The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Piccolo Instrument + Reviews
If you feel that you don’t have enough time on your hands to search the whole internet to find the best piccolo instrument, you’re in luck. We already did the research for you and we checked the top piccolo instruments out there, so you don’t have to do the work. Our team carefully examined the quality and value of each of them and we found out that the Yamaha YPC-32 Piccolo is one of the better choices. It is an easy-to-play instrument with concave keys that will help you get a good grip on them. Furthermore, it is free-blowing and beginners will have an easier time using it. Let’s not forget that it’s made of quality materials and it’s ideal for marching bands thanks to that. If unfortunately, you’re not able to find our first recommended piccolo instrument for sale, try to look for the Gemeinhardt 4P Composite Piccolo.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
It’s a great choice no matter the level of experience you have, and that is thanks to the concave keys that make it easy to play. Those that are looking for a mellow tone will be pleased with the sound this instrument gives out. Its keys are very responsive, especially the high E which gives a clear sound. Thanks to the strong materials it’s made of, it’s ideal for marching bands.
It will require a lot of maintenance and attention from your behalf.
Beginners that play in marching brands will make the best use of this instrument thanks to its qualities.
2nd Best
Many tutors will recommend this instrument for their students, thanks to its qualities. The material of choice is plastic and that offers its versatility and more important, durability. Due to that, it is great for beginners that won’t use it with care, or for people playing in marching bands. Furthermore, it doesn’t get dirty that fast and it requires little maintenance.
Advanced players will find this instrument limiting in terms of range and style.
Good for almost any activity, this piccolo will make a beginner or intermediate happy to play it all day.
Also To Consider
The build is a quality one and that makes it better for those players that don’t take care of their instrument too much. Furthermore, the body is made of ABS and that will mean it will withstand harsh weather conditions and require less maintenance. It is one of the simplest piccolos out there but it can still give out a pleasant tone, and it does that in a responsive manner.
The protective case is too large and the piccolo will rattle around when in it.
Requiring little to no maintenance, with a strong body, this piccolo is great for amateur players.
10 Best Piccolo Instruments (Reviews) in 2021
We wanted to find out which was the greatest piccolo musical instrument, and we found many models that could compete for that title. Fortunately, we had the possibility to see what the experts had to say about each of them, and we also took into account what buyers and users think about these instruments. Check out our preferred instruments below.
- 1. Yamaha YPC-32 Piccolo
- 2. Gemeinhardt 4P Composite Piccolo
- 3. Ravel RPC202 Student Piccolo
- 4. Yamaha YFL-222 Intermediate Flute for Student
- 5. Eastar EPC-1 Nickel Plated Piccolo Key of C 2-Piece With Hard Case
- 6. Mendini MPO-S Silver Plated Piccolo with Case
- 7. Eastar EPC-3S Black Resin Piccolo Key of C
- 8. Glory Key of C Piccolo with Pro Case
- 9. Paititi Piccolo PTTPICC-N
- 10. Sky Paititi Band Approved Piccolo Key of C
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
1. Yamaha YPC-32 Piccolo
This is the brand’s step-up model or midrange-style model that is suitable for players that have some experience. As a result semi-professionals and professionals can use this. The head joint is a standard one and it comes in two different versions. The rest of the piccolo consists of a silver-plated key mechanism.
It also has the split E mechanism that the brand is known for. Compared to other models from Yamaha, this one gives a little bit more warmth to the sound, although piccolos are renowned for how high-pitched they are. You can hear that there is more depth in the quality of this instrument’s sound.
This is why it is a great piccolo instrument if you’re looking to upgrade or get more seriously into the world of this instrument. It is a solid instrument that plays nicely and is free-blowing, requiring little effort to play.
The concave-shaped keys give you an excellent feel and allow you to place your fingers precisely where you want. When creating this Yamaha piccolo, the manufacturers focused on the instrument producing a more responsive high E that is also clearer. It is an instrument that is wear-resistant and that makes it ideal for marching situations.
Pros
The fact that its keys are concave makes it an easy-to-play instrument that would be a great choice for anybody.
It has a deeper piccolo sound, one that shows it is a quality instrument, and this is why it’s good for those experienced players looking for a mellower tonality.
Beginners will be pleased with how this piccolo feels as it is free-blowing, and it doesn’t require the player to blow too hard.
The high E is very responsive and it gives a clearer sound than other models can.
Those that play the piccolo in a marching band will make great use of this instrument as it’s wear-resistant and it gives a quality tone at any time.
The tone is a clear one, which makes it good for performance situations.
Cons
This piccolo will require constant maintenance, and you will constantly have to take it to an expert.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($1029)
2. Gemeinhardt 4P Composite Piccolo
When choosing a piccolo for their pupils, tutors often recommend a Gemeinhardt product, as it is known for being one of the brands that provide quality instruments for beginners. The 4P model can be considered one of the greatest when it comes to piccolos for newcomers.
The material of choice for this piccolo is plastic, which may not represent a classic or stylish alternative, but it surely means that the instrument will survive the test of time. Some players have had it for several years with no issues. Furthermore, because it’s a beginner piccolo, it needs to be resistant to droppings and any form of damage.
This material also makes it a great solution for outdoors. Plastic will not be as susceptible to weather as other materials and it won’t be influenced by humidity or temperature. If you are playing in a marching band and you need something sturdy, it is a good choice.
Furthermore, it requires little to no maintenance. Beginners usually don’t clean their instruments as often or as well as they should, but this is not a problem for this piccolo. You will be surprised by how well this instrument sounds and pleased with how easy the keys are to access.
Pros
It is one of the better instruments for students and many tutors recommend this brand for that purpose.
The piccolo is made of plastic which proves to be a great solution for such an instrument because it means it can survive over time.
Its body will not deform under any circumstances, no matter the weather or temperature, so that makes it ideal for children playing in marching bands.
Because most beginners don’t clean their instruments as they should, you would expect the piccolo to get dirty fast; but not this one, as it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Probably the biggest factor that makes this piccolo a good fit for beginners is the fact that it gives you easy access to the keys and as a result, it’s easy to play.
Cons
It is, unfortunately, not a good instrument for more advanced players.
The fact that it’s made of wood means it doesn’t sound as full.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($889)
3. Ravel RPC202 Student Piccolo
The fact that this piccolo doesn’t come from a worldwide known brand shouldn’t stop you from buying it. This small instrument exceeds most expectations actually. Its ABS body is something that offers it a strong shape and the sensation that this instrument is made to last, while the metal headjoints provide the sound and feel that you need.
Because it’s not from a well-known brand you won’t have to pay too much for it, and in the package, you also get all the accessories you would ever need, including a protective case. You will need that case to keep its nickel-plated keys safe from scratches and damage.
You will be pleased with how responsive the instrument is, and you will most likely enjoy its pleasant tone. It is a simple piccolo that is strong enough for beginners to practice on. In terms of aesthetics, the model stands out with the help of its black body and silver headjoint.
Its construction seems a sturdy one and the keys are responsive and strong at the same time, with the plastic body not being too brittle. The split E design also makes it easy to play and the tone holes are neatly finished and well-cut.
Pros
When it comes to the build, this piccolo has a strong design and that makes it great for beginners who are more prone to dropping or mistreating it.
The ABS body is capable of enduring the harshest weather and this means the piccolo will also need less maintenance and will last longer.
The accessories it comes with will help you keep the instrument in good shape and well-protected.
Although it’s a simple instrument, it is still capable of giving out a pleasant tone and it does that in a responsive manner.
When it comes to aesthetics the instrument impresses with a black body and a silver-colored headjoint, which work great together.
The split E design and the fact that the tone holes are well-cut and finished will help you play it more easily.
Cons
People complained about the case is too large for the instrument and that is why the piccolo would be bouncing around inside it.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($141.96)
4. Yamaha YFL-222 Intermediate Flute for Student
This is one of the most endorsed flutes when it comes to choosing an instrument for beginners. You will find that the head joint is made using nickel silver, while the rest of the body and the foot joint are covered in a silver-plated finish. This combination will make the instrument a durable one, less prone to damage.
The shiny silver gives it a nice look while making it easier to clean and maintain. Made for beginners, this instrument will offer comfort while playing, and a natural feel when holding it. Furthermore, the key bumpers are made of neoprene, a stronger material compared to cork.
Its offset G key will help you find a more natural hand position while playing, while the split E mechanism will make it a lot easier to handle the third octave E. To make the instrument even easier to play, the keys are covered, and the tone holes are curled.
What’s also interesting about it is that the flute has both B and C foot joints and that will help students move from a beginner instrument to a more advanced one without needing to get another piccolo flute. The double flare taper design of the headjoint will help you get a quick response for all registers.
Pros
Known for making high-quality instruments, Yamaha is a brand that can always be trusted, and this flute for them is certainly proof of how great their designs are.
The strong materials used in creating this instrument will guarantee longevity and durability.
Furthermore, the nickel and silver finishing gives a professional and attractive finish to the flute.
Compared to other instruments in its range, this instrument has a great sound quality.
Its essential features are great for beginners, as the instrument was designed with a split E, an offset G, and B and C foot joints that will make it easier for the student to switch to a more advanced setup.
Metal instruments such as this one are good for outdoor playing, as they are better in harsh weather.
Cons
If the player wants to further advance his or her skills the instrument will have to be eventually replaced, as it’s not suitable for highly-skilled musicians.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($579.99)
5. Eastar EPC-1 Nickel Plated Piccolo Key of C 2-Piece With Hard Case
The manufacturer of this product says that its instrument is easy to play, handle, and it doesn’t need to be cleaned as often. All of these qualities make it a good choice for a beginner. Because it’s plated in nickel, the piccolo can withstand harsh weather conditions without deforming or being damaged.
An interesting aspect of this instrument is the fact that the welding process uses no lead, and this means the whole instrument is safe for children. The sound of the piccolo is a pleasant one, and although it’s an instrument made for beginners, everybody can enjoy the beautiful sound of this instrument.
It has a needle made of high-quality carbon steel, which offers it the sturdiness and elasticity it needs. This piccolo also has a double casing system that will offer elasticity and will ensure that the air stays within the instrument. You will receive all the accessories needed with this instrument, including those used to keep it clean, but also a hard case to hold it in a protective place.
The piccolo is lightweight and easy to play thanks to the materials it’s made of. The soundholes seal tight so that the instrument has better resonance.
Pros
This is one of the best-suited instruments for beginners as it is easy to handle and play and it doesn’t have to be cleaned so often.
Furthermore, it makes a good choice for those players that perform in marching bands, because it is plated in nickel and that means it can withstand harsh weather conditions.
This is a piccolo that is 100% safe for everybody, as the welding process that it went through uses no lead.
It has a pleasant sound that will be liked by beginners and professionals alike.
The high-quality needle made of carbon steel will ensure that the instrument has the elasticity and sturdiness needed.
With the double casing that the piccolo has you are sure to have a pleasant experience playing it, as no air will get out.
Cons
The keys will get sticky rather fast, and the color on the lip plate will fade gradually.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($89.99)
6. Mendini MPO-S Silver Plated Piccolo with Case
If you’re looking for a product that can help you practice and improve your playing techniques, the new Mendini Piccolo is the right choice. It features a flawless silver-plated body and keys to deliver sharp and clear sounds. It is available in a wide array of colors, including blue and red, so you can easily stand out in the crowd while playing.
The ergonomic finger brace and high-quality double bladder pads are created to add comfort and prevent your fingers from slipping during long hours of training to increase the overall experience of playing the instrument.
This musical instrument is delivered with a wide array of useful accessories, including a durable case to safely carry the item with you whenever you’re traveling, a pair of gloves for a better grip, and a cleaning cloth to help you easily remove all dirt, dust, extra moisture or debris after each concert or practice.
Pros
The sturdy construction of the instrument, combined with the high-quality materials used delivers sharp, clear, and crisp sounds.
It features quality double bladder pads and an ergonomic finger brace for increased comfort when playing for a long time. This will minimize hand fatigue.
You can purchase it in a wide array of colors, from silver to red, blue or black, so you can easily choose to stand out from the crowd if you want.
By ordering the piccolo you will receive a full set of useful accessories, including a pair of white gloves for a better grip while playing, a protective case, grease to smoothen the instrument and provide clear sounds, as well as a cleaning cloth.
Cons
The product represents a great starter instrument for beginners but it is hard to tune, so we don’t recommend playing it in any kind of ensemble, orchestra or band as it will throw off all the members.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($89.99)
7. Eastar EPC-3S Black Resin Piccolo Key of C
The product features a durable body made of ABS that is resistant to tear, wear, and shocks, while the high-grade silver plating delivers a more elegant touch and a beautiful sound that is suitable for high-level performance.
The memory spring needle on the instrument is made of NAG high carbon steel. Combined with the leather mats and metal echo panels, the piccolo becomes increasingly durable and delivers a wonderful tone and an explosive sound resonance.
Looking after the instrument is easy thanks to the numerous accessories included in the package. It comes with a lightweight hard case for easy and convenient transporting that will protect your product from scratches and shocks, as well as a cleaning cloth and cleaning rod to keep the instrument clean after each use.
The white gloves are perfect for practicing, while the joint grease will make sure your piccolo sounds smooth and all pipes are clean.
Pros
The product is made of high-quality ABS with real cupronickel and is silver-plated for a touch of elegance. The hard construction is resistant to wear and tear and won’t break or chip in case of impact.
The cold drawing of the sound holes deliver a better resonance and, combined with the top-quality leather mats and metal echo panels, you’ll receive a wonderful tone and an improved sound quality.
The piccolo is lightweight and features an elongated body that makes it easy and convenient to hold, without causing hand fatigue or wrist pain after long hours of practice.
It is shipped with a full set of accessories, including a hard case, a pair of white gloves, joint grease, and a soft cleaning cloth to maintain the exceptional quality of the instrument for a longer time.
Cons
Although the product is of good quality, you’ll still need to make some adjustments to make sure it delivers the sounds you want. We suggest you adjust the cork stopper at the top of the mouthpiece so that the piccolo won’t sound too sharp and ear-damaging.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($99.99)
8. Glory Key of C Piccolo with Pro Case
If you’re looking for the perfect instrument to practice and improve your playing techniques, this piccolo from Glory represents a great choice. It is available in various colors, including gold, silver, and sea blue, so you can easily stand out from the crowd. The body and keys are both silver-plated and the unique construction is durable and impact-resistant.
Other features include an undercut beveled embouchure and top-quality double bladder pads to ensure a unique sound. The ergonomic finger brace reduces fatigue and helps you easily control the instrument, shaping the sharpness of the sounds you are making.
The package is completed with a deluxe plush-lined case featuring a hard shell that is resistant to wear, tear, and shocks, protecting your product and preserving it for a longer time. The pair of white gloves are suitable for practice, while the cleaning rod and the soft cleaning cloth will help you easily remove any dust, dirt or stains from the piccolo’s surface.
Pros
If the style of your instrument is important for you, choose between various shades of silver, gold or sea blue and make a statement with the help of this new Glory Piccolo.
The flawless finish makes for an elegant design, while the quality double bladder pads ensure good sound quality.
The product is mainly designed for studying and its popularity is given by the big number of teachers all over the world that recommend it.
The piccolo is delivered with numerous useful accessories to help you easily store, transport, and clean the instrument so it remains in perfect shape after each rehearsal or concert.
Cons
The cleaning rod provided with this piccolo isn’t long enough to go all the way through the piccolo, meaning you will have to clean from both ends, hoping you will reach the center too at some point.
Another inconvenience that you might encounter is the fact that you cannot remove the head cork from the head joint.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($46.11)
9. Paititi Piccolo PTTPICC-N
Designed for performance, this product represents a reliable choice for beginners and those who want to improve their playing techniques. The professional piccolo Key of C features a straight head joint and a silver-plated finish for a touch of style, while the nickel-plated body ensures a lightweight yet durable construction, resistant to wear and tear.
Thanks to the standard split E mechanism, you can easily reach an in-tune high E, allowing you to diversify the area of songs you can play.
Recommended by many music teachers and band directors, the piccolo comes with a robust body that delivers an excellent grip, reducing fatigue even when held for hours during practice time.
Moreover, transporting and looking after your piccolo has never been easier thanks to the complete set of accessories included with your purchase. You’ll get a premium case for easy carrying and storing the instrument whenever you’re not playing it, as well as joint grease, and a cleaning cloth and rod.
Pros
Unlike other devices sold for similar prices, the new Paititi instrument is recommended by numerous music teachers and band directors as an excellent learning and practicing tool.
Its sturdy body is nickel-plated while the straight head joint features a silver-plated finish for a touch of elegance and style.
Thanks to its unique set of features, the piccolo is guaranteed to deliver excellent sound quality, and even help you get a high E in-tune.
Delivered with a complete set of accessories, including a hard case and a cleaning cloth and rod, you can rest assured the product will always remain clean and stored away from damaging exterior factors.
Cons
As we previously mentioned, the instrument is mainly designed for practicing and represents a useful unit for beginners. However, you will need higher sound accuracy when performing in a professional orchestra or band, and this particular piccolo might not provide you that.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($136.08)
10. Sky Paititi Band Approved Piccolo Key of C
Say goodbye to the era of boring instruments and welcome a world full of bright colors and designs! This piccolo instrument by Sky is available in numerous color combinations, including red and gold, silver, purple and gold, black and gold, velvet pink and gold, and others, so it perfectly matches your personality and helps you stand out from the crowd.
Silver-plated piccolos are known for producing brighter, mellower sounds than instruments that are nickel-plated, so make sure you keep this in mind before ordering the product. The body is lightweight and elongated to ensure a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue or wrist pain even during long hours of practice.
The instrument is suitable for beginners and more experienced players alike and guarantees to deliver top-quality sounds. It comes with a full set of accessories, including a hard case for transport and storage, a soft polishing cloth, a screwdriver for cleaning the holes, and joint grease.
Pros
If you’re looking for a fun and playful instrument that can help you express your fizzy personality, this piccolo is available in various colors, ranging from silver and black to gold, purple, pink, red or green, so you can easily make a good first impression on stage.
The body is lightweight and durable at the same time, resistant to wear and tear, and won’t change its sound quality in time due to exterior factors.
It represents a good tool for beginners, being recommended by numerous teachers and orchestra members around the world.
It is delivered with a set of useful accessories that help you store the product in perfect conditions, maintaining its shiny finish for a longer time.
Cons
Although we appreciate the well-built body of the piccolo, the case that is supposed to protect the product while traveling seems rather loose and won’t secure the instrument inside. If you plan on carrying the piccolo with you for shows and auditions, we recommend choosing a different case.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($119.99)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
When choosing a piccolo, one aspect that is clear enough for any beginner is the material it’s made of, so you should look at that first. There are four different kinds of material types that can be used in an instrument like this and they all come with pros and cons. Thus, make sure you know what you want to use the piccolo for before making a purchase.
Wood
Most of the professional players choose wood for their piccolo but keep in mind that this is most of the time the most expensive alternative. A wooden piccolo is not recommended to be used outdoors or in marching bands. It does well in the summer when the weather is not too hot and you know it’s not going to rain, but that is pretty much the only time you should bring it outside.
The sound quality is the main reason why professionals like to play these. A wooden piccolo can offer you a greater variety of tones and subtle nuances if you know how to play it. The wood that the instrument is made of also impacts its sound, so there are many different options when looking for a wooden piccolo.
Metal
For those that will play in marching bands, metal piccolos do the best, and that is because they have a lot of power and they do really well against bad weather. Instead of cracking like wood, metal expands and contracts as the temperature changes.
Another thing about metal piccolos is that they usually have a cylindrical bore, meaning that the tube doesn’t taper towards the end, as a wood or plastic instrument would do. Condensation will build faster in a conical bore than in a cylindrical one, so that is an advantage when playing outdoors.
Speaking about bores, you should know that the type of bore is usually dictated by the type of material is used, but that is not always the case. Generally, metal piccolos are cylindrical, while wooden ones and plastic models have a conical bore. You will find the cylindrical models to be easier to play in the high registers, while the conical ones will offer an even tone throughout the registers.
When using a metal piccolo, its sound is a bright one that has lots of projection. These are the qualities that you need in a marching band. Most metal piccolos are made of nickel that is silver plated, although some of them are made of solid silver, and a model like that is clearly not a cheap piccolo instrument.
Plastic
Some say that you can never go wrong with plastic, and in the case of piccolos that applies in the sense that this material offers the most versatile experience. It is also known for giving your piccolo a mellow tone and a sweet sound, which does really well in concerts. If the piccolo instrument price interests you, plastic is usually the least expensive choice.
On the downside, it doesn’t give you the sound volume of a metal instrument, and it’s not as precise as the wood piccolo. Fortunately, in recent years, many known brands have started to create high-quality piccolos made out of plastic or composite materials that can rival the sound of the best models out there.
Combinations
You can also find models that are made from more than one type of material. Most often you will see a plastic body piccolo with a metal headjoint, and the sound quality for such an instrument lies between the two parts. They do bring some benefits from both worlds, but also some disadvantages.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and it should be made based on the sound you prefer and the thing you are going to use the piccolo for.
If you decided to learn to play the piccolo or enhance your skills, it is best to start with a product that is suitable for your level of expertise and budget. As we previously mentioned, these instruments are available in various materials, each with their own set of benefits and downsides.
Level of expertise
When considering a new piccolo, you need to know where you stand in the piccolo hall of fame. If you recently started playing the instrument and you consider yourself a beginner, it is best to stay with products made of nickel silver and composite, depending on the sound you’re looking to deliver, and the price you are willing to pay.
Those who are allergic to nickel can opt for silver-plated instruments that are not only stylish and beautiful but also durable and weather-resistant. As opposed to professional piccolos made of wood, the ones made of metal can be used outdoors and played year-round.
Intermediate piccolos are known for a higher quality of materials and the level of handwork invested in them. They are often made of a combination of materials, including wood, and deliver a warm and rich sound.
Professional piccolos are often made of the finest wood and feature head joints made of sterling silver.
Accessories
A good piccolo is delivered with all accessories necessary to keep it clean and safe from harsh weather conditions. When it comes to the protective case, make sure it is sturdy and features cushioning inside to absorb shocks and prevent your instrument from breaking in case of accidents.
Don’t forget that cleaning the piccolo properly will prolong its lifespan, so we suggest using the cleaning rod and cloth delivered in the package.
Make sure the rod is long enough to reach the instrument from one place to another so that you can easily remove any traces of dirt, dust or debris without spending too much time. As for the cleaning cloth, it should be soft so that it won’t scratch the surface of the piccolo or remove its topcoat.
However, if your instrument is made of wood, you’ll have to opt for additional maintenance tricks to ensure the quality of the wood, especially if you plan on performing outdoors. As we previously mentioned, it is not recommended to use a wood piccolo for marching as the combination of the cold temperatures outside and the hot air blowing will crack the bore.
Design and style
Why opt for plain, boring instruments when you can choose one that matches your creative personality? Most piccolos made of metal are available in a wide array of colors, designs, and styles, including vibrant shades of pink, blue, red, and gold, so you can easily make yourself noted when performing in a band.
If style and color are important to you, don’t forget to properly look after your instrument and preserve its bright finish for a longer time by cleaning it regularly and keeping it away from liquids and stains.
Bibliography:
1) What is a Piccolo instrument?
2) Short history of Piccolo instruments
3) A tiny instrument with a tremendous history: the piccolo
4) An orchestral sparkler – the piccolo
