I'm a college performance major looking to purchase a professional piccolo, one where I don't have to buy step-up in a few years. Of course, a reasonable price is a necessity, seeing as how I'm rather broke.

My teacher wants me to purchase either a Hammig or a Burkart (not BP), and I will be trying those out sometime this week, but I'm also going to see how Boston Legacy piccs go, as well. I've noticed that there are two different types of wood available. Which one is better (I saw a very brief discussion of this in another topic, but I wish to go more in depth)? Also, what about rosewood piccolos? Are they worth the exta cash, as well?

I have owned grenadilla wood piccs as well as rosewood, I found the grenadilla easier to play. For the money, unless you can find a roy seaman or good zentner, I really like Hammig.

www.patrickandfriends.com

I hear the new Roy Seamans made by Germeinhardt aren't that good.

Germeinhardt models aren't really conservatory level flutes... There are some, but they aren't that great.

I don't believe Patrick was discussing the Roy Seaman LTD. (which is the one produced by Gemeinhardt), but rather actual Roy Seaman piccolos, which are excellent instruments for much less than newer counterparts (plus all the benefits of having an older picc). The affect of the wood, just as in the material discussion revolving around flutes is uncertain. I generally dislike other woods besides grenadilla for a piccolo (such as cocobolo, verawood, and other exotic hardwoods), but in the Boston Legacy I thought the Ironwood was the better option. Of course, this may not hold true for all Boston Legacy piccs. As when buying a flute, you should playtest all the options (in this case as many different woods as possible), and choose what you like best (assuming it's in your price range). Also, don't limit yourself to just those few brands. Your teacher suggested a couple of solid piccolos, but piccs especially are very picky instruments, and you may well find that neither Hammig nor Burkart suit you particularly well. In that case, don't choose the lesser of two evils just to satisfy your teacher, but continue playtesting until you find something YOU'RE happy with. Remember, it's not the teacher's money, nor do they have to play the instrument after purchase, so it's your responsibility to find something YOU like.

I recently tested a few Boston Legacy piccs and really liked the Ironwood version. It had a much more centered tone than the grenadilla. For the price its a very good instrument.

yes, I did mean the older ones...

Well, my budget is 3K, putting both the Hammig and the Burkart out of my price range (but I could get a Hammig overseas for cheaper, I know). I've already ordered the Ironwood Boston Legacy from fluteworld to try it. I'm also planning on visiting a local maker, who also made my flute.

What other brands do you guys recommend?

That is exactly what I wanted to know! Thanks!

I preferred the grenadilla wood over the iron wood in the Boston Legacy picc.
Like flutist06, I also prefer grenadilla over any other material for piccolo.

I have tried several Hammigs below 3K, and they were great, contact Joe B

Possibly a little OT but perhaps some of you know.

What's the situatio regarding these woods and sustainability. Are woods like grenadilla replacable or, like mahogany, is their use contributing the depletion of forests.

And if this is the case, are there any piccs (or indeed any other wooden instrument) brands that be proven to be sustainable?

<Added>

My Lord I cannot punctuate- sorry.

you said that the burkart was out of your price range. have you considered the burkart global?

Yeah, I've tried one-- it was my friend's. I didn't like it too much. But then again, it had a wave headjoint...

Anyway, I know that the Burkart Global is good, but I'm worried I'd have to get a new picc in a few years. I'm willing to go over budget if it means not having to eventually spend the 3 grand for a better one down the road.

IRequestHelp: Looked at the site, thanks! I also know I can get 'em cheaper overseas. If I end up deciding on a Hammig, I'll just get 'em there.