Help Desk
Yes, we absolutely encourage your bringing someone with you who is familiar with your sound and playing style. This helps in evaluating changes in mouthpieces and instruments in your quest...
I’m afraid of approaching workers or employees of major trumpet companies at conferences. Any tips for the first time conference attendee?
Yes, talk to us! Again, please talk to us! Do not be afraid to approach any company employee during major conferences. We’re there for you! We strongly encourage conference attendees...
Should I bring my current mouthpiece or instrument?
Yes, please bring both your current instrument and mouthpiece that you are playing on so that we can listen and understand better where you're coming from and share in your...
How long does it take to get my new Blackburn instrument
We adhere to our Blackburn build wait list and are currently 8 to 9 months delivery time on any new instrument orders. To get your name put on the wait...
Why is my order taking so long?
Some mouthpiece orders are available from our vast inventory and can ship the same or next day. However, there are so many variations that require custom programming and manufacturing and...
Electronic Pickups
Have you searched for the perfect pickup microphone for your trumpet or trombone? As many options as there are, there is also the Piezo Barrel. It requires additional installation on...
Mouthpiece Plating and Replating
Do you have the perfect mouthpiece that you've been using forever? Instead of looking for a new mouthpiece or having it duplicated, you can have it re-plated in either silver...
Do you do instrument repair?
This is a common question we are asked: Do we repair other brands of trumpets or instruments. Right now, we do not repair other brands of trumpets or other instruments....
Pickett Brass Trim Kits
In the beginning of Pickett Brass in 2003, we manufactured trim kits solely. These consisted of 3 buttons, stems, top caps, and bottom caps for trumpet value sections. They offered...
Where can I try out Blackburn instruments?
You should absolutely give Blackburn instruments a try in person. We bring most Blackburn instruments to the various tradeshows that we attending including: ITG: International Trumpet Guild conferences Midwest Clinic...
Where are Blackburn instruments made?
Originating from Louisville, Kentucky, then to Decatur, Tennessee, and now the bourbon capital of the world, Lexington, Kentucky, the location and look of Blackburn Trumpets have changed over the years,...
How do the piccolo trumpet P1C and P2 leadpipes play different?
Most players notice improved slotting, articulation, intonation, and overall playability improvements when switching to Blackburn leadpipes. The P1C will feel slightly more open than most stock piccolo leadpipes, but the...
Blackburn Tuning Slides
In additional to trumpet leadpipes, Blackburn also designs and manufactures custom tuning slides. Tuning slides are characterized by not only their bore size much like instruments are described, but also...
How can I test a new Bb/C trumpet leadpipe?
As with testing a mouthpiece, you want to test and evaluate how a new leadpipe sounds and feels before committing to installing it on your instrument! In order to test...
Blackburn Piccolo Leadpipes
Cliff Blackburn developed many replacement leadpipes for various brands of piccolo trumpets. Several options are available for most trumpets. P1C: This leadpipe greatly improves the intonation and response of instruments...
Blackburn Leadpipes for Yamaha Bb and C trumpets
Over the years, Cliff Blackburn developed a number of trumpet leadpipes for Yamaha Bb and C trumpets. These that we offer today are the result of years of testing and...
Blackburn Leadpipes for Bach Bb and C trumpets
Over the years, Cliff Blackburn developed a number of trumpet leadpipes for Bach Bb and C trumpets. These that we offer today are the result of years of testing and...
Which Blackburn Bb/C leadpipe would be most similar to the standard Bach leadpipe?
Our Blackburn leadpipe models don't directly compare to Bach leadpipes, but the closest option to most Bach 25 leadpipes would be our Blackburn #19 leadpipe.The Bach 7 leadpipe would be...
Mouthpiece Duplication
Sometimes you have the perfect mouthpiece already and your playing is doing quite well. So there is no reason to search for a new or different mouthpiece. BUT you may...
How to pick your French Horn Mouthpiece?
Selecting the right French horn mouthpiece is crucial for achieving the best sound and comfort while playing. Here are some key factors to consider: 1. Rim Shape and Diameter Rim...
Can I use my small bore trombone rim with my large bore cup (and vice versa)?
No - due to differences in the outer blank and threading profiles, our small bore rims will only fit the corresponding small bore underpart. A large bore cup will need...
How does your trombone sizing system work?
Pickett trombone mouthpieces follow a similar sizing system to other brands, such as Bach, where the smaller number represents a larger mouthpiece size. With 1 being the largest option and...
What are Pickett Flugelhorn mouthpieces?
Pickett Flugelhorn mouthpieces are available in 3 different depths. FL: Our standard flugel cup offering a medium volume, V shaped cup, with a #22 throat FLM: Our medium flugel cup,...
What are the Pickett British Cornet mouthpieces?
In addition to offering cornet backbores that couple with a number of the Pickett mouthpiece tops, we also offer 1 piece cornet mouthpiece models, include the most popular British Cornet...
What is the difference between American and British cornet playing?
American traditional and British cornet playing are two distinct styles of playing the cornet, with some notable differences. American traditional cornet playing tends to focus on a brighter sound with...
What cornet backbores do you offer?
Our standard trumpet tops can be coupled with our cornet series backbores to create the best cornet mouthpiece for you and your instrument. The cornet series spans four models:...
Do I need a lead trumpet mouthpiece in high school?
This is at the discretion of your private teacher, but a mouthpiece that assists with efficiency and projection is helpful in jazz and marching band settings. Ultimately you need to...
Where did the Pickett trumpet mouthpiece designs come from?
During the design and manufacturing of the Pickett Brass trimsets that started in 2003, Peter developed his manufacturing tooling and processes for mouthpieces with the machines that he had at...
How do I pick a rim size?
When fitting a new mouthpiece with a player, we always start with the rim size of the mouthpiece. If a mouthpiece rim size doesn't feel comfortable or impresses on an...
What color acrylic mouthpiece top should I get?
In addition to being an amazing performing mouthpiece, the Pickett Brass acrylic mouthpiece tops bring quite a splash of color to the gig. This material has been an amazing addition...
How's the #10 backbore different from the standard series?
We have a number of different backbores to offer players to more comfortably match the desired resistant and sound. In our experience, players find their way to our #2 or...
Does the mouthpiece rim inner-diameter really matter?
Yes, in addition to other factors. The mouthpiece rim is often referred to with these three measurements: the OD (outer-diameter) the high point the ID (inner-diameter). The alteration of any...
My daughter/son is a high school trumpet player, what mouthpiece should they use?
Ultimately the student should follow the teachings and advice from their private lesson teacher as they see this student on a weekly basis. We typically recommend high school students to...
Is the mouthpiece honeymoon period a real thing?
Absolutely! This is not just with mouthpieces. Anytime you make a change with your equipment or body, an adjustment period is needed, which your embouchure is no different. The honeymoon...
I’ve started learning piccolo trumpet, what mouthpiece should I start with?
When beginning to learn the piccolo trumpet you need to start with a moderately sized mouthpiece. The 5D, or 7D would be very a popular middle of the road options...
What is a PS1 trumpet backbore?
The Pickett PS1 trumpet backbore is a design based on the Blackburn short piccolo shank mouthpieces and have a trumpet size shank. The PS stands for "piccolo short shank". The...
How do I pick a cup size and shape?
Often, people ask what a "Mouthpiece Fitting" actually is. Fitting refers to finding a cup and rim size that is comfortable and results in the sound and feel you're looking...
How do I pick a trumpet backbore?
The backbore of a trumpet or cornet mouthpiece is the section of a mouthpiece extending from the throat to the exit venturi at the end leading into the leadpipe. It...
How do I schedule a shop visit?
To schedule a shop visit, click here and choose whether you would like to just schedule a phone call or if you'd like to schedule an actual visit. visit.pickettblackburn.com We maintain...
How long does it take to get my mouthpiece order?
We all want to know when we're going to get our new Pickett trumpet, trombone, french horn, flugelhorn, or tuba mouthpiece or Blackburn instrument, so we understand! When you add...
What is a commercial trumpet backbore?
Commercial music is the inclusion of virtually any style of music from pop, rock, funk, blues, and others. The typical commercial backbore tends to lean on the efficient side, but...
How long do I have to return a product?
All product returns for refunds must be completed within 14 days of shipping date. After 14 days refunds may be issued via gift certificate. All sales final after 30 days...
What's the status of my order?
It's hard to wait for perfect mouthpiece after you place your order! Our new website published on January 7, 2026, will let you see much more information on orders placed...
Does the "bore size" of the trumpet really matter?
Yes, but bore size is only one piece of the puzzle! The bore size of a trumpet is only one variable that can impact how the horn responds and sounds...
What cornet backbores do you offer?
Our standard trumpet tops can be coupled with our cornet series backbores to create the best cornet mouthpiece for you and your instrument. The cornet series spans four models:...
Young Artist Brass Instrument Mouthpieces
The Young Artist line of Pickett mouthpieces were inspired by up and coming musicians looking to experience Pickett Brass mouthpieces. Each Young Artist mouthpiece model offers a secure and reliable experience for...