I'm a 9th grade flute player and next year I'm planning on marching piccolo next year. Can anyone tell me the best piccolo brands to buy and where to buy them? Are eBay or Google Shopping safe places to buy a new piccolo? I've heard that Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, and Emerson are good pic brands. Are they? Is it adviseable to buy a used piccolo? One of my friends bought a used pic and it is horrible and is never in tune. How much are new, good quality pics, usually? Also, my flute teacher says that playing pic will mess up my flute embouchure. Is this true? Any help here will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

you need to tell us your budget first

I'd like to get a piccolo that is reasonably priced for a good quality pic. Other than that, I don't really have a budget. I don't know what the standard price is for a good pic. What's typical? I don't think I want the most expensive pic because I'll be using it for marching band, but I definitely do NOT want a bad pic like the one my friend has. I still want something that will play nicely, be sturdy, and will last. Thanks for the help.

If you're gonna be using it for both marching season and concert season, take a look at the Pearl piccolo. Sadly I haven't gotten around to trying one of those out yet, but I've only heard stellar reviews about them. Have around $1000 to shell out. The Pearl picc has two headjoint styles available - straight or wave, and you get to pick between the two. Personally I prefer straight headjoints but that's just my opinion.

Otherwise, look into Jupiter, Emerson, Armstrong, and Yamaha. Gemeinhardt makes decent piccolos too but they're not quite "up there" to me.

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And if you get a piccolo that's not a Pearl, try to get one that's all plastic. They're always less shrill than metal piccolos for some reason.

Gemeinhardt did make some really good high-end wooden models a decade or so ago, so you might also keep an eye out for one of these used. Of course, standard disclaimers apply with any new or used instrument. You need to try it out in person and have it gone over by a technician, of course. Doubly so if it's used or an ex-rental.

Perhaps an used piccolo could suit you.
I think that Nancy may have some:
http://www.flutestar.com/

This ad currently on usedflutes.com:

Pearl Piccolo 105E MINT <fluteron@gmail.com> - Monterey, CA USA - Thursday, December 08, 2011

Pearl Grenaditte Piccolo with wave headjoint purchased Sept. 2011.
Used twice. Absolutely MINT MINT Condition.
Sells new for $1000. Selling this one $799 e-mail for pictures

Hey I know Ron, I played in a Masterclass with him in July at Asilomar. He's legit.

Powell Kingwood Piccolo

If that is too expensive go with one of the grenadilla ones

Marching with a Powell kingwood piccolo? Not the best of ideas, don't you think?

I agree that marching with a good instrument is silly.
Why not buy a Yamaha 32 for marching & get a wooden head for indoor, static use?

Then get a cheap Yamaha. Their tone isn't the best but they are inexpensive and somewhat reliable. Good for marching.

Yeah, I agree with Contra.