Appeared towards the end of the 13th century, the piccolo flute – from the Italian “petit” – was especially noticeable towards the beginning of the 19th century, where it can be heard notably in Beethoven’s 5th and 6th symphonies. About 30 cm long, this flute is the smallest, but also the highest, of the transverse flute family.
It is used more particularly, in a symphony orchestra, to accompany the large transverse flute in the upper octave. Here are for you some of the most popular models today.
Piccolo in C with case
Perfectly designed for beginners in piccolo learning, this Easter EPC-1 model combines robustness, accuracy and durability, for an excellent quality-price ratio. No wonder it is one of the most popular piccolo flutes on the market.
With its beautifully crafted cupronickel body, soft keys, double-barrel pads and impeccable nickel finishes, it offers exceptional playing comfort and delivers clear, pleasant and balanced sounds.
Delivered in a protective case padded with an elegant red velvet, this C piccolo is also very easy to assemble, transport and maintain. White gloves, swab and cloth are also provided to allow you to clean your instrument after each use.
Andoer silver-plated piccolo Andoer
Cheap and efficient, this piccolo flute signed Andoer will delight budding musicians on a limited budget who wish to purchase an instrument combining superior quality and affordable prices. For experienced musicians, it is also an excellent product, as a main instrument or as a backup model.
Its ABS resin body is strong and light, while its head is made of sturdy and resistant silver-plated cupronickel. Easy to carry, thanks to its padded case and adjustable strap with side buckle, you can take it everywhere with you without fear of damaging it.
Piccolo Eastar in silver plated C and case
This C Eastar EPC-2S piccolo is an ideal model for beginners and experienced musicians. Lightweight and elegant, it features a sturdy cupronickel body and silver-plated finishes that give it a touch of charm that is truly appreciated. It is solid and durable.
This piccolo flute also comes with a complete carrying and care kit, consisting of a hard, padded case, a pair of white gloves, a swab and a cleaning cloth. Although it is not one of the most economical models on the market, it nevertheless offers a very good value for money, especially for beginners who want to start learning the piccolo.
What is a piccolo?
The piccolo, which appeared towards the end of the 17th century, is a member of the transverse flute family, of which it is the smallest and highest representative – it sounds in the upper octave. Generally speaking, it is about half the size of a standard transverse flute, of which it consists of only two parts, the head and the body.
It is made of wood or metal for the most popular models. The piccolo is an essential component of the symphony orchestra, where it is used to double the transverse flute in the upper octave, but also as an independent solo instrument.
How to choose your piccolo?
If choosing your piccolo is not a decision to be taken lightly, it is not the most difficult choice to make; it all depends on your level of flute playing. If you are a novice, you will prefer the standard entry level models, made of resin and cupronickel. Professional musicians, on the other hand, are more likely to choose ebony or silver.
Generally speaking, the piccolo is ideal for beginners, who appreciate it in particular for its small size and relative ease. Before the impeccable sound qualities, choose above all playing comfort and robustness: adapted mouthpiece, soft keys, solid and durable copper, zinc and nickel alloy.
Some models are also delivered with a maintenance and transport kit: padded case, cleaning cloth, swab, gloves, …This is perfect if you are new to the field.