Burkart Piccolo Guide

Do you want to improve your piccolo playing? You may want to look into buying a Burkart piccolo.

These instruments are some of the best you’ll find, but they aren’t for everyone. Consider if any of the models would work for you.

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What Is the Burkart Piccolo?

The Burkart piccolo line includes three models, all at different prices. All of the piccolos are wood models, so they’re better for players with a bit of experience.

However, each model can serve a slightly different purpose. If you’re shopping for a wood piccolo, give one or more of the Burkart models a try.

Then, you can determine if one suits your needs. Or you can learn if you should try a piccolo from a different company.

What Is the Resona Piccolo?

The Burkart Resona piccolo is the entry-level model from this brand. It has a lot of the same features as the more expensive models.

However, it’s not handmade like the other instruments. Still, it’s a good choice for a piccolo player on a budget.

Consider the features and other details about this model.

Specs

The Burkart Resona piccolo features grenadilla wood for the headjoint and body. There are also sterling silver tenons and an end ring. But the keys and mechanism are silver-plated.

This model also features a split E mechanism and 10 karat white gold springs. You’ll also receive a case, case cover, cleaning rod, and cleaning cloth.

Like many more expensive models, you can choose between a traditional and wave headjoint. That way, you can get the sound out more easily based on your playing style.

Who It’s For

The Resona is an excellent first wood piccolo. If you’re looking to upgrade from an all-metal model or a plastic instrument, you may find the sound is much better.

When I tried this piccolo, I enjoyed how it played and how it sounded. However, I already had a Pearl piccolo, which is composite. The sound difference wasn’t significant enough from that other model.

But if you find there’s a big difference, you may want to spend a bit more to get this piccolo. Then, you can always keep the other model on hand as a backup.

Where to Buy

You can find the Burkart Resona piccolo from a variety of flute shops. I also found it on the online music retailer Woodwind & Brasswind.

Some other general music stores may carry it as well. If you’re looking to buy a used one, you can ask other players you know.

Another option is to go to flute groups on Facebook. There are some groups just for sales where you may find your next piccolo.

Should You Buy It Used?

You can buy a used Resona piccolo. However, you should be able to try the instrument before you commit to the purchase.

A used piccolo can be risky since you don’t know how good the condition is. If you want to buy a used piccolo online, ask if there’s a trial or return option just in case.

When you find the instrument is hard to play, you shouldn’t buy a used one.

What Is the Burkart Legacy Piccolo?

A newer model to consider is the Burkart Legacy Piccolo. The instrument features aged grenadilla wood for the headjoint and body, so you can get a nice warm sound.

Consider the following details about this new piccolo.

Specs

Along with the grenadilla wood, you’ll get Straubinger pads and a silver-plated mechanism. The mechanism also features a split E to help you play the third octave E more easily.

It uses the Burkart scale and is tuned to A = 442 Hertz. That makes it a great choice as many ensembles start to use higher tunings, so you won’t sound so flat.

Like with the other Burkart piccolos, you can choose from three headjoint cuts. Then, you can get the sound and response you want from your next piccolo.

Who It’s For

I’d recommend the Legacy piccolo to any serious player who needs a pro-level piccolo but can’t quite afford the other models. While this piccolo is far from cheap, it’s not as expensive.

That means you can strike a nice balance between cost and value. And you can get a decent sound on the instrument, so it may suit you as your forever piccolo, especially if you’re not a specialist.

Where to Buy

Since this piccolo is so new, you can’t find it just anywhere. I found it for sale at a couple of the major flute shops, but I have yet to see it in smaller music stores or other retailers.

But in a few years, I imagine the piccolo will be more readily available. Don’t be afraid to check with a music or flute store to see if they have any of this model in stock.

Should You Buy It Used?

As of this update (April 2023), the Burkart Legacy piccolo may not be available used. The people who have purchased one probably aren’t ready to sell theirs yet.

However, in a few years, you may start to see them on the used market. When that happens, buying a used one could be a great option to help you save money.

Just make sure you can try the piccolo or at least hear it in action before purchasing. That way, you’ll know if the piccolo is playable or if it will need repairs.

What Is the Burkart Professional Piccolo?

The Burkart Professional Piccolo is the lower-cost handmade model. I tried one when I was trying professional instruments, and it worked pretty well.

Now, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the Resona. However, it may be a good option for some players.

Here’s what you need to know about this piccolo.

Specs

The Burkart Professional piccolo uses grenadilla wood for the headjoint and body. Its keys, tenons, and end ring all use solid silver, which looks and sounds great.

There’s also a split E mechanism and gold springs. You will receive a case and case cover as well as a piccolo flag with this model. Plus, you can choose the right headjoint style.

The three cuts include the Burkart, Clarion, and Modified Wave cuts. If you want this instrument, try all of the cuts. That way, you can choose the combination that works for you.

Who It’s For

This piccolo is for advanced players and professionals. I tried it when I was shopping for instruments at this level. While I didn’t end up with a Burkart picoclo, it was pretty easy to play and get a sound on.

If you currently play a Resona or another student or intermediate model, you may want to upgrade to the Professional one. However, this piccolo is a bit more expensive than others with similar specs.

Keep that in mind when setting your budget. Then, you can make sure you’ll end up with a piccolo that works well for you.

Where to Buy

Since this piccolo is a pro model, you have less shopping options compared to the Resona. You can find the Professional piccolo at a lot of flute specialty stores.

If you want to test it out, most stores will send you a trial. That way, you can determine if the model is a good choice for you.

Of course, you can also look online to see if someone is selling their current piccolo. Then, you may be able to save some money on your purchase.

Should You Buy It Used?

You should buy the Burkart Professional piccolo used if you want to save a bit of money. However, make sure the instrument is in good condition and ready to play.

If it needs a lot of work, you may save on your purchase. But you might spend way more than the difference on maintenace.

In that case, it would be better to spend more upfront on a new piccolo. Then, you can start playing that model right away.

What Is the Burkart Elite Deluxe Piccolo?

The Burkart Elite Deluxe Piccolo is the top of the line model. It’s a good choice for serious piccolo players with a bigger budget.

When you’re looking for your forever piccolo, you may want to consider this model. That way, you can get the best possible instrument for your needs.

Here are some things you should know about this model.

Specs

The piccolo uses aged grenadilla wood. Meanwhile, the keys, tenons, and end ring all use solid silver. Unlike the other piccolos, this one features a vented C key to help with tuning.

You can also get it with a high G# facilitator. That way, you don’t have to use alternate fingerings to play that note well. If you want, you also have the option of upgrading to get gold fittings.

Like the Professional piccolo, this one comes with the same three headjoint style options. You can try each headjoint to see which one works best for you.

Who It’s For

The Burkart Elite Deluxe piccolo is best for serious players. If you’re a piccolo specialist or play in an orchestra, you may love this model.

However, it’s very expensive. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you know you’ll be playing the piccolo every day. Otherwise, it would be a waste of money.

If you like Burkart piccolos and want the extra specs, though, this model may be worth it. You can’t get all of the same specs on the Professional piccolo as this one.

Where to Buy It

You can buy the Burkart Elite Deluxe piccolo from the same places as you’d buy the Professional piccolo. A lot of flute specialty stores carry this model.

Another option is to watch the various flute sales groups. I wouldn’t expect it to show up often, but you never know. If someone wants to sell theirs, you might be able to get a good deal on it.

Should You Buy It Used?

You may want to buy this piccolo used. However, I’d hesitate to say that’s the best option for this model.

Since it offers a lot of customizations, buying a used piccolo takes all of that away. Sure, you may luck out and find a used one with the features you want.

But the odds of that happening, especially soon, are very slim. If you want to get this piccolo, you may want to save up a bit more to afford a new one that you can customize to meet your needs.

Which Burkart Piccolo Is Best for Me?

The best Burkart piccolo for you depends on your budget. It also varies based on your piccolo playing experience and how much you plan to play the instrument.

No matter your experience and goals, try all of the piccolos. Then, you can determine which model is the right one for you.

Is a Burkart Piccolo Right for Me?

It depends on your playing. Some players love their Burkart piccolo, while others prefer models from other brands.

I chose a Hammig piccolo over Burkart. However, I know quite a few people who play a Burkart model and love it. So give these piccolos a try to see if they suit you.

Will You Buy a Burkart Piccolo?

If you’re looking to buy a new piccolo, consider a variety of brands. You may find that a Burkart piccolo is the best model for you.

Whether you go with the Resona or the Elite Deluxe, this line of instruments is one of the best out there. Just because I didn’t buy one doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t.

Do you want to buy a new piccolo? Review the piccolo buying guide to learn more!