Hi everyone!
I have some wood piccolos on trial, and I am probably going to purchase one that is new. So here's my question:

Both Powell and Burkart have info about "breaking in" new piccolos on their web sites. The info is totally conflicting! Also, I have asked around at my university. The advice ranges from: "Just don't play it under 60 degrees and remember to pay attention to humidity, otherwise it will crack and you will have to pay big bucks to fix it" to "They're really not that sensitive, don't worry about it."

What is the truth? Is it somewhere in between the two extremes? Do I really need to limit playing time? Has anyone had a new piccolo crack?
If anyone would like to share a link to an honest article on this subject, or any personal advice, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

I haven't had a piccolo crack.
I understand that oboes are a lot more sensitive to cracking than piccolos.
However, I live in a low-humidity area (high altitude desert).
My piccolo lives in the house, or it goes into stores/restaurants with me. I don't want my flute and piccolo stolen, and I don't want them to undergo major temperature changes, so a wintertime or summertime car (frozen or really hot) just doesn't happen for my picc.
I do have an outdoor instrument, but the last time I played a summer-band concert, it was 70 degrees and pleasant outside.

I don't see too many used-but-crack-repaired piccolos for sale on eBay, unless they are really old/vintage.

I'm sure you'll hear from someone who does repairs.

Thanks for the replies.
I too like the some of the Haynes silver piccolos. I almost bought one once.
I guess I was mostly worried by the crazy weather in Kansas, where I live. It's not unusual for it to be 30 degrees and dry one day and 75 and humid the next. I’m just going to make a point to educate myself and pay attention to the piccolo.