You’re ready to get your first wood piccolo, but you don’t know what to choose. So you decide to look into the Yamaha YPC-62 vs. Yamaha YPC-81.
Both piccolos are great, and I’ve tried and enjoyed both models. But one piccolo might be the better choice for you, so read on to figure out which model that is.
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What Is the Yamaha YPC-62?
The Yamaha YPC-62 is the brand’s entry-level wooden piccolo. It features a grenadilla headjoint and body, and the keys and mechanism are silver-plated.
You can choose between a traditional headjoint cut or a wave cut, which is helpful for directing air into the piccolo. Both configurations come with a split E mechanism.
Plus, it comes with a case that has room for your headjoint, body, and even some cork grease. That way, you can keep the cork from drying out.
Pros
- Good for advancing students
- Easy to play
- Nice tone
Cons
- Thin sound in the low register
- Not the best for professionals
Who the Yamaha YPC-62 Is For
I’d recommend the Yamaha YPC-62 to piccolo players with a bit of experience but who are looking for an upgrade. This model is a great first wooden piccolo, but it’s not ideal for absolute beginners.
It’s suitable for woodwind doublers, amateur players, and flute players who need a good piccolo but aren’t piccolo specialists. Finally, the piccolo is a good choice for music majors or recent music school graduates who are on a budget.
What Is the Yamaha YPC-81?
The Yamaha YPC-81 is very similar to the 62 thanks to a grenadilla headjoint and body. It also comes with a silver-plated mechanism, a split E mechanism, and different headjoint cuts.
If you like the 62 but don’t love it or need something slightly better, the 81 may meet your needs. But it’s also not the most top-of-the-line piccolo on the market.
Pros
- Suitable for advanced players
- Nice sound
- Easy to play
Cons
- A bit expensive
- No clear differences from the 62
Who the Yamaha YPC-81 Is For
As you compare the Yamaha YPC-62 vs. Yamaha YPC-81, you may wonder if it’s worth getting the more expensive piccolo. This model is a better fit for more advanced or professional flute players.
I wouldn’t say it’s ideal for piccolo specialists as there are other brands that are better. However, it’s a good choice if you’re a flute player and need a professional piccolo but can’t justify spending more on an instrument.
Yamaha YPC-62 vs. Yamaha YPC-81 Differences
These two piccolos are almost identical except for the price. I did some research, and I couldn’t find a lot of information on how these piccolos are different from each other.
One unique feature I came across was that the YPC-62 uses standard grenadilla wood. However, the YPC-81 uses select grenadilla, so there may be a different quality control process for these two piccolos.
I found one piccolo player who said the Yamaha YPC-81 has less of an edgy sound compared to the Yamaha YPC-62. But your experience may vary, so it’s crucial to try both models.
Who the Yamaha YPC-62 and Yamaha YPC-81 Aren’t For
You may compare and contrast the Yamaha YPC-62 vs. Yamaha YPC-81 and find neither is right for you. That’s okay, and there are some groups of people who will come to that conclusion more often than others.
Here are a few types of flute players who may want to look into other piccolo models.
Absolute Beginners
Playing a wood piccolo allows you to get a nice, warm tone from your instrument. However, if you’re new to the piccolo, you should save wood for later.
The material requires more maintenance and is more expensive than plastic or metal piccolos. You should start on another material to make sure you even like playing the piccolo.
If you end up enjoying it, you can always upgrade to a nicer piccolo later. But you won’t be out as much money if you hardly ever play your piccolo.
Piccolo Specialists
Many flute players decide to specialize in the piccolo as a performer or teacher. If this applies to you, I would say you can try the Yamaha piccolos.
However, there are other more professional brands with more specs and features that will suit you better. Yes, those brands cost more, but they’re well worth the cost if you’re serious about the piccolo.
“American” Players
When it comes to flute brands, some players naturally gravitate toward American brands, while others prefer Japanese brands. Since Yamaha is a Japanese company, it’s going to suit players with flutes from other Asian companies, like Pearl or Sankyo, a bit better.
Meanwhile, if you play a flute from a company like Burkart, Powell, Haynes, or other American brands, you might not like how the Yamaha piccolos sound or respond.
That doesn’t mean these piccolos are bad. But there are so many options that you shouldn’t have to settle for an instrument that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
Other Yamaha Piccolos
The Yamaha YPC-62 and YPC-81 aren’t the only instruments you can purchase from this brand. Consider Yamaha’s other piccolo models to see if one might suit your needs better.
Yamaha YPC-32
If you’re looking for a good piccolo to play as a beginner or in outdoor gigs, consider the Yamaha YPC-32. This model features a silver-plated headjoint with a lip plate.
Meanwhile, the body is made of plastic, so you don’t have to worry about wood cracking in extreme temperatures. I’d recommend this model to students or anyone in a marching band or similar group.
Yamaha YPC-82
The Yamaha YPC-82 is a professional model with a grenadilla body, so it’s similar to the 81. However, this model comes with a silver headjoint that has a lip plate.
It can be a good choice if you want your sound to carry over a large ensemble. I’d also suggest giving it a try if you have a hard time making a sound on a piccolo without a lip plate.
Final Thoughts
Comparing the Yamaha YPC-62 vs. Yamaha YPC-81 can be difficult. It seems like they’re basically the same piccolo but with a different model number and a higher or lower price.
While both piccolos suit advancing players, only you can decide which is better for you. Give both a try, and be sure to compare them to a drone to make sure you buy a piccolo that’s in tune.