Whether you’re buying your first piccolo or treating yourself to an upgrade, instrument shopping is very exciting! However, making your choice can also be overwhelming, because there are so many different models and makers to choose from. This piccolo buyer’s guide will give you the top tips to help you find the key to your perfect companion!
Student Piccolos
ONE
If you are a flautist who loves to play in an orchestra then a piccolo is a great investment.
Most beginner models are made out of plastic or resin, which are the affordable option. However you do sacrifice some tone level when compared to a wood piccolo.
It is common for student piccolos to have a ‘flute style’ lip plate which can make the transition from flute to piccolo easier. It also looks super cute, because it looks like a mini flute head joint!
I started playing on a Yamaha YPC32 as a young piccolo player in youth orchestra. And I used it right into my first year at music college!
COMES WITH: maintenance-free ABS resin body
FEATURES: A split-E mechanism to make your high E notes clearer
Yamaha YPC32
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Silver plated headjoint
- ABS resin body
- A great value Pirc
- Easy to play
- Pretty much indestructible!
- Great for flautists looking to explore the world of piccolo and develop a solid technique.
- Can sound a little ‘plasticy’
- Low register is not as resonant as a wooden model.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Rosedale Intermediate Piccolo is just about the most affordable starter instrument you can purchase which is still worth buying! It is great if you are unsure if the piccolo will be for you, and want to try it out without spending too much money. This is the perfect starter picc.
Try a blind test with this one and more expensive alternatives. You may not be able to tell the difference or you might even prefer the tone or playability of this great value model!
COMES WITH: A Full Grenadilla construction and silver-plated mechanism
FEATURES: Pisoni Pads & Blue Needle Springs
Rosedale Intermediate Piccolo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Similar to market leaders like the Yamaha YPC32 (reviewed above) but cheaper!
- Silver plated headjoint with a ‘flute like’ lip plate for extra familiarity for new players.
- Amazing value
- Can sound a little ‘plasticy’
- At some point, you'll want to upgrade
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Student Piccolo FC-100 is just about the most affordable piccolo you can buy which is still worth buying! It is great if you are unsure if the piccolo will be for you so want to try it out without spending too much money. This is the perfect starter instrument, made by Gear 4 Music who specialist in making ethically produced starter instruments.
Similar to market leaders like the Yamaha YPC32 (reviewed above), this piccolo has a silver plated headjoint with a ‘flute like’ lip plate for extra familiarity for new piccolo players.
It may also be interesting to do a blind test with this piccolo and more expensive alternatives. You might even prefer the sound or playability of this great value instrument!
I totally love this instrument, and think that it’s quite incredible they manage to produce such a high quality instrument at such a low price – for this reason, I give it 10 out of 10!
COMES WITH: An offset G Mechanism
FEATURES: Silver Plated ABS Body, a conical bore, and a hard case
Student Piccolo fc-100
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Amazing Value For Money
- ABS Body Means It'll Withstand Regular Practice And Transport
- Conical Bore Means The Body's Tubing Gets Narrower Towards The Lower End, Resulting In An Even, Consistent Sound
- You'll Need To Upgrade To A More Expensive Instrument When You Progress Further
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Midrange Piccolos
TWO
The Powell Sonare 850 series wood piccolo, as featured below, is a great option for advanced musicians.
COMES WITH: A classic style headjoint and white gold springs
FEATURES: Resin-Infused grenadilla that can be played indoors or outdoors
POWELL SONARE 850 SERIES
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Available with a classic or wave head joint for extra flexibility in tone and comfort.
- White gold springs as standard which gives a touch of class to this intermediate piccolo
- Great tone and lovely sound
- Made from Grenadilla
- More expensive than a beginner model.
- Wood is more sensitive to changes in temperature than other materials
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Finally, the Pearl PFP-105E is an excellent piccolo for intermediate players from a trusted brand. As with all Pearl models, it comes with their famous pinless mechanism.
COMES WITH: Split E Mechanism
FEATURES: A cylindrical headjoint and pinless construction
Pearl PFP-105E Piccolo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- ‘Wave’ head joint which can improve tone production
- Made from the innovative, new material Grenaditte
- Great tone quality
- More durable than wood
- Resin-infused instruments aren’t to everybody’s taste
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Advanced/Professional Piccolos
THREE
The Yamaha YPC82, like the one below, is played by many professional players, including me!
BEST FEATURE: The design gives optimum intonation and response, with a smoother airflow
FEATURES: A Hand-Crafter Body
yamaha ypc82
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Trusted for its reliable intonation
- Beautiful resonant tone
- 3 different headjoint cuts to choose from - the classic, wave or clarion
- Fully handmade
- Expensive so not suitable for children or those with limited budgets
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Where To Buy A Piccolo
four
You can purchase great instruments such as the piccolo online or in your local music shop. The most important thing is to take time to make your choice. Most retailers will allow a two-week trial before you commit to buying it.
Get someone to listen to you play your top choices, because the sound quality can be very different from the other side of the room. Pay careful attention to tuning and dynamics, because these can be particularly challenging.
Try to do a blind playing test on your favourites if you can. The most expensive one you are trying will not always be the one you prefer!
Insurance
FIVE
Although piccolos are small, they can be very valuable. Their size also means that even in their case, they can be easily misplaced! I would recommend purchasing insurance with a company which specialises in musical items.
You may be offered a discount on your premium if you are a flute teacher or student; it’s always worth checking!
PRICE: Most affordable on the market
FEATURES: A policy that can be adjusted depending on regions and travel
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
- Can insure on worldwide travel
- Ensures you are always covered
- None!
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Piccolo Buyer's Guide
Summary
Buying a piccolo is an exciting step, but it can be a challenging choice to find your dream instrument. First decide on your budget, because piccolos come with a wide range of price tags.
Your budget will probably determine what material your instrument will be made out of. If you are looking for a cheaper model then you will be looking at a resin or plastic body. If you are happy to splash the cash then you will be able to explore the full range of aged woods on offer.
Take your time to check you can play the instrument in tune and it is free blowing across the whole range of the instrument. Experiment with different headjoint cuts to find ones that fit your embouchure best.
Don’t forget that a good instrument will make your life easier. You will thank me when you are about to play one of Shostakovich’s terrifying solos!
Best piccolo for under 1000:
Pearl PFP-105E
This is a great option for beginners who want a great tone and a well built instrument.
Best piccolo for advanced:
Yamaha YPC82 Professional Piccolo
This is a standard for professional piccolo players in orchestras all over the world.
Best piccolo for beginners:
Rosedale Intermediate Piccolo
You won’t get better value for money than this instrument, including a silver plated headjoint.
I am hoping to buy one at the end of this month!
Hi Rebecca, that’s great to hear. Please do let us know how you get on.