| Calicchio Copper-Belled Flugel
I remember when I was searching for my Calicchio flugel I originally tallked with Chris (Calicchio Welk or Welk Calicchio) directly. This was when Calicchio was still operating out of Hollywood. After putting me off for what seemed like the hundredth time, I got the distinct impression that he wasn't all that interested in building/selling horns anymore. Anyways, to make a long story short, Chris mentioned that he'd just sold a copper-belled flugel to Chuck Mangione. Mangione just showed up at the shop one day, played it, then left with it. That must have been one of the last Hollywood Calicchio flugels Chris made. I ended up getting mine from Rayburn Music in Boston. They were so scarce -- no other music retailer in the US seemed to have any in stock!!
Those copper-belled flugels must have been great instruments. From what I've read, other then being a bit of a dent-magnet, the copper content works wonders with the sound. I hope John Duda starts making them soon!!
---<Rick |