If you want to learn the piccolo, you need the best model you can get. Luckily, the best piccolos under $1500 are of good quality and can help you get a good sound and response.
You can choose from quite a few models in this price range. Read on to learn what models are out there and how they compare.
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Pearl 105
My favorite piccolo under $1500 is the Pearl 105. This was the first piccolo I bought with my own money, and it was the first time I upgraded from my student model.
The Pearl 105 is a composite piccolo, which means it combines wood and plastic. Specifically, Pearl calls the material grenaditte, so it has the warmth of grenadilla wood but the stability of plastic.
You can get this piccolo with a traditional or wave headjoint, and I got the wave head. Either option comes with a split E mechanism, and the keys are laid out in a way that you can spread your fingers out more.
That makes the piccolo easy to play even if you have slightly large hands. I played on my Pearl piccolo through grad school, and it worked well for me at that time.
Yamaha YPC-32
Another one of the best piccolos under $1500 is the Yamaha YPC-32. This piccolo features a plastic body, but the keys and the headjoint are silver-plated.
Now, this piccolo is listed at just over $1500, but it’s very frequently on sale for less than that. So if you’re willing to wait for a sale or have some extra cash, it’s an excellent choice.
I haven’t played this particular model, but I know a lot of people have. Some of my fellow flutists in college used this model for marching band, and they sounded great.
It has a split E mechanism to help you play that note without cracking the pitch. Plus, the plastic and metal make it great for indoor and outdoor playing.
Jupiter JPC700
The Jupiter JPC700 is an amazing all-metal piccolo, specifically a silver-plated model. It looks like a small flute, so that could help beginners switch to the smaller instrument, at least mentally.
I like how the piccolo has a finger rest for your left hand so that you don’t have to squeeze your hand so much. The keys are all inline, which is a bit unique since many piccolos are starting to feature an offset G.
This model is a great choice if you need a good marching band piccolo since many bands require metal models. But it can also work as a beginner piccolo for indoor playing.
Jupiter JPC1000
Another fantastic piccolo under $1500 is the Jupiter JPC1000. The model features a silver-plated headjoint and a plastic body with silver-plated keys, like the Yamaha YPC-32.
You can play this model in marching band, concert band, and other settings. Like the other Jupiter model, this one has inline keys, which can be more comfortable for some players.
It’s easy to project your sound on this instrument, so you don’t have to overplay too much. I haven’t tried this model, but Jupiter makes great flutes and piccolos for students.
Jupiter JPC1010
The Jupiter JPC1010 is the third amazing model from this brand that costs less than $1500. It features both a plastic headjoint and body, while the keys are silver-plated.
I love how this piccolo uses a metal tenon to connect the headjoint and body, so you don’t have to worry about cork grease. That can be a nice option for students who can forget about certain maintenance things.
It’s also a great choice for playing in an orchestra or another indoor setting. You can blend your sound with other instruments more easily compared to a piccolo with a metal headjoint.
Armstrong 204
Another one of the best piccolos under $1500 is the Armstrong 204. I started on this all-silver-plated model back in 2014 when I realized I needed to learn the piccolo as a flute player.
Like the Jupiter metal model, this one has a hand rest for your left index finger to make playing more comfortable. It also has inline keys, which can be easier for some to play.
I think this piccolo is perfect for beginners switching from the flute. The lip plate and embouchure hole can help you get used to forming a smaller embouchure for the instrument.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any advanced specs, like a split E mechanism. It can also be a bit expensive when you buy it new, but you can find a used one for much cheaper.
Roy Seaman Storm
The Roy Seaman Storm is the most similar to the Pearl out of piccolos under $1500. This model uses synthetic materials for the body and headjoint, and the keys are silver-plated.
You get to choose between a traditional or wave headjoint to get the response you want. It’s suitable for use indoors and outdoors, so it’s a great model if you can’t afford multiple piccolos.
Roy Seaman is a line of piccolos from Gemeinhardt, so it’s perfect if you have and love a Gemeinhardt flute. Now, I haven’t tried this model, but I’ve also heard it’s great for people who don’t like the Pearl piccolo that I shared earlier.
Di Zhao DZP-102
Another composite piccolo to try is the Di Zhao DZP-102. The headjoint and body use a special material that blends wood with plastic to stabilize the wood.
I haven’t tried this model, but I’ve heard others play it, and they sound great. This piccolo is a bit cheaper than other composite models, so it’s nice if you’re on a strict budget.
It features a lip plate carved into the composite material on the headjoint. If you like the look and feel of a lip plate, that can be a nice touch.
Lyric Piccolo
Most of the best piccolos under $1500 are made of plastic, metal, or a plastic-wood composite material. However, the Lyric piccolo is a grenadilla wood instrument in this price range (at least as of this writing).
I’ve tried a couple of these over the years, and they sound great. They come with a split E mechanism, and the default headjoint cut is a wave cut, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the player.
This model is relatively new to the market, coming out in 2017 or so. However, it’s gained a good amount of traction, and I think it’s a great choice for indoor playing on a budget.
Stretch the Budget: Trevor James Blaze
Sometimes, going over budget is worth it to get the best piccolo for you, and I’ve done that before. If you’re willing to extend your budget to $1600, try the Trevor James Blaze.
The brand makes excellent flutes and low flutes, and they’re starting to improve their piccolos. This model uses grenadilla wood and silver-plated keys.
It also has a split E mechanism, so playing the upper octave can be easier. While I haven’t tried this model, I’ve heard recordings of others playing it, and they sound great.
Is $1500 Enough for a Good Piccolo?
For beginners and even intermediate players, $1500 is more than enough for a good piccolo. My first two models fell in this price range, and they both helped me get to where I am.
While you’ll eventually need a more expensive instrument, you can start with a budget of $1500. Then, you can explore quite a few amazing piccolos on the market.
Can You Buy a New Piccolo for $1500?
You can buy a new piccolo for less than $1500. Except for the Trevor James model, all of the ones on this list cost $1500 new, at least when they’re on sale.
However, you can open yourself up to more models if you’re willing to buy a used piccolo. Then, you could afford instruments that may cost as much as $2000 new.
The Best Piccolos Under $1500: In Review
Whether you’re looking to start the piccolo or improve, you may wonder about the best piccolos under $1500. Be sure to consider models from Pearl, Yamaha, Jupiter, and more.
Compare the specs and the specific price of each to find the instrument that meets your needs. Check out these piccolo buying tips for more help choosing an instrument!