| Hi I have had a Calicchio for about 20 years now. When I got it I was a Marine Corps bandsman which means whenever I played it was balls to the wall for 12 years. I have the Freddie Hubbard model with spit valves. It can take as much as you put into it while not letting the sound go to peices, it makes no difference how hard you blow. Freddies horn gives a dark full sound if you can fill the horn. It is a large bore so you must come to the table with some kahunas !!! In a lead situation I think that it does not match if everyone else is bright sounding there is a big difference being your sound will be full and dark if you push it and full and dark if you don't push. The mouthpeice makes a difference also, I use Bobby Shew jazz model and I am pleased with back pressure and sound . I have recorded a solo on Conrad Johnson's album the song is Route 66 check it out, The headphones were loud so I played loud but I think you will like it. I have tried the lead models and have nothing but the highest praise for them. If you can push a horn past its limits then a callichio is for you because the sound is well cotained no matter how hard you blow, you will get a really good sound. |