If you’ve played the piccolo for a while, you might be ready for an upgrade. You should check out a Burkart Resona piccolo review or two to learn if it’s the right model for you.
While it’s not for everyone, all of the people I know with a Resona love the model. Be sure to at least give it a try when you’re looking for an intermediate instrument.
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What Is the Burkart Resona?
The Burkart Resona is an intermediate level grenadilla wood piccolo. It’s become a popular choice among students and amateurs because it offers great features at an affordable price.
You can choose between a wave headjoint and traditional headjoint based on your preferences. I like how it plays easily, so it’s a good choice if you don’t have much time to practice the piccolo.
Another nice feature is the split E mechanism, which helps you get a good sound on the third-octave E. The silver-plated mechanism uses an ergonomic design that makes the piccolo comfortable to hold.
I first got to try one back in 2017 at a local “flute party” that I attended. It sounded great, and I think it would be a nice upgrade from many student models.
Pros
- Great respose
- Easy to play
- Suitable specs
- Best for intermediate players
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Not a huge upgrade from models like the Pearl 105
Who the Burkart Resona Is For
The Burkart Resona is an excellent piccolo for intermediate students who are looking for an upgrade. If you’re starting to outgrow your current piccolo, the Resona may be a good next choice.
I’d also recommend the model to adult amateurs who need a better piccolo. You may not be able to justify spending $5,000 or so on a professional piccolo, so the Resona is a good alternative.
Whether you’re in college or simply play the piccolo for fun, give the Resona a try. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a good fit, particularly for people who’ve played Burkart flutes.
Who the Burkart Resona Is Not For
Unfortunately, the Burkart Resona isn’t ideal for all piccolo players. For one, absolute beginners shouldn’t jump right into playing a wood model since they can be expensive and require more maintenance.
On the other hand, piccolo specialists and other players might not want to buy the Resona. Sure, it’s a good piccolo, but if you’re that serious about the instrument, you might prefer a more professional model.
The Resona is part of the intermediate level, so you may feel like it’s holding you back from being the best you can be.
Where to Buy the Burkart Resona
You can buy the Burkart Resona piccolo from most major flute shops and some more general music retailers. I got to try one through my flute technician who also sells instruments.
Another option is to look online fora used piccolo. You can check on Facebook, eBay, and other resale sites to see if you can find something local that you can try before you buy.
New vs. Used Resona
Speaking of buying a used piccolo, consider how new and used Resona piccolos compare. In general, new piccolos will be in better condition because they haven’t been played outside of maybe the occasional trial.
However, a used piccolo will almost always cost less, especially at the intermediate level. As long as you buy one that the seller has kept in good shape, you can get a good deal on your first wood piccolo.
Burkart Global vs. Resona
Another thing to consider is that the Resona hasn’t always had the name it does today. When Burkart first released an intermediate piccolo, they named it the Global piccolo.
As far as I know, the two models are essentially the same, and the Resona took over after the Global. So if you’re shopping for a used piccolo, don’t be afraid to consider Global as part of your search.
Then, you can open up your selection even more, and you may just find the perfect piccolo for you.
Other Piccolos to Try
Before you decide to buy a Burkart Resona piccolo, you should consider some other models. I know quite a few piccolo players who have and love their Resona.
However, when I tried it, I determined it probably wasn’t the best fit for me. Consider the following options and compare them to the Resona to make sure you buy the piccolo the suits your needs.
Pearl 105
Unlike the Resona, the Pearl 105 is a composite piccolo, so it combines wood and plastic. However, this was the model I was playing when I got to try the Burkart Resona.
I found that the Resona didn’t sound that much different from or better than the Pearl, at least for me. They both have a good, warm tone that’s useful for indoor playing with or without a group.
You can choose between a traditional and wave headjoint to get the response you want. Plus, this piccolo also features a split E mechanism to help you play the third octave well.
Lyric
The same day I tried the Burkart Resona, I also got to try a Lyric piccolo. It was pretty new at the time, but it’s slowly becoming an excellent competitor.
This model uses grenadilla wood, and it’s perfect for intermediate players. I love how it’s quite a bit more affordable than the Burkart as well, so it’s good if you’re on a tight budget.
You get the same split E, so you can play that note more easily. Plus, the tone on this piccolo is very similar to that of a Burkart Resona.
Yamaha YPC-62
The Yamaha YPC-62 is yet another excellent intermediate grenadilla wood piccolo. It’s at a more similar price point to the Burkart compared to the Lyric.
This model has a lot of the same specs as well, from silver-plated keys to a split E mechanism. I got to play on a Yamaha wood piccolo in college, and it worked out well.
However, it can be a bit thin in the extreme low register, so playing those low notes isn’t as easy. Still, it’s a good choice for students or anyone who enjoys Yamaha flutes.
Jupiter DiMedici
If you still haven’t found an intermediate piccolo you like, try the Jupiter DiMedici. I don’t have as much experience with this piccolo as with the others, but I’ve heard great things about it.
The piccolo uses grenadilla wood and features a split E mechanism, so it’s very similar to its competitors. You also get a nice conical bore, which is standard on wood piccolos.
I think this is an excellent instrument for students and amateurs, and it’s slightly more affordable than the Resona. Give it a try, especially if you have and like Jupiter flutes.
Burkart Professional
Perhaps you know that Burkart is the piccolo brand for you, but you can’t quite get the sound you want on the Resona. It may be worth saving up a bit more money to buy the Burkart Professional piccolo.
I got to try one of these near the end of graduate school when I was looking to buy my first professional piccolo. This model sounded good, and you can even upgrade to an aftermarket headjoint from Mancke.
That allows you to get the best possible sound from your instrument. Other than that, the specs are the same as the Resona except the Professional model is all handmade.
Final Thoughts
When looking to upgrade your piccolo, you may want to consider a Burkart Resona piccolo review. The model is an excellent choice for many advancing students and amateurs.
However, it’s not for everyone, so you should compare it to other intermediate and/or wood models. And don’t forget to check the intonation of the Resona using a piano keyboard and drone.