Looking at the instrument’s material, desired tone, and intended venue, bore type, mixing and matching materials, price, and play test results are all things to consider when purchasing a new piccolo. Investigating all of these factors can take a long time, but given the high cost of a high-quality instrument, it is worthwhile to take your time. If a player follows these guidelines, he will be more likely to obtain a model that will last, is appropriate for his musical career, and is defect-free.
The first tip for purchasing a new piccolo is to be aware of how the material used to construct the instrument affects its durability and tone. Piccolo players who are unfamiliar with the instrument may regard it as a “once-in-a-while” instrument that they use only on rare occasions. In reality, the piccolo is a serious instrument that sees a lot of action in specific situations. The piccolo’s tone and composition must be appropriate for the music and venues in which the performer will appear.
Metal, composite, and wood are the three basic musical flavors of piccolos. Nickel silver or sterling silver are the most common metals used in musical instruments. Hard plastic is used in the composite ones. Grenadilla is the most common wood used in wood models, though other woods are occasionally used.
In most cases, a new piccolo of wood is only appropriate in an indoor setting. These instruments are simply too sensitive to temperature and humidity to be used outside; extremes of dryness or heat can cause them to crack. They have a sweeter, warmer tone than other models, making them ideal for orchestral or chamber music where the piccolo needs to blend in more. Metal models sound much more shrill and have better projection for general bands. In marching bands, purchasing a new plastic piccolo can be a good option because plastic does not have the same susceptibilities as wood.
After that, understand the differences between cylindrical and conical bores. Cylindrical bore instruments are similar to concert C flutes in that they are always made of silver and are easier to play, but they do not allow for as much tone control. Conical bore instruments can be made of metal, composite plastic, or wood, giving them a wider range of tonal possibilities.
Also, be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of “mix and match” models. These instruments aren’t all made of the same stuff. They might, for example, use wood for the main body but a metal head joint for better projection. When purchasing a new piccolo, a musician can be very specific about the sound he wants from the instrument. The problem with buying an instrument made of different materials is that different materials do not heat or cool at the same rate, making tuning the instrument more difficult. On the piccolo, which has nowhere to hide in an ensemble, this is the last thing anyone wants.
Another tip for those looking to buy a “little flute” is that, while a good deal can be found, price is usually a good indicator of quality. The piccolo is not an instrument for the faint of heart, as it is heard above all else. It is preferable to spend a little more money on a higher-quality instrument with easier tuning and fewer “accident” notes.
Finally, never buy something without first trying it out. Even brand-new instruments can have manufacturing flaws. Furthermore, given the size and shape of the player’s hands, an individual may find that two instruments of equal price and tone “fit” better.