Karl Hammond graduated from Western Illinois University in 1991 with a degree in Music Business. Karl studied trumpet with Dr. William Dejong and performed with the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Studio Orchestra under the direction of the late Dale Hopper.

In the summer of 1991, Karl interned with Warburton Music Products in Orlando, FL. Terry Warburton and Ken Titmus were instrumental in Karl’s education and training of machining, customizing, and fitting of brass instrument mouthpieces. While at Warburton, Karl had the privilege of being involved in the initial development of the Series 80 backbore and the anchor grip rim. “I hold a great deal of respect and admiration for Terry and Ken.”

Karl came to Schilke Music Products in 1993. During his time with Schilke, Karl implemented a quality control system to maintain tolerances within production, new product development, and the manufacturing of custom/non-standard specialty products. Throughout his Schilke experience, Karl was referred to as “the custom guy.”

In January of 2006, Karl Hammond Designs was formed. Karl enjoys working with many of the top musicians from around the world. His clients encompass orchestral, jazz, and rock musicians. These performers all recognized a commitment to excellence through superior craftsmanship and professionalism within the industry. To aid the musician in receiving the highest and most accurate quality mouthpieces that they can receive, Karl Hammond Designs has developed a duplicating center. This technology will provide the musician a truly “custom hand made original”