthpiece(s) with which they feel most comfortable and sound the best. Just as important, Legends Brass does not push players to buy more mouthpieces than they need. They simply listen to customer needs and guide them into an informed choice.

Most Legends Brass customers are serious trumpet players looking to upgrade their setup to find the best trumpet mouthpiece for their current, specific needs. Others are returning players, or players who have experienced some physical change, such as dental work or significant weight loss. These players often have a good idea of the mouthpiece specs they like; they just need some guidance to get dialed in. For trumpet players who don’t want to visit a high-end specialized custom mouthpiece maker, but need a mouthpiece more specialized than the mass-produced brands, Legends Brass is the perfect fit.

The Legends Brass product line sets them apart from other brands. Sessions and lead trumpet players seeking a commercial trumpet sound have limited mouthpiece options from bigger name brands. Legends Brass has filled this niche with a wide array of commercial trumpet mouthpiece options.

A sample of the Commercial Trumpet Mouthpieces from Legends Brass

Another popular category of the Legends Brass product line is the “Hall of Legends”. This is a collection of modern reproductions of vintage mouthpieces played by legendary trumpet stars. Iconic mouthpieces that are no longer available elsewhere have been faithfully reproduced, and are now part of the Legends Brass line.

Legends Brass Hall of Legends Models are modern versions of vintage mouthpieces.

Legends Brass also offers custom mouthpiece services, with a no-pressure sales technique. Having a custom trumpet mouthpiece created is sometimes the only way for a player to get the perfect trumpet mouthpiece. But a one-on-one session with a professional craftsman for a mouthpiece fitting can be time consuming and costly. Legends Brass offers a more affordable option, by allowing players to design their own custom mouthpiece. Interchangeable tops and backbores from the Legends Brass line are another way to test options before settling on a final design. Some players build a mouthpiece “kit” by combining a single rim and cup with interchangeable backbores for trumpet, flugel, cornet, and the other horns they may play.

Two-piece trumpet mouthpieces offer flexible options.

The Legends Brass Catalog of Trumpet Mouthpieces

Hall of Legends	Modern Versions of Vintage Mouthpieces
Top Commercial Mouthpieces	For Sessions, Lead, Solo, and Upper Register Playing
Custom Trumpet Mouthpieces	Created to the Customer’s Specifications
Signature Series Mouthpieces	Mouthpieces Created for Signature Artists
Legends Brass Exclusive Mouthpieces	Mouthpieces Designed In-House
Tops and Backbores	Two-piece interchangeable options
Mouthpieces for Other Brass Instruments	Mellophonium, Flugelhorn, Trombone, Tuba

Hall of Legends Mouthpieces: These are modern versions of vintage mouthpieces. They are inspired by well-loved brands that have gone out of business, or changed hands, or for whatever reason have fallen out of production. Legends Brass starts with a computer-aided scan of a vintage trumpet mouthpiece. Minor adjustments may be made to improve the general playability of the piece, but extreme care is taken to preserve the unique qualities of the original to the extent possible. Usually, the rim and cup will be identical to the vintage piece. Small changes may be made in the throat, backbore, and exterior blank. Once added to the Legends Brass product line, the mouthpiece will be precisely reproduced going forward, using modern CNC technology. Legends Brass has created the Hall of Legends in hopes of preserving the legacy of mouthpiece craftsmen such as Ray Amado, Bill Ratzenberger, Rudy Muck, Dominick Calicchio, Ren Schilke, Larry Ramirez, and other craftsmen. The knowledge these craftsmen had was gained through decades of experience, and their designs have stood the test of time. The retail demand for their vintage mouthpiece designs may not be high, but there will always be value, especially sentimental value, in their unique qualities.

Commercial Mouthpieces: Legends Brass caters to sessions and commercial trumpeters, solo and lead players, and players spending a lot of time in the upper register. With the bigger, mass-produced brands, there isn’t always a huge selection of the small diameter, shallow cup mouthpieces used for this style of playing. Legends Brass has worked to cover that niche thoroughly. They have many models with inside rim diameters below 0.630”, all the way down to 0.500”, and cup depths ranging from shallow to extremely shallow.

Custom Mouthpieces: For players who have really narrowed down the exact specs they want in a trumpet mouthpiece, but can’t find it on the shelf from the bigger brands, Legends Brass offers custom mouthpieces. They aren’t a brick and mortar shop where the customer comes in and gets a professional fitting, and has mouthpiece made on the spot. Instead, they offer consultation and guidance through email and over the phone, and place the custom order with their manufacturer, Pickett Brass. If a player doesn’t have a fairly solid idea of the specs they need in a custom mouthpiece, Legends Brass will help them find a similar model from the product line, or suggest a top and backbore combination.

Legends Brass Signature Series Mouthpieces: These models are available exclusively from Legends Brass. Several well-known trumpet players have worked with Derek Saidak to create a mouthpiece specifically for their unique needs. These projects often lead to novel combinations of rim, cup, and backbore elements, which then become Signature Series models, and permanent additions to the Legends Brass catalog.

Legends Brass Exclusive Mouthpieces: These trumpet mouthpiece models were designed in-house by Derek Saidak. Most of them were designed to give commercial and lead trumpet players a variety of size options when searching for a mouthpiece that supports upper-register playing. They feature smaller inside rim diameters, shallow cups, tighter throats, and backbores with more focus and resistance. These elements can help facilitate endurance, intonation, and range in the upper register. The broad range of options in this category allows players find the combination that best suits their specific needs.

Tops and Backbores: Two-piece mouthpieces make it easy to change the player’s sound, or switch between instruments, without having to adjust to a different rim and cup. All Legends Brass mouthpiece models can be ordered as a “top only” during the checkout process. Backbores screw on to the top, creating an interchangeable two-piece system.

Each Legends Brass backbore is available in lightweight and heavyweight blanks. Lightweight backbores have less mass, and are therefore less efficient. This creates a slightly tighter feel (or blow) and more focused sound. Heavyweight backbores are more efficient and have a more open feel (or blow) and broader sound. There are 14 trumpet backbore choices to cover the spectrum of desired sound characteristics. Also available are flugel backbores (in three shank tapers) and cornet backbores.

Legends Brass Trumpet Backbores:

Manhattan (lightweight and heavyweight)	Very focused sound
T (lightweight and heavyweight)	Focused sound
LA (lightweight and heavyweight)	Medium focused sound
Vegas (lightweight and heavyweight)	Slightly focused sound
S (lightweight and heavyweight)	Standard
O (lightweight and heavyweight)	Slightly open
Chicago (lightweight and heavyweight)	Open

Other Backbores from Legends Brass:

Flugel backbores	Four shank tapers available: Large (Yamaha), Small (Bach), French, and German
Cornet	Open feel. Modern/Standard (Bach) taper

Mouthpieces for other brass instruments: Legends Brass also offers a limited number of mouthpieces for flugel, mellophonium, trombone and tuba.

Legends Brass Backstory: How did the Saidaks get into this?

Derek studied trumpet as a teenager with two great trumpet players, David DeArmond and Ray Brooks. They were both from the Knoxville, TN, area where Derek (and Leslie) grew up. David was a band leader and performer with groups like Mickey, Larry and the Exciters, Mac’s Mob, and Boys’ Night Out. Ray was the leader of the Ray Brooks Orchestra, first conductor of the Tennessee Wind Symphony, and also a member of Boys’ Night Out. David’s lessons taught Derek to play trumpet, introducing him to the music of Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, and other great power players. Ray really focused on teaching Derek the mechanics of trumpet mouthpieces. He gave him an informal, but hands-on, practical apprenticeship of sorts. Ray introduced Derek to two-piece mouthpieces, Reeves sleeves, and taught him about gap. They experimented with throat cylinder lengths and backbore tapers, and even modified mouthpieces by hand.

Derek continued playing trumpet throughout his time at Auburn University. He never pursued trumpet performance as a career, though. Instead, he majored in finance, went on to get an M.B.A., and entered a career in banking. Derek and Leslie had met in high school marching band, and became one of the ubiquitous trumpet-flute romances. The relationship carried on through the Auburn marching band. When college was over, they married and settled in their hometown, Lenoir City, TN. Since they both had non-musical jobs, time for playing music was limited. They continued playing in their church orchestra weekly (and still do), for holiday events, and whatever other opportunities they could manage. Music has been an enduring part of their married life that they share and love.

As a serious amateur trumpeter, armed with the knowledge about the mechanics of trumpet mouthpieces taught by mentor Ray Brooks, Derek started experimenting with custom trumpet mouthpieces. He began designing and then tweaking designs, and found a craftsman who would manufacture his custom mouthpieces. This craftsman happened to be a young engineer just starting a small business in his garage – Peter Pickett.

Derek was fully committed to his mouthpiece safari, and was building a sizable collection of custom mouthpieces. They were great designs – they just weren’t his personal holy grail. He began to sell some of these one-off mouthpieces on EBay. They sold better than he expected, and replenished some of his funds, which helped continue the safari. By 2005, their first daughter had come along, and Leslie was a stay-home mom. In 2007, Derek had the opportunity to march a season with the Atlanta CorpsVets, a DCA Drum and Bugle Corp. He played lead soprano trumpet, performed a couple of solos, and had the special privilege of being part of the La Fiesta trio feature with Hunter Moss and Bill Wear.

Left: Derek Saidak, Hunter Moss, and Bill Wear playing La Fiesta, 2007. Right: Derek Saidak, Hornline Rookie of the Year

By the time their second daughter arrived, in 2010, Derek had started an EBay store selling his mouthpieces. Derek and Leslie chose the name Legends Brass for their enterprise, in honor of the legendary trumpet powerhouses they had always loved. The business grew, and by 2017, Legends Brass had grown from an EBay store into a web-based business with an online e-commerce store. Since then, Legends Brass has grown into a small, but solid, boutique brand. Pickett Brass still does all of Legends Brass’s manufacturing. The Saidaks credit Peter Pickett’s high standards and strong commitment to producing the best quality mouthpieces in the industry as foundational to the success of Legends Brass.

Legends Brass ships mouthpieces worldwide, every day. The Saidaks still operate the business from their home, and are committed to continue to do for as long as possible. No overhead means lower prices for customers. They’re not trying to grow the business big, or fast. Instead, their commitment is to providing the best quality trumpet mouthpieces, at the best prices, and with the best customer service they possibly can.

In May of 2026, the Saidaks took on Mouthpiece Online. John Hutchinson, trumpet player and composer in the UK, started this website in 2016. By about 2024, his career began to evolve in a different direction. By 2026, he realized it was time to find someone else to manage the site. Leslie and Derek have jumped in, and plan to continue building on John’s foundation. The Mouthpiece Online mission is to build an online community where smaller independent stores and boutique brands are featured. Serious musicians playing trumpet, flugelhorn, and other brass instruments will be able to connect with craftsmen producing more specialized and customizable pro quality horns, custom mouthpieces, and fine quality gear and accessories.

The world of music is always changing, but the Saidaks stay committed to quality over quantity, cooperation over competition, and integrity over individual gain.

The Saidak Family

Help, I need a new mellophonium mouthpiece! What now?

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room: what even IS a mellophonium?

Tiffany Johns, brass performing and recording artist in L.A., had this to say, “The mellophonium is the primary ancestor of the modern marching mellophone. It is a traditional circular mellophone with the bell straightened out, and usually has a cornet shank. Even many brass players don’t know what a mellophonium is, and those that do (mostly Stan Kenton fans and alto brass nerds like myself) can be forgiven for thinking that “mellophonium” = Conn 16E. In fact, while the Conn 16E is by far the most famous model of mellophonium thanks to its use in the Stan Kenton Orchestra from 1960 to 1963, it is not the only one. There were lots of mellophoniums (mellophonia?) at the time: Holton M-601 and M-602, Reynolds ML-12, Courtois, Couesnon, Vox Ampliphonic, Glier (in E-flat), and more. (Read the whole article here.)

The Stan Kenton Mellophoniums (above) in late 1962 or early 1963 featuring (l to r): Dwight Carver, Bob Crull, Ray Starling, and Tony Scodwell. Reprinted from Scott Pirtle’s article here.

Above, a mellophonium used in Stan Kenton’s orchestra.

Mellophoniums are still used today, from time to time. Often, a brass enthusiast picks one up from a used instrument dealer, or somehow comes into possession of a vintage one. If the mouthpiece is missing or damaged, it can be a real challenge to replace it.

The problem with a mellophonium mouthpiece replacement is that it usually starts after something already went wrong. The original piece is lost, damaged, badly worn, or simply never worked that well in the first place. Then you find out quickly that mellophonium gear does not live in the same easy-availability world as modern trumpet or trombone equipment.

That is why replacement has to be approached as a fitting and performance question, not just a parts-ordering question. If you want the instrument to respond correctly, center pitches, and keep the character that made you hold onto a mellophonium in the first place, the mouthpiece choice matters more than many players expect.

What makes a mellophonium mouthpiece replacement tricky

A mellophonium sits in an odd but interesting corner of the brass family. It is not just a trumpet with a different wrap, and it is not simply a small marching horn wearing a vintage name. Depending on the instrument and era, the receiver dimensions, taper expectations, and playing characteristics can vary enough that a casual substitution may sort of fit but still play poorly.

That is where players get into trouble. A mouthpiece that physically inserts into the receiver is not automatically the right match. Too loose, and you can introduce instability, poor slotting, and inconsistent articulation. Too tight, and you may have insertion problems, damage risk, or a mismatch in how the instrument resonates. The fit at the shank matters just as much as the rim and cup if your goal is a useful replacement rather than a compromise.

There is also the sound question. Many vintage mellophoniums have a distinct tonal profile – broad enough to feel horn-like in certain contexts, but direct enough to keep projection and clarity. A replacement mouthpiece can push the instrument brighter, darker, tighter, or less efficient depending on the cup shape, throat, backbore, and overall geometry. Sometimes that is exactly what a player wants. Sometimes it is the reason the instrument suddenly feels wrong.

How to evaluate a mellophonium mouthpiece replacement

The best starting point is the old mouthpiece, assuming you still have it. If the original piece exists, even in rough shape, it gives you useful information about rim diameter, contour, cup depth, and shank fit. Measurements matter here. Visual guesses are rarely enough, especially with older brass gear where maker-to-maker consistency was not always what modern players expect.

If the original is gone, the next best reference is your playing background. A player coming from trumpet may want a familiar rim feel with enough cup and backbore adjustment to let the mellophonium speak more naturally. A low brass doubler or horn player may prioritize a broader feel and different resistance profile. Neither approach is automatically right. It depends on whether the instrument is being used for collection, recording, doubling, or regular performance.

The key variables are straightforward, even if the ideal balance is not.

Rim feel and endurance

If the rim is too different from what you normally play, endurance drops fast. That matters even more on an instrument you may only pick up occasionally. A familiar rim diameter and contour can shorten the adjustment period and make the mellophonium easier to use on real gigs, not just in the practice room.

That said, exact familiarity is not always the best answer. Sometimes a slightly different rim improves control and helps the player avoid overblowing an instrument that wants a different air shape than trumpet.

Cup depth and tonal character

A shallower cup may add immediacy and brightness, but it can also strip away some of the mellophonium’s personality. A deeper cup can broaden the sound and soften the edge, but if it goes too far, the instrument may feel sluggish or lose projection.

This is one of the biggest trade-offs in replacement work. Players who want a vintage-style voice often need more cup than they expected. Players who need easier commercial-style response may lean the other direction.

Throat and backbore balance

A larger throat can open the blow, but only if the rest of the design supports it. Otherwise, response gets vague and pitch can suffer. Backbore shape is just as critical because it influences how the instrument slots, spreads, and carries.

For a mellophonium mouthpiece replacement, copying only the rim and cup while ignoring the back end of the design is a common mistake. The shank fit and backbore relationship often determine whether the instrument feels alive or stubborn.

When a substitute mouthpiece works – and when it does not

Many players first try whatever is already in the case or drawer. That usually means trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, or mellophone-adjacent options. This can be useful as a test, but it should be treated as temporary unless the fit and playing results are clearly correct.

A trumpet mouthpiece may feel familiar on the face, but the taper and resulting response can be wrong for the instrument. A cornet piece might offer a more suitable tonal direction in some cases, though fit remains the deciding factor. Modern marching mellophone mouthpieces can also miss the mark because the instrument category is related without being identical in actual playing behavior.

The point is that a substitute is only successful if it solves three problems at once: proper insertion and receiver fit, stable response across the range, and a sound that suits the instrument’s intended role. If it misses any one of those, it is probably a workaround rather than a real replacement.

Vintage accuracy versus modern playability

This is where players usually have to make a choice. Do you want the replacement to preserve the original playing concept as closely as possible, or do you want the instrument to be easier to live with using modern mouthpiece logic?

A vintage-accurate approach is ideal if the instrument is used for historical performance, collection authenticity, or recreating a particular sound. In that case, preserving original proportions and overall feel matters. The downside is that some vintage designs were highly specific, and not every player will love them by modern standards.

A modernized approach often keeps the correct external fit while refining the rim, cup transition, or backbore for better efficiency and comfort. For many serious players, this is the sweet spot. It respects the instrument without forcing the player to fight it.

This is also where a specialist maker matters. A generic replacement tends to assume that close enough is good enough. In a niche category like mellophonium, close enough can still leave the instrument noticeably off-center.

MELLOPHONIUM MOUTHPIECE FROM LEGENDS BRASS:

Legends “Scodwell Mello” Mellophonium Mouthpiece

$140.00

The Legends Scodwell Mello: a mellophonium mouthpiece designed in conjunction with the legendary Tony Scodwell, alumnus of the Stan Kenton band.

This model is based on a Schilke mellophonium mouthpiece made for Mr. Scodwell in 1963. The cup is reminiscent of a Farkus french horn cup. The rim is semi-round and similar to a 5C diameter. We have updated the original with the Legends enhanced throat and backbore. This piece is endorsed and played by the Legendary Tony Scodwell!

Category: Legends Brass Products

Tags: mellophonium

Signs your replacement choice is wrong

Sometimes the mismatch is obvious. The mouthpiece wobbles, binds, or inserts to an unusual depth. Other times the problem shows up in the way the instrument plays.

If attacks feel inconsistent, middle-register notes refuse to center, upper register response gets brittle, or low notes spread more than they should, the mouthpiece may be the issue. The same is true if intonation changes dramatically compared to what the instrument is known to do. Even a good player can spend weeks trying to “adjust” to a setup that simply is not right.

A poor replacement also tends to create confusion about the instrument itself. Players may decide the mellophonium is stuffy, unstable, or quirky when the real problem is that the mouthpiece is not letting the horn operate on its own terms.

Getting the right replacement mouthpiece for you

Replacement is not only about finding something that fits the receiver. It is about identifying what the instrument needs and what the player needs, then getting those two things to meet in one mouthpiece.

For the absolute best fit, you may want to consider a custom mouthpiece. Legends Brass works with customers who want to combine elements of two mouthpieces to create the perfect fit. The original mouthpiece can be sent for scanning, so the measurements of the shank are precisely identical to the original, ensuring the best fit in the horn. The rim and cup specs can be altered to match those the customer is most comfortable with. The resulting “hybrid” mouthpiece is the best of both worlds: the exact rim and cup the player prefers, on the exact best fitting shank. If you’d like more information about a custom mellophonium mouthpiece, contact Legends Brass here.

A practical way to think about mellophonium mouthpiece replacement

Treat the process like restoration with purpose. Start with fit, then protect the sound, then refine the feel. If you reverse that order and chase comfort first, you can end up with a piece that feels familiar but does not let the mellophonium behave like a mellophonium.

The right replacement should make the instrument easier to trust. Notes slot easily. Articulation speaks. Tone has shape instead of guesswork. And most importantly, the mouthpiece stops drawing attention to itself, which is usually the clearest sign that you finally found the correct one.

If your mellophonium has been sitting in the case because the original mouthpiece disappeared years ago, this is one repair decision worth getting right the first time.

Sources:

https://Tiffanyjohns.com post “Mellophonium“. Retrieved 7/13/2026
The Middle Horn Leader. “Stan Kenton’s Mellophoniums“, by Scott Pirtle. Retrieved 7/13/26

Trumpet Mouthpiece Cup Shapes Quick Visual Reference: See Them All in One Picture!

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

One of the biggest challenges in discussing trumpet mouthpieces is describing their shape. Words alone rarely capture the subtle differences in curves and contours of the rim, cup, throat, backbore and exernal blank. In this post, the focus is the shape of the cup. There are many terms used to describe various cup shapes, but what is the difference between a convex V cup and a concave V cup? What is meant by double-cup? Because the cup is visible to the eye, pictures can be helpful. The graphic below shows the most common mouthpiece cup shapes side by side.

A visual comparison of trumpet mouthpiece cup shapes.

It’s important to note that cup depth is another variable that affects the shape of the cup. A shallow bowl differs from a deep bowl. Here’s a quick reference for trumpet cup depths:

Trumpet Mouthpiece Cup Depths

A – Deep
B – Medium Deep
C – Medium (standard depth)
D – Medium Shallow
E – Shallow
F – Very Shallow

Check out this link for a great explanation of how cup depth will affect your sound.

To review other mouthpiece specs, check out this post.

Know Your Trumpet Mouthpiece Specs! Easy Diagram with the Lingo

Posted on July 1, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

Diagram of basic trumpet mouthpiece specifications.

Some helpful info when considering trumpet mouthpiece specs:

Inside Rim Diameter can range from about 0.500″ to 0.690″. For most players, a comfortable inside rim will be in the middle, 0.630″ – 0.675″ or so. Measuring the diameter of the inside of the rim is extremely variable between companies and between rims. Some companies measure at the high point of the rim, some measure at the top of the cup, and some measure at the point where the rim begins to curve inward. If the rim is very round, it’s even more difficult to find a consistent spot to take the measurement. Use this number as a guideline, not as an exact measurement.

Throat Size, or Bore: most companies consider the “standard” throat size to be #27. This number refers to the size drill used. As throat size increases, the numbers decrease. A #19 throat is extremely large, or open, and a #30 is extremely small, or tight.

The Shank is the part of the mouthpiece that goes into the horn.

The Blank is the external shape of the mouthpiece. “Heavy” blanks have more mass and create a darker sound with more core. “Light” blanks have less mass and produce a brighter sound,

Maynard Ferguson’s Trumpet Mouthpieces: Makers and Models Throughout the Years

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

by Leslie Saidak

Maynard Ferguson was a charismatic and gifted trumpet virtuoso, with a career spanning over 50 years. He performed all over the world, touching countless lives with his music. Throughout his career as a musical superstar, he also made a point to mentor young band members and teach clinics for high school band students, leaving a legacy of vibrant young trumpet players eager to follow in his footsteps.

Throughout the years, he used many different trumpets and trumpet mouthpieces, created by various craftsmen at different companies. This post takes a detailed look at the main trumpet mouthpieces he used, and the specifics of how they evolved through the decades.

Trumpet Mouthpieces used by Maynard Ferguson with approximate dates:

Rudy Muck 13C (1939-1941)

Dominick Calicchio piece, nicknamed “The Holy Grail” (1955-1963)

Giardinelli MF1 and MF2 (1963-1969)

Ferguson-Bell-Limited pieces (1969-1973)

Holton MF1, MF3 and MF6 (early 1970’s)

JET-TONE MF Personal, M.F. #2, and M.F. #3 (mid 1970’s-1980’s)

Schilke MF1 and MF2 (1986-1990)

Monette MF II and MF III (1992-2006)

Walter Maynard Ferguson was born on May 4, 1928 in Verdun, Quebec, Canada. Although he started with violin and piano, he began playing trumpet at age 9. At age 13, he had a solo with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra, and at age 14 he earned a scholarship to the Conservatoire de musique du Quebec a Montreal. The child prodigy was on his way to becoming known as one of the most gifted trumpeters of all time.

Rudy Muck 13C mouthpiece, created by Rudy Muck.

Rudy Muck 13C trumpet mouthpiece — Rudy Muck 13C Trumpet Mouthpiece

1939-1941 At the beginning of his career, while he was still living in Canada, Maynard used a Rudy Muck 13C. It is said he modified this mouthpiece by sanding down the rim to make better use of the V shaped cup. The inside rim diameter was originally .640″ before the rim was modified.

In the mid 1940’s, John DiStaulo was asked by Maynard’s parents to make a mouthpiece for their son. DiStaulo was a well known Canadian lead trumpet player who also made mouthpieces in his basement. He used the modified Rudy Muck 13C design to create a mouthpiece for Maynard with a wide, flat rim and V-bowl cup. The rim was rounded on the inside and outside edges, and the inside diameter was small, probably around .636″. Many people believe that this mouthpiece design was the key that unlocked Maynard’s range and control in the extreme upper register. From that point on, his playing developed into a talent that is unmatched, bringing musicality and electricity to the entire range of the trumpet.

Sometime later, Rudy Muck produced a mouthpiece like Maynard’s modified version of the 13C. It was labeled either “Rudy Muck Cushion Rim 13C, Special .636 M.F.”, or “Rudy Muck Cushion Rim 13C Maynard Ferguson”. Very few of these are still in existence.

Maynard moved to the U.S. in 1948 and played with bands led by Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet. In 1950 he joined Stan Kenton’s Orchestra. From 1953-1956 he was a sessions player for Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, CA. During this time, Maynard used a large bore Selmer, extra-large bore Bach (1952-53), a Martin Committee Model, and then a Calicchio trumpet.

Rudy Muck Cushion Rim 13C Special .636 M.F.

Rudy Muck 13C (left) and Rudy Muck 13C Maynard Ferguson (right). Notice the cup is more shallow and the inside rim more round on the Maynard Ferguson piece.

Rudy Muck Cushion Rim 13C Maynard Ferguson

Custom mouthpiece created by Dominick Calicchio, “The Holy Grail”.

In 1955, Maynard had renowned trumpet craftsman Dominick Calicchio create a mouthpiece for him. It had a round inside rim with a diameter of around .623” (It’s hard to measure accurately due to the roundness). Built on the concept of the modified Rudy Muck 13C, it had a shallow concave V cup (also called a V bowl) and a #26 throat. Maynard Ferguson used this mouthpiece during his rise to fame, and eventually gifted it to a member of his band. It was well liked by many superstar trumpet players who tried it, and gained the nickname “The Holy Grail”. It has been reproduced by more than one company over the years, and sold under names such as “Groovin High” and others. In 1956 Maynard formed the Birdland Dream Band. He used a Conn Constellation 38B trumpet (.438 bore) during this time. Recordings during this period include: “Boy with Lots of Brass”, and “Birdland Dream Band” Vol. 1&2.

Giardinelli MF1 and MF2, created by Jack Onque.

Giardinelli MF1 and MF2 Trumpet Mouthpieces

1963-1969 Maynard was played Giardinelli mouthpieces made by machinist Jack Onque during these years. The MF1 had a rounded inside rim like his previous mouthpieces, with a smaller inside rim diameter of .590”. The cup was closer to a straight V shape (but still a V-bowl) and was slightly deeper than the Calicchio mouthpiece. The throat was still a #26. The MF2 had an even smaller inside rim diameter (.580”), and the cup was a slightly convex V shape. Maynard used the Giardinelli mouthpieces during his years in New York with the Birdland Dream Band, and during his years in India (1967-1969). He was still using his Conn Constellation 38B (.438 bore) trumpet. Recordings during this period included: “Maynard ‘63” and “The Maynard Ferguson Sextet”.

Ferguson-Bell-Limited, or FBL mouthpieces, created by Jack Bell.

MF FBL trumpet mouthpiece — FBL TM trumpet mouthpiece

1969-1973 In the late 1960’s, Maynard worked with Jack Bell, a mouthpiece maker in London, England to create a series of three mouthpieces. These mouthpieces all had the same rounded rim shape, with an inside diameter of .613”, a straight V cup, and a #26 throat. There were three cup depths: FBL TS (or FBL personal), which was shallow, FBL TM (medium depth), and FBL TD (deepest cup). Maynard likely used these interchangeably as needed to get the best sound with that day’s chops. At this time Maynard was using his Liberator trumpet (.462 bore). Recordings during this time included: “M.F. Horn”, “M.F. Horn 2”, and “M.F. Horn 3”, including the songs “MacArthur Park”, “Give It One”, and “Hey Jude”.

Holton MF1, MF3, and MF6, created by Larry Ramirez.

Holton MF1 MF3 and MF 6 Trumpet Mouthpieces

1973 These were the next iteration of Maynard’s mouthpieces, but were still similar in many ways to the Giardinelli and FBL’s. The inside rim was still very round (and difficult to measure accurately) but the inside diameter was a little smaller at about .590”. The cup was now a slightly convex V shape. The MF1 stayed with a #26 throat, but the MF6 had a much larger #19 throat. The MF1 and MF6 had a shallow cup similar in depth to the FBL TS (Personal), but the difference in throat size creates different nuances in cup shape. The MF3, on the other hand, had a slightly wider inside diameter and a cup depth similar to the FBL TM. Maynard was using the Holton ST301 (.468 bore) and ST 302 (.468 bore) trumpets during this time. Recordings during this time include “M.F. Horn 4 & 5: Live at Jimmy’s” and “Chameleon”.

JET-TONE MF Personal, M.F. #2, and M.F. #3, created by Bill Ratzenberger.

JET-TONE Custom MF — JET-TONE MF trumpet mouthpiece

In the mid 1970’s, Maynard worked with Bill Ratzenberger at JET-TONE to create three mouthpieces. The MF Personal had an inside diameter of .593”, a shallow, fully convex V cup, and #19 throat. The M.F. #2 had an inside diameter of .625”, a slightly deeper convex V cup, and #24 throat. The M.F. #3 had a .656” inside diameter, a convex V cup about the same depth as the #2, and a #26 throat. Maynard was playing a .468 bore Holton trumpet during this time. Albums during this time included “Primal Scream” with the song “Pagliacci”, “Conquistador” with the song “Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)”, “Carnival” including “Birdland”, “Stella by Starlight”, and “Theme from Battlestar Galactica”, and the album “New Vintage” including “Star Wars” and “Airegin”.

Schilke MF1 and MF2, made by Scott Laskey.

1986-1990 These models were similar to his JET-TONE mouthpieces, with some modifications. The MF1 had more of a bowl shaped or double cup, and the MF2 was very similar to the JET-TONE MF personal model. The throat was very open and may have been either a #24 or #19. Maynard was still using a Holton ST 302 (.468 bore) or ST 306 (.468 bore) trumpet at this time. In 1986, the High Voltage Septet was formed. Recordings included: “High Voltage Vol. 1” and “High Voltage Vol. 2”. In 1988, Maynard formed the Big Bop Nouveau band and recorded the album “Big Bop Nouveau”.

Monette MFII and MFIII, made by Dave Monette.

1992-2006 The mouthpieces made for Maynard by Dave Monette were a big change from previous designs. The MFII has an inside diameter of .636”, a medium shallow to shallow bowl shaped cup, and #16 throat. The MFIII has a slightly wider inside rim diameter, slightly more bite to the rim, and Monette’s “SLAP” cup. Maynard used these mouthpieces with the .464 bore trumpet also made by Dave Monette. Recordings during this time include “One More Trip to Birdland”, “Brass Attitude”, and “M.F. Horn VI: Live at Ronnie’s”.

Throughout the evolution of most of his mouthpieces, Maynard kept similarities to that first design from his earliest days on trumpet. He favored a flat rim with a rounded contour on the inside and outside edges. The inside diameter was often hard to quantify because of the roundness, but was usually small, between .590”-.636”. The cup shape was a concave V (or V bowl) early on, moved to a straight V with the Giardinelli and FBL mouthpieces, was a slightly convex V with the Holtons, and eventually a more pronounced convex V shape with the JET-TONE mouthpieces. He favored a larger-than-stock throat size, ranging from #26 – #19 or even larger. When he moved to Monette mouthpieces, he went in a new direction with a new cup shape and larger inside rim diameter.

Over the course of his career, Maynard Ferguson never stopped adapting, changing, and trying new ideas. His talent transcended his equipment, and his music is still just as powerful and exciting and compelling today as it was during his lifetime.

“I’m a person of change and I must be honest to my artistry and my creativity. That’s part of the word ‘jazz’… it’s an adventure.”

– Maynard Ferguson

Where to find replicas of Maynard Ferguson’s mouthpieces today

The enduring popularity of Maynard Ferguson’s music has kept demand for his mouthpieces alive until the present day. Most of the original craftsmen are gone, and some of the companies have changed hands or gone out of business. As a result, many of the models described here have fallen out of production. However, Legends Brass is a reliable source for an extensive collection of replicas of Maynard Ferguson’s mouthpieces, including many models no longer available anywhere else.

Find the entire Legends Brass collection of replicas of Maynard Ferguson’s Mouthpieces here.

Legends Brass GIR MF2 trumpet mouthpiece

Legends Brass GIR MF1 trumpet mouthpiece

.580″ GIR MF2 Trumpet Mouthpiece

$140.00

The Legends GIR MF2 is based on a Giardinelli mouthpiece created for Maynard Ferguson in the 1960’s. It has

BUY at Legends Brass

Legends Brass RM MF Master trumpet mouthpiece

.640″ RM MF Master Trumpet Mouthpiece

$165.00

Maynard Ferguson’s first trumpet mouthpiece was a Rudy Muck 13C, which he modified himself by sanding down the rim.

BUY at Legends Brass

.623″ MF HG Trumpet Mouthpiece

$155.00

A modern version of the legendary mouthpiece used by Maynard Ferguson in the 50’s and 60’s, the Legends MF

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.620″ H MF Trumpet Mouthpiece

$140.00

The Legends H MF is based on a vintage mouthpiece produced and sold by esteemed mouthpiece maker Dave Houser.

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Legends Brass MF FBL TD trumpet mouthpiece

.613″ MF FBL TD Trumpet Mouthpiece

$155.00

The Legends MF FBL TD: inspired by a mouthpiece made for Maynard Ferguson by Jack Bell in the late

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Legends Brass MF FBL TS trumpet mouthpiece

.613″ MF FBL TS Trumpet Mouthpiece

$155.00

The Legends MF FBL TS: inspired by a mouthpiece made for Maynard Ferguson by Jack Bell in the late

BUY at Legends Brass

Legends Brass MF FBL TM trumpet mouthpiece

.613″ MF FBL TM Trumpet Mouthpiece

$155.00

The Legends MF FBL TM: inspired by a mouthpiece made for Maynard Ferguson by Jack Bell in the late

BUY at Legends Brass

.590″ MF6 Trumpet Mouthpiece

$155.00

The Legends MF6 is based on a vintage Holton MF6 trumpet mouthpiece. It has a small inside diameter (.590″),

BUY at Legends Brass

Sources:

https://maynardferguson.com/biography/ . Retrieved from maynardferguson.com on 4/20/2020.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynard_Ferguson . Retrieved 4/30/2020.
https://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1142786 . Retrieved from trumpetherald.com 5/4/2020.
https://maynardferguson.com . Retrieved 6/25/2026

This post was revised for publication June 25, 2026. The original blog post was May 4, 2018.

*Author’s Note: It’s often really hard to pin down exact specs on a particular vintage mouthpiece. Handmade mouthpieces have considerable variation. Sometimes (usually) Maynard had personal pieces with specs different from the stock pieces sold under his name. The curved nature of the rim makes it difficult to measure accurately. The above information was gathered from internet sources and online forums and may not be scientifically exact. I’ve been as accurate as possible. I welcome any additional information and input about Maynard’s mouthpieces.

The Ultimate Directory of Trumpet Mouthpiece and Brass Instrument Makers

Featured

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Leslie Saidak

If you’re in the market for a custom trumpet mouthpiece, professional quality trumpet, or any related brass instrument product, these are the independent and boutique brands you should know.

Legends Brass Lenoir City, TN	Legends Brass trumpet mouthpieces and more! Specializing in modern versions of vintage trumpet mouthpieces, commercial and sessions mouthpieces, and custom mouthpieces for trumpet and other brass instruments. Use the contact form on the website to set up a consultation. Online only, no brick and mortar. Worldwide shipping available.
Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets Lexington, KY	Pickett Brass, makers of high quality mouthpieces for musicians of all levels and all brass instruments, as well as Blackburn trumpets. Online store. Shop visits by appointment.
KGU Music Kyiv, Ukraine	Custom brass instrument accessories, mouthpieces, brass instruments, and fine leatherwork. Online store, with worldwide shipping available.
Callet Trumpets Lawrenceville, GA	Callet trumpets, originally designed and built by Jerome Callet, are now made by craftsman Lee Adams.
AR Resonance Nole, Italy	AR Resonance mouthpieces and horns are designed and meticulously handcrafted by Antonio Rapacciuolo and his wife, Elisa. Based in Nole, Italy, this family-owned workshop is highly regarded in the brass community for its innovative, modular two-piece mouthpieces and custom brass instruments.
Austin Custom Brass Kansas City, MO	Online and in person shop selling a wide selection of brass mouthpieces, horns, and accessories. Open for walk-in visits, but appointments preferred.
Best Brass Hamamatsu, Japan	Online store selling trumpet mouthpieces, brass instruments and related products. Order through the website, or use the contact form for inquiries.
Bob Reeves Brass Valencia, CA	Online shop for Reeves mouthpieces, and other brands of mouthpieces, horns, and accessories. Specialty services such as trumpet valve alignment, acid wash cleaning, mouthpiece bending and converting for sleeves. Appointments strongly recommended for shop visits.
Callet Mouthpieces	Superchops trumpet mouthpieces, originally designed and made by Jerome Callet, are now exclusively available at True Power Trumpet and Fitness Website.
Curry Precision Mouthpieces	Mark Curry has retired from making mouthpieces, but the remaining inventory is available online.
Garibaldi	Garibaldi is a proprietary brand of brass instrument accessories. They specialize in precision-engineered mouthpieces for trumpets, trombones, alto horns (charchetas), and tubas. These mouthpieces are designed with a focus on high-quality craftsmanship, optimizing sound projection, and tone control. Sold at Olvera Music and Campos Music & Supplies
GR Mouthpieces Dousman, WI	Online catalog for mouthpieces made by Gary Radke. Orders must be placed through email or by phone.
Greg Black Mouthpieces Mt. Holly, NC	Online shop for mouthpieces made by Greg Black, as well as brass instruments and custom services such as mouthpiece duplication and alterations. Shop visits by appointment.
Hammond Design Western Springs, IL	Online shop for brass mouthpieces made by Karl Hammond. Shop visits possible.
Harrelson Trumpets Denver, CO	Online store for Jason Harrelson’s custom designed trumpets and mouthpieces. Shop visits by appointment.
KT Custom Mouthpieces Jackson, MI	Online shop for brass instrument mouthpieces made by Ken Titmus, Brass Custom Mouthpiece Craftsman. Shop visits by appointment.
Laskey Mouthpieces	Acquired in 2019 by Backun Musical Services (a subsidiary of the Eastman Music Company). The Laskey line of mouthpieces is still available through the website and authorized dealers.
Lotus Trumpets Brescia, IT	Lotus brand trumpets and mouthpieces, owned by Adam Rapa, with Charles Wagner as Head of Customer Service. Find a dealer through the website, or order directly online. Contact Lotus through the website form.
Lynn Nicholson Trumpet Mouthpieces	Products available at two places: Lynn Nicholson X Series Mouthpieces at James R New LynnFlex trumpet mouthpiece at Stomvi
Marcinkiewicz Co. Oregon City, OR	Online shop for brass instruments and mouthpieces made by Marcinkiewicz Co.
Monette Portland, OR	Brass instruments and mouthpieces made by Dave Monette and his team. Custom instruments, individually designed and built for individual players to meet their specific musical, physical, and ergonomic needs. Shop visits by appointment only. Use the contact form on the website.
Mouthpiece Express Salem, VA	Online shop for many brands of brass instrument mouthpieces, parts, accessories, and specialty services like custom engraving.
Patrick Mouthpieces Nashville, TN	Online store for brass instrument mouthpieces made by Steve Patrick. Consultations with Steve Patrick available by appointment.
Stomvi Newhall, CA	Online store for Stomvi mouthpieces and horns. Request a consultation through the contact form online.
Stork Plainfield, VT	Online shop for Stork brass instrument mouthpieces. Shop visits by appointment only. Schedule an online consultation with “Dr. Mouthpiece”, Phyllis Stork.
Taylor Trumpets Norwich, United Kingdom	Online store for Taylor brass instruments and mouthpieces. Find US dealers on the website.
Vennture Mouthpieces Raleigh, NC	Online store for brass instrument mouthpieces, specializing in modular designs. Home of VennCAD software for customer access to mouthpiece design.
Warburton Titusville, FL	Founded by Terry Warburton in 1974, Warburton manufactures a complete line of mouthpieces for Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, and Tuba; as well as a line of top-quality accessories for both brass and woodwind instruments. The Warburton modular mouthpiece system offers the flexibility needed to find the most efficient mouthpiece for any playing situation.

To register your business in this directory, email Leslie here.