Hi,

I am looking at an old Roy Seaman piccolo that was built in the late 80's. It's in perfect condition and has a beautiful, warm tone.

How are they holding up in value? I read in one of the threads that Gemeinhardt bought them, but this piccolo was built by Roy prior to that time period. I'm trying to get an idea of what a fair price for it would be.

Rachel

I am letting one of my students try one from a dealer in NY city, the asking price is about $1,600 if that helps

Thanks! That helps a lot!

If this helps: Zentner piccolos were made at the same factory as the Roy Seamans were. Both brands used the same specs, except that early Zentners had silver plated keys, so the piccolos are essentially the same, wearing a different name. If I remember right, the Seamans had silver keys/mechanism, and the later Zentners changed to the sterling (rather than plated) keys and mechanism as well.
The Roy Seaman name sold to Gemeinhardt, and the Zentners are no longer made.
So...a 'golden age' Seaman should be fairly comparable in price/value to a Zentner.
I bought my Zentner (sterling mech) for $1500 about three years ago. (Or was it four?) Anyway, it needed two new pads, but no major work.
So I'd second Patrick's evaluation, if your piccolo is in good playing condition.

Hi,

Well, it's in great shape, so I think that sounds like a good price. It's got a beautiful tone-- age seems to have only improved it.

Thanks again for the history of Seaman Piccolos. I met Miles Zentner back when he was making those. It's a shame Seaman sold the company to Gemeinhardt. I have one of those flutes from my student days-- and it's a fine flute. But this one seems to have been made with such care.

All the best!