About HornTrader

…and the best site to find quality horns, related gear, and information for the discerning trumpeter since 1998.

Steve brings extensive professional experience to HornTrader.com. Not only has he spent many years in the trumpet manufacturing industry working with Benge, and Calicchio, he is also a very active freelance trumpet player and teacher.

As an apprentice to Dominic Calicchio, Steve learned the fine art of brass craftsmanship with hands on experience. At Benge under Zig Kanstul, Steve had many jobs including slide maker, quality controller and shipper. Throughout the years, he’s stayed well informed in the industry both through his association with the top leaders of brass technology, and his relationships with highly regarded trumpet performers he has met at home, and around the globe. Steve has always had a penchant for retail, and at one time was the largest distributor of Reunion Blues gig bags in Southern California. Since 1998 owning and operating HornTrader.com Steve has come to be one of the primary sellers of Professional pre-owned and vintage horns on the internet. He is well known in many countries throughout the world and his site is visited by thousands each month.

Steve’s first love has always been playing trumpet. He maintains a busy playing / teaching schedule and has had a professional performance career spanning over 50 years. One of the first to teach on line using SKYPE, and YouTube, Steve, now is able share his knowledge and love of the trumpet the world over using all available virtual platforms. His teaching mantra is, “I believe I can help YOU!”

Besides everything trumpet Steve”s passions are marathon open water (OCEAN) swimming, and the daunting task of training his dog Dingoe. He currently resides in San Diego, California, USA, with his wife and two children where he manages HornTrader.com from the HornTrader World Headquarters.