Our Journey: Crafting Quality Brass Instrument Mouthpieces Since Our Inception

Founded in Lexington, Kentucky, our company has dedicated itself to producing high-quality mouthpieces for musicians of all levels. Over the years, we have grown from a small workshop to a trusted name in the industry, continually innovating to meet the needs of our customers.

“Just perfect...nice finish on the mouthpiece...exactly as I wanted”

Anonymous

Team Pickett/Blackburn

Peter Pickett

Owner

Peter Pickett founded Pickett Brass in 2003 in Lexington, Kentucky, bringing together his dual passions for mechanical engineering and trumpet performance. What began as a one-person operation machining custom trumpet parts quickly grew as musicians took notice of Peter’s commitment to precision, consistency, and exceptional craftsmanship. His engineering background, paired with an eye for musical nuance, led to the development of trim kits, mouthpieces, and custom components that helped establish Pickett Brass as a trusted name among brass players.

As demand increased, Peter expanded the shop’s capabilities to include full-scale in-house production of trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, trombone, and tuba mouthpieces, with a continued emphasis on custom options and artist-driven design. In 2016, he acquired Blackburn Trumpets, further elevating the company’s reach and strengthening its reputation for handcrafted excellence. Today, Peter continues to guide Pickett/Blackburn with the same innovation and attention to detail that defined its early days.

Eric Murine

Director of Sales

Eric joined Pickett Brass part-time in 2008 while pursuing his doctorate in trumpet at the University of Kentucky and transitioned to a full-time role as Director of Sales in 2015. A first-call commercial trumpet artist throughout Kentucky, Eric brings decades of performing experience to his work with customers and artists. He holds degrees from Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the University of Kentucky, and has served as Interim Instructor of Trumpet at UK. Today, Eric remains active as a performer and educator across the greater Lexington area.

Robert Lawson

Manager of Instrument Manufacturing

Robert joined Pickett/Blackburn in 2016 and manages the production of Blackburn trumpets. With a background in trombone and a degree in Music Industry Studies from Eastern Kentucky University, he played a key role in developing the Pickett trombone mouthpiece line. Robert enjoys working directly with musicians and helping them find the right trombone solutions, blending his manufacturing expertise with a performer’s perspective.

Zach Whitson

Manager of Mouthpiece Manufacturing

Zach began at Pickett Brass in 2015 as a machine operator and now oversees all aspects of mouthpiece production. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Music Industry Studies/Trumpet, Zach ensures each mouthpiece meets the company’s exacting standards from raw material to final polish. His precision, skill, and commitment to quality help define the consistency and craftsmanship Pickett mouthpieces are known for.

  • Greg Sutherland

    BELL CRAFTSMAN

    Greg joined Pickett/Blackburn in 2013 with a dedicated focus on trumpet bell manufacturing as part of the transition of Blackburn Trumpets. He studied directly under Cliff Blackburn, working meticulously to preserve and continue Cliff’s renowned bell-making techniques. Greg’s craftsmanship remains a cornerstone of Blackburn trumpet production.

  • Ryan Courtney

    INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURING APPRENTICE

    Ryan joined the Pickett/Blackburn team full-time in 2022 and is currently training in the construction of Blackburn instruments. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance and music industry from Eastern Kentucky University. With a strong foundation as both a performer and technician, Ryan is committed to carrying forward the craftsmanship and traditions of Blackburn instrument making.

  • Ryon Bean

    SALES SPECIALIST

    Ryon joined the team in 2021 and is a Lexington-based trombonist with degrees in arts administration from the University of Kentucky and trombone performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Before joining Pickett/Blackburn, he worked in sales and customer service for a major music retailer and has performed with ensembles including the DiMartino–Osland Jazz Orchestra, New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra, and the Fernando Huergo Big Band. At Pickett/Blackburn, Ryon assists customers, artists, and educators in finding the ideal products to support their playing.

  • Spencer Shook

    INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURING APPRENTICE & PARTS FABRICATOR

    Spencer joined Pickett/Blackburn after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University, where he performed with ensembles including the EKU Symphony Orchestra and the EKU Trombone Society. A trombonist from Louisville, Kentucky, Spencer assists in instrument manufacturing and parts fabrication, bringing both musical insight and technical skill to the Blackburn instrument shop.

  • Connor Moore

    MOUTHPIECE MANUFACTURING APPRENTICE

    Connor joined Pickett Brass in 2024 and works in the production of high brass mouthpieces. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s degree in tuba performance from the University of Kentucky. In addition to his work at Pickett, Connor remains active as a performer, playing regularly with a brass quintet and brass band in the Lexington area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a job at Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets?

Submit your resume and cover letter by emailing to info@pickettblackburn.com.

Do you offer internships?

Yes, we have worked closely with Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and their Music Industries program.

We evaluate other internship programs as well.

What kind of skills does it take to work in the shop?

The most important skill is the willingness to learn. Though much of what we do is appears to be traditional manufacturing, the way we design and implement all of our processes is unique.

What's the best thing about working at the shop?

Many manufacturing jobs are seen as dirty, dangerous, and unrewarding. Despite the challenge of creating mouthpieces and instruments from scratch, the team prides itself on a safe and flexible work environment as well as significant autonomy.

Visit the Help Desk for more information