Hello all, was just reading through some of the previous piccolo questions and didn't really see any recommendations for casual players. I've been playing flute for 12 years and played piccolo for 3, but I haven't played one in about 5 years now. I used to play on an Emerson wood piccolo with solid silver headjoint, but never really liked it that much (I hated the way the headjoint would slide easily vs cork headjoints and the whole picc would go out of tune) but it did sound OK. I'm now looking to get back into playing piccolo casually. Some of the previous questions were from very serious players and mentioned brands like Zentner, Seaman, B&P, Powell, etc. which would be great, but doesn't make sense for my situation.

So basically, I'm wondering what's my best option for a few hundred. I'm looking into a second hand plastic Yamaha, Sonare or maybe a used plastic or wood Gemeinhardt (based on some of the other answers - didn't realize Gemeinhardt made such good piccs). Which of these would you picc players out there recommend and are there any other models/brands I'm missing. I've tried and owned so many flutes, but unfortunately have very limited experience with different types of piccolos. Thanks in advance!

Any of those makes would be a good option, but I'd throw Emerson, Pearl, and Jupiter piccs on the list to take a look at. These are decent piccolos that aren't too expensive. The next step up would be Zentners, Roy Seamans, Boston Legacy's, etc. And then there are custom pro piccs like custom Powells, Haynes, Keefes, etc.

As for which I'd choose, personally, I'd go for a Yamaha. I played a YPC-32 for about 7 years, and it served me well. You can get them in good shape for a few hundred dollars. They have a great sound and are pretty easy to play in tune (I'm not as happy with some of the modern Yamaha piccs as I am with the older ones), and are just good, comfortable piccs for not too much.

Of course, as with any instrument purchase, you should play the various options and decide which you like best, as what we like may not suit your taste at all.

Hope that helps!

I also loved my YPC-32. It served me very well.

I have a newer (New last January) YPC-32 and the scale is/was pretty bad. I fought it a lot when I first got it and was just getting used to playing piccolo in band. I played it this past marching season and pitch wasn't really a problem anymore, although its probably just me that got better at playing it in tune.

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone have any experience with the Sonare piccs? I can get a new one at a decent price but I think it will still end up almost double a used YPC 32. Those are the two I'm going between, only because of my previous experience with Emerson (maybe the all plastic version would have been better). I will go try some out just wanted to hear some brands at or around $500 or less. Thanks again! Keep suggestions coming please if you have any!

The Sonares are workable piccs, but in my opinion, and for my playing, I much prefer a Yamaha. I would also encourage you to try a few Emersons...You may find that they work much better for you than the others, and they're good enough piccolos.

I was quite impressed with the Emerson piccs.

The Boston Legacy or other models too?

i dont like emerson piccolos one bit. i wouldnt buy one if you paid me to.

I play on an Emerson Boston Legacy ironwood piccolo and it is fantastic for me.

However, it is not the "Best inexpensive piccolo for casual player", which is what this post is about. I would recommend the Gemeinhardt 4P. You should be able to find a used one for a reasonable price.

I've never tried the Yamaha 32, so I have no opinion on that.

Good luck!

I really, really liked the sound I got from the Sonare plastic picc I tried during a quick play-test. I would choose it over a new Yamaha 32, and I think they retail at about the same price, new.

For most inexpensive, I would go for a used/rebuilt Yamaha 32.

If you hve the money for the Sonare, you might be able to find a nice rebuilt Gameinhardt 4W or Yamaha 62 wood picc. I have played both of these more than just a little bit, they are nice piccs, too. But you would have to find a good flute/picc tech that rebiulds them, or buy on eBay and expect to pay $300 more for a complete overhaul.