Where can I find a cheap, indestructable piccolo that will play decently enough for marching band? I won't need it until next year, but i would like to know a reliable source and some good brands to look for. I currently play alto saxophone in my schools marching band, but I primarily play the flute. I have decided that next year I am going to march piccolo though, because I think it will improve my flute playing and I would really like to learn how to play it better. What are some tips for an amateur piccolo player? Like embouchure differences from flute and such? Thanks!
Honestly, and I might get flamed for saying this, but you really don't need or want anything spectacular for marching band. It'll get rained on, hit, sat on, and possibly lost. Anything that's playable will do- it's not a concert, it's an outdoor event where most of the sound is lost anyway.
Actually I agree with Aleiannie, it doesn't matter too much of what your playing, since its probably going to be drowned out by the open air and other instruments. I've heard good things about the geirmhart (or however you spell it) although I'm not a flute player myself (Although I have played flute for 2 weeks just for fun!) =)
If you only need it for marching band, get some cheap metal one that plays; like Armstrong, Jupiter, or Gemeinhardt.
But if you want the piccolo for marching band and inside performances then try a plastic piccolo, and can chunk up some more money, try something like a Yamaha 32 or a Pearl piccolo
I agree with theflutist94. If you just want a cheap marching piccolo, then a Gemeinhardt, Jupiter or Yamaha would be sufficient. I would suggest either a metal piccolo or a plastic one. The Jupiter 303 and 305 start at $549 new and are great for outdoor activities.
I also know that Pearl has a composite piccolo (PFP-105) that is supposed to be impervious to temperature fluctuations, but it starts at $995 new. A little pricey. I don't have any experience with Armstrong piccolos, so I can't really give you any advice about them.
If you plan to buy a used piccolo, I would make sure to ask the owner how often they have to take it in for repair, because that will also be important if you want to be frugal.
I get all my pricing information from www.flute4u.com
They also give specs for the instruments, but I think they only have new piccolos. You might try calling them. If you look on their website, they should have a number listed.
I wish you luck with your piccolo hunting!
Do your school music program have a piccolo? I would guess that most likely they do, but it's a matter of getting first dibs. See if that's an option for you. Then you don't have to spend any more, or can only buy a nice picc for indoors, still not spending money for a picc to get ruined in the rain, sat on, stolen, etc.
I have a YPC-32 piccolo now, and I guess im progressing ok. I have no problem playing in the upper and middle registers, but my lower register(G and below) are airy and the d almost never comes out. Might need to be adjusted, i got it used so...i really like piccolo(parents hate it, but.....lol) and i hope it improves my flute playing.
The piccolo won't do your flute playing any favors.
The alto sax at least is a foreign embouchure and will affect your flute playing less negatively than a piccolo. They both will have the same negative breath support effect on your flute playing, you'll support less and play flat unless you know how to control your abs.
Also the piccolo is less enjoyable than the alto sax in marching. I marched for the first time with alto sax this year (adult group) and it was actually much better than marching flute or piccolo just because you have all this volume and the wind isn't interfering with your playing. And the alto parts can be quite nice and complex versus what you get in marching flute parts.
The instrument you play makes a big difference too. If you have a poor alto/flute/picc it won't be as enjoyable playing as a good (yet suitable for outdoors) instrument.
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