Are you looking to start playing the piccolo or to get your first upgrade? You should compare the Yamaha YPC-32 vs. Yamaha YPC-62.
These piccolos sound similar, but their differences outweigh the same brand and naming system. Be sure to learn as much as you can about both models before you test them out.
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What Is the Yamaha YPC-32?
The Yamaha YPC-32 is a student/intermediate level piccolo with a metal headjoint and plastic body. It’s one of the more expensive models at the student level, but you can get a lot of use out of it before needing to upgrade.
I haven’t personally tried one of these piccolos before, but I know a lot of people who have. Some of my marching band mates played on these piccolos, and they sounded great.
Here are some details you should consider regarding this Yamaha piccolo.
Features and Specs
This piccolo features a silver-plated headjoint with a lip plate, so it can feel very similar to the flute. Meanwhile, the body is a plastic resin, and they keys are all silver-plated as well.
The model has a split E mechanism to help you play that note in the third octave. I love that even though it’s a piccolo, the G key is a bit offset, so you don’t have to squeeze your left hand to reach that key.
Now, the headjoint does connect to the body over a cork, so you’ll want to use some cork grease. That way, the cork won’t dry out and prevent you from assembling and disassembling the instrument.
Pros
- Good for students and intermediate players
- Easy to make a sound on
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- A bit expensive for what it is
- Not the best for advanced players
Who the Yamaha YPC-32 Is For
If you want to give the Yamaha YPC-32 a try, you may want to consider if it’s right for you. There are TONS of piccolo brands and models out there, and we all have different needs.
That being said, there are a few types of piccolo players I’d recommend give the Yamaha YPC-32 a try.
Beginners
Being a plastic and metal combo piccolo, this model is excellent for beginner players. You can get a good sound on the instrument without a ton of practice.
If you’re still focusing mainly on improving on the flute, that can be a nice benefit. You don’t have to spend hours a day working on your tone or trying to fight this piccolo to respond well.
This piccolo is a particularly good choice if you started on a Yamaha flute. While they’re not going to be identical, you’ll already have an idea of how Yamahas play.
Marching Band Members
As I mentioned, the Yamaha YPC-32 is suitable for people who need to play the piccolo in marching band. It’s an excellent choice whether you’re a beginner or have played for years.
Even if you have and use a wood piccolo in concert band or orchestra, you don’t want to use it outside. The Yamaha student model is durable enough to play outdoors.
You can also blend with the rest of the piccolos and other woodwinds relatively easily. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the piccolo cracking as the temperature changes.
Woodwind Doublers
I’d also suggest that woodwind doublers try the Yamaha YPC-32. Since it’s pretty easy to play, you may be able to pick it up and play after you get used to how it works.
That can be super important if you’re a woodwind doubler and play a lot of instruments. You won’t have a ton of time to practice the piccolo, so you need an instrument that will respond well.
Even if you’re a doubler whose main instrument is the flute, this piccolo is great. And of course, you get the same benefits as a marching band player of being able to play this piccolo outside.
What Is the Yamaha YPC-62?
The Yamaha YPC-62 is another excellent piccolo, but this model has a wood headjoint and body. It’s more similar to intermediate models, like the Lyric and Burkart Resona piccolos.
If I remember correctly, I got to borrow one of these piccolos when I was in college. Since I had a metal Armstrong, I used that for marching band and used a school-owned Yamaha for solos and other ensembles.
Consider the following details about this piccolo model.
Features and Specs
As I mentioned, this piccolo is made of wood, and it specifically uses grenadilla. That means you shouldn’t play it outside, and you need to be careful when taking it between temperature extremes.
Like the other Yamaha piccolo, this one features a split E mechanism. It also features a slightly offset G key, so you can more easily reach it with your left ring finger.
Since this piccolo is a bit more advanced, you can even choose between a traditional and wave headjoint. That way, you can choose the cut that’s easier for you to play on.
Pros
- Uses grenadilla wood
- Warm tone
- Traditional and wave headjoint cuts
- Blends well
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
- Requires more maintenance than the YPC-32
Who the Yamaha YPC-62 Is For
As you compare the Yamaha YPC-32 vs. Yamaha YPC-62, you may wonder which model is better for you. I already shared a few types of players who will enjoy the plastic model.
If you’re more interested in the wood piccolo, consider if any of the following applies to you.
Advanced Players
Since it’s a bit more expensive than student and some intermediate piccolos, the Yamaha YPC-62 is best for intermediate and advanced players. When you have experience, you’ll know if you like playing the piccolo.
That means you can justify spending a bit more on an instrument. Wood piccolos almost always cost more than piccolos that use other materials.
Also, you can get this piccolo when you start to get serious about the instrument. It’s pretty durable and can last you for years as long as you take good care of it.
Indoor Players
If you primarily play the piccolo in outdoor performances, I’d avoid this Yamaha. The Yamaha YPC-32 is going to be a better choice, but if you tend to play indoors, you may prefer the wood model.
You can blend with the other winds more easily on this model, or at least that’s been my experience. So whether you play in a flute choir, orchestra, or wind ensemble, consider this Yamaha.
It can be a nice upgrade from almost any student model piccolo. And while it is a bit costly, it’s not nearly as expensive as some professional models.
Who the Yamaha Piccolos Aren’t For
As you compare the Yamaha YPC-32 vs. Yamaha YPC-62, you may find neither suits your needs. That’s okay, and that’s one of the many reasons why multiple companies make piccolos.
I’m glad I got to borrow one when I did, but the brand is no longer the best choice for my playing. Here are a few types of players who may want to rethink buying a Yamaha or who may want to only use one as a backup.
Piccolo Specialists
A couple of years ago, I was trying multiple professional piccolos through a flute shop. The shop sent multiple models, include the Yamaha YPC-81, which is a more professional version of the 62.
I was able to try piccolos with my graduate flute/piccolo professor, and she told me that Yamaha isn’t the best for specialists. It can work well for flutists who need a good piccolo.
However, especially at the advanced level, there are multiple brands with better models. So you can try a Yamaha, and I did, but I quickly crossed it off the list of contenders for my purchase.
People With a Small Budget
On the other end of the spectrum, there are beginners who don’t want to spend much money at all. And I get it, especially since you may not be sure if you’ll stick with the piccolo.
In that case, I’d recommend getting a more affordable model, such as a Gemeinhardt or Jupiter piccolo. You can also look into used piccolos to get a good deal on almost any model.
But splurging for a new Yamaha is probably not the best idea unless you’ve been able to borrow a piccolo before.
“American” Players
I put “American” in quotes because there are plenty of Americans who enjoy Yamaha flutes and piccolos. However, I’m talking about players who tend to prefer the sound and feel of American-made instruments.
Yamaha is a Japanese brand, and some players find Asian piccolos (from reputable brands) to suit them better. If you find yourself enjoying the sound and response of Burkart, Haynes, or Powell, Yamaha probably won’t be for you.
By all means, give it a try if you can. But you may find you prefer those other brands much more.
How Do You Decide Between the Yamaha YPC-32 and Yamaha YPC-62?
Consider things like your budget, experience, and where you’ll play the piccolo. If you have less cash, you may want to go for the Yamaha YPC-32 since it’s cheaper.
On the other hand, if you’ll be playing the piccolo mostly inside, you might want to spring for the Yamaha YPC-62. That way, you can get a warmer tone that blends better.
Where Can You Buy a Yamaha Piccolo?
You can buy a Yamaha piccolo from a variety of music and flute specialty shops. Look online or find stores in your area that may carry the models you want to try.
Other options include searching resale marketplaces, particularly if you’re looking for a used piccolo.
What About the Yamaha YPC-81 and YPC-82?
The Yamaha YPC-81 and YPC-82 are two even more advanced (and therefore more expensive) models. If you’re serious about the piccolo, you can give those models a try as well.
Should You Get a New or Used Yamaha Piccolo?
I’d go with a used Yamaha piccolo but only if you can try it before you buy it. If you can’t try the piccolo first, buying a new one will be much safer.
You never know how well a prior own took care of the Yamaha piccolo. So you could think you’re getting a good deal, but you may need to spend hundreds of dollars more in repair costs.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha YPC-32 vs. Yamaha YPC-62 is an important debate among piccolo players. Both models can serve you well, but they’re better in certain scenarios.
Be sure to consider your needs and budget, and try both models if you can. That way, you can choose the best piccolo for you.