What’s the best beginner piccolo? Before you buy the cheapest, consider a few models that may cost a bit more.
These models aren’t the cheapest, but they offer features that you won’t find on the low-cost, no-name brands. So you can expect a better sound and a more durable instrument.
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Armstrong 204
The Armstrong 204 is an excellent beginner piccolo. It was the first piccolo I owned and played, and it worked great. Since it’s a metal model, it has a lip plate which can make the piccolo easier for new players.
This piccolo also features a hand rest for the left-hand first finger since it has a metal body. Metal tubing is thinner overall than the plastic or wood tubing on many other piccolos.
I used this piccolo in college marching band, and it was easy to play in that ensemble. The piccolo is easier to hear, but the metal head and body make it fit in with any flutes.
It’s an excellent choice for marching band or any other outdoor playing. While you can use it inside, it gets a bit shrill. You may also have a hard time blending with other musicians.
Still, this is a great beginner piccolo to try. If you ever upgrade, you can keep it on hand as a backup instrument.
Pros
- Easy to play
- Good tone
- Lip plate
- Hand rest
- Durable
Cons
- A bit shrill
- Hard to stay in tune
Yamaha YPC-32
If you want a plastic body, you should try the Yamaha YPC-32. The model has a metal headjoint, so it has a lip plate like the Armstrong. But the plastic body keeps it from being too shrill.
You can play this piccolo in marching band, orchestra, or any other ensemble. While I haven’t played this model, I know many others who have played it and liked it.
The piccolo is a fantastic choice for any student. If you like Yamaha flutes, you’ll probably enjoy the Yamaha piccolo. And like the Armstrong, this model is a great backup after you upgrade.
I’d recommend this piccolo to someone who needs an instrument for many different groups and situations. You can start playing in a lot of ensembles without needing a piccolo for each one.
Pros
- Great sound
- Easy to play
- Durable
- Works inside and outside
- Lip plate
Cons
- Expensive for what it is
JPC 1010
The Jupiter JPC 1010 is a piccolo with a plastic headjoint and plastic body. That means you don’t get a lip plate, but it can help you practice for when you want to get another piccolo without one.
Like any other beginner piccolo, this one has silver-plated keys. It’s also not too fancy in terms of the mechanism. You can start playing basic music and advance a bit before needing something better.
If you want the sound and feel of a wood piccolo, this is a good choice. You may not get the exact sound, but you can emulate more so than with a metal headjoint or body.
Now, this piccolo is a bit expensive, but it’s still affordable for most beginners. Give it a try to see if this model suits your needs and playing style.
Pros
- Plastic throughout
- Easy to blend
- Nice for different situations
- Sounds great
Cons
- No lip plate
Pearl 105
When I needed something better than the Armstrong, I upgraded to a Pearl 105. However, you can jump straight to this model when you first learn how to play the piccolo.
This model features a composite grenaditte headjoint and body. That means it’s a mix of grenadilla wood and plastic. So you can get the sound and response of a wood piccolo without the risk of cracks.
Because of that, you can use this piccolo outside, such as in marching band. You can also use it in orchestra, wind ensemble, and flute choir. I’ve played mine in all of those ensembles with ease.
It’s a bit expensive, so you might not want to buy it for your first piccolo. But if you have the money, invest in it. It will probably last longer than any other beginner model.
Pros
- For beginners and intermediate players
- Easy to play
- Different headjoint cuts
- Good sound
- Easy to blend
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not for every beginner
What to Look for in a Beginner Piccolo
Now that you know about some candidates for the best beginner piccolo, it’s time to consider how to choose the right one. Just because I got an Armstrong doesn’t mean that’s what you should get.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your first piccolo.
Affordability
When shopping for a piccolo, you should think about the price. As a beginner, you can’t justify spending thousands of dollars. At the same time, you shouldn’t buy the cheapest option just to save money.
Instead, look at reputable models, like those in this list. Then, set a budget of around $1,000 to $1,400. That will give you room to try out different models to see which one works best for you.
Durability
The best beginner piccolo is one that will be durable. You may need to play it outside, and some new players don’t know how to take good care of a piccolo.
Either way, durability means you can get more life out of your instrument. So you don’t have to buy a new one as soon. You can save money overall.
Materials
A beginner piccolo can be metal, plastic, or both. As you look at models, think about the sound and response you want. If you want something loud, metal is great.
Metal is also useful if you want a lip plate. But plastic is easier to blend in an orchestra or a similar ensemble. So give both a try to see which sounds better to you.
Which Beginner Piccolo Will You Try?
The right beginner piccolo is crucial to helping you love the instrument. But there isn’t one right model for everyone.
Think about the sound you want and where you want to play the piccolo. You’ll be able to use those preferences to choose a model that suits your needs.