Chloe Zhang
Plastic piccolos are a great option for beginners and casual players, as they are more affordable than their metal or wooden counterparts, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500. They produce a good sound, especially when compared to silver-plated or solid silver piccolos, and are more durable for marching bands. Some recommended plastic piccolo models include the Yamaha YPC-32, the Gemeinhardt 4P, the Jupiter JPC1010, and the Selmer Prelude PC711. For those looking for a composite piccolo that blends plastic with wood, the Pearl 105, Di Zhao DZP-102, and Kessler Custom piccolo are also excellent choices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price range | $500 to $1,500 |
| Sound | Good sound, especially compared to silver-plated or solid silver piccolos; not as warm as wood, but close; not as shrill as metal |
| Best brands | Yamaha, Gemeinhardt, Guo, Pearl, Di Zhao, Kessler, Burkart, Selmer, Jupiter, Armstrong |
| Specific models | Yamaha YPC-32, Gemeinhardt 4P, Guo New Voice, Pearl 105, Di Zhao DZP-102, Kessler Custom, Burkart Resona, Selmer PC711, Jupiter JPC1011, Armstrong 204 |
| Pros | Good sound, good for beginners, affordable, durable, lightweight, weather-resistant, stable, less prone to cracking |
| Cons | Limited selection of models with plastic headjoints, fewer unique specs, may not be suitable for advanced players |
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$99.99 $119.99
$99.99 $119.99
What You'll Learn
Plastic piccolo prices
Plastic piccolos are a great option for beginners or those looking for an affordable instrument. The price of plastic piccolos varies depending on the brand, condition, and specifications, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500. Some models might even be found for less on the used market.
One of the most affordable options is the Selmer Prelude PC711, which features a silver-plated headjoint and an ABS resin body. Another budget-friendly choice is the Giardinelli GPC-300, which offers similar specifications to more expensive models at a lower price point. The Blessing BPC-1287 is also worth considering if you're looking for an affordable option.
For those seeking a full-plastic model, the Jupiter JPC1010 and Gemeinhardt 4P are two of the only options available. The Jupiter JPC1010 features a plastic headjoint and body, with silver-plated keys, making it a durable choice for marching bands and orchestras. The Gemeinhardt 4P, on the other hand, is known for its quality and is recommended by many.
If you're looking for a piccolo with a plastic body and a metal headjoint, the Yamaha YPC-32 is an excellent choice. While it typically costs just over $1,500, it often goes on sale for less. This piccolo offers a great blend of plastic and metal, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor playing. It also has a split E mechanism for better pitch control.
Another option in this price range is the Pearl 105, a composite piccolo that combines wood and plastic. This piccolo provides the warmth of grenadilla wood with the stability of plastic, and it can be purchased with either a traditional or wave headjoint. The Di Zhao DZP-102 is another composite piccolo that falls within the $1,500 budget. It uses a blend of wood and plastic to stabilise the wood and prevent cracking.
For those on a tighter budget, the Guo New Voice piccolo is a fantastic choice, retailing for around $735. This piccolo is made from high-polymer plastics, resulting in a lightweight flute with a sound similar to silver. Guo also offers a range of fun colours to choose from.
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Plastic piccolo brands
When it comes to plastic piccolo brands, there are a few reputable options to consider. Firstly, Gemeinhardt is a well-known brand that has improved its reputation over the years by producing better instruments. Their Gemeinhardt 4P model is a good option for students and casual players, featuring a plastic headjoint and body. Yamaha is another trusted brand, with the Yamaha YPC-32 being a popular choice for a plastic piccolo. This model features a plastic body and silver-plated keys and headjoint, offering a good balance for both indoor and outdoor playing.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Selmer Prelude PC711 is a newer model that includes all the standard specs, such as a silver-plated headjoint and an ABS resin body. The Jupiter brand is also worth considering, with the Jupiter JPC1010 being a plastic model that is suitable for both marching bands and orchestras due to its warm sound and durability. Additionally, the Jupiter JPC1010 uses a metal tenon to connect the headjoint and body, eliminating the need for cork grease.
For those seeking a unique design, the Guo New Voice piccolo is a lightweight option made from high-polymer plastics, resulting in a sound similar to silver. This brand offers a variety of fun colours to choose from. Another composite piccolo brand to consider is Di Zhao, which manufactures piccolos for students and intermediate players at reasonable prices. The Di Zhao DZP-102 blends wood with plastic to stabilise the wood and features a lip plate carved into the composite material on the headjoint.
Lastly, Pearl is a brand that offers the Pearl 105, a composite piccolo that combines wood and plastic, providing the warmth of grenadilla wood with the stability of plastic. This piccolo can be used with a traditional or wave headjoint, making it a versatile option. In summary, when choosing a plastic piccolo brand, it's important to consider your budget, playing level, and specific features that align with your preferences and playing style.
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Plastic piccolo vs. metal piccolo
When choosing a piccolo, you have a variety of materials to choose from, the most common being metal, plastic, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Plastic piccolos are typically the cheapest option, making them a popular choice for students and beginners. They are also resistant to extreme temperatures, so they can be played both indoors and outdoors. In terms of sound, plastic piccolos produce a warmer and more mellow tone compared to metal piccolos, which can sound shrill. This makes plastic piccolos a good choice for orchestra or chamber group settings, where blending with other instruments is important.
Metal piccolos, on the other hand, are known for their bright, sharp, and vibrant sound with exceptional projection. This makes them ideal for outdoor performances, such as marching bands, where the instrument needs to be heard over long distances. Metal piccolos are also durable and easier to tune, take care of, and repair compared to other materials. They are typically more expensive than plastic piccolos but are still relatively affordable, especially when purchased used.
While plastic piccolos are a great option for beginners, they may not offer much of an upgrade for more advanced players. In this case, a metal piccolo or even a wood piccolo may be a better choice. Wood piccolos are known for their mellow sound and are commonly used by professional players. However, they tend to be more expensive and require careful maintenance to prevent cracking.
Some popular plastic piccolo models include the Gemeinhardt 4P, Yamaha YPC-32, and Jupiter JPC1010. The Gemeinhardt 4P is a good option for students and casual players, while the Yamaha YPC-32 and Jupiter JPC1010 offer a silver-plated headjoint for a slightly higher price point. If you're looking for a metal piccolo, the Jupiter JPC700 and Armstrong 204 are well-liked silver-plated models. For a composite piccolo that combines the benefits of wood and plastic, the Pearl 105 and Di Zhao DZP-102 are worth considering.
Ultimately, the choice between a plastic and metal piccolo depends on your individual needs, skill level, and budget. Both options have their advantages, and it's important to try out different models to find the one that feels and sounds the best to you.
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Plastic piccolo vs. wood piccolo
When choosing a piccolo, you can select from various materials, including wood and plastic. Each material has its own unique characteristics and sound qualities, and the choice of material can significantly impact the tone, projection, and overall performance of the instrument.
Plastic piccolos are a popular choice for beginners and students due to their affordability and durability. They are lightweight, resistant to temperature and humidity changes, and less susceptible to damage and cracking. They also tend to have a brighter tone compared to wooden piccolos and are suitable for the average band musician. Common models include the Gemeinhardt 4P, the Yamaha YPC-32, and the Guo Grenaditte. Plastic piccolos are also a good option for those who want to get a good sound without spending a lot of money. They can be easier to play and are more resistant to environmental changes than wooden piccolos.
Wood piccolos, on the other hand, are often preferred by professional performers and orchestral musicians. They offer a warm, rich tone and excellent projection. Grenadilla, also known as African Blackwood, is one of the most common types of wood used in professional-level piccolos due to its dense and resonant properties. However, wood piccolos are more expensive than plastic piccolos and require more maintenance and care. They are also more susceptible to cracking and are not recommended for outdoor overuse due to their sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes.
In terms of appearance, plastic piccolos look very similar to wooden ones, especially from a distance. Most plastic piccolos have a similar appearance to wood piccolos, with some even featuring silver-plated keys.
When deciding between a plastic or wooden piccolo, it is important to consider factors such as experience level, budget, desired sound, and intended use. Plastic piccolos are generally a good choice for beginners, students, and those on a budget, while wooden piccolos may be more suitable for advanced players and professionals seeking a warmer, richer tone.
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Plastic piccolo for beginners
If you're a beginner, you'll want a piccolo that's affordable, durable, and easy to play. Plastic piccolos are a great option as they tend to be cheaper than wood or metal models, and they can still produce a good sound.
When it comes to choosing a plastic piccolo, there are a few well-known brands and models to consider. Gemeinhardt is a great piccolo brand, known for producing instruments that are suitable for beginners and intermediate players. The Gemeinhardt 4P is a popular option for students and casual players, featuring a plastic headjoint and body. Another reputable brand is Jupiter. The Jupiter JPC1010 is a plastic model with a metal tenon connecting the headjoint and body, which is convenient for students as it doesn't require cork grease. It's also a good choice for playing in an orchestra as it blends well with other instruments.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Selmer Prelude PC711 is a newer model with standard specifications, including a silver-plated headjoint and an ABS resin body. The Blessing BPC-1287 is another less popular but affordable choice that you may want to consider if you're unable to find a plastic piccolo that suits your preferences.
For a piccolo to use in a marching band, the Guo New Voice piccolo is a fantastic option. It is weather-resistant, affordable, lightweight, and has a sound similar to silver. The Yamaha YPC-32 is another excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor playing, featuring a plastic body with silver-plated keys and a headjoint.
When choosing a plastic piccolo, it's important to consider your goals and playing environment. Plastic piccolos are a great starting point for beginners, and you can always upgrade to a wood or composite piccolo as you advance.
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Frequently asked questions
The Selmer Prelude PC711 is a good option for beginners as it is affordable and has all the standard specs, including a silver-plated headjoint and an ABS resin body. The Yamaha YPC-32 is another good option for beginners as it is frequently on sale for less than $1500 and has a plastic body with silver-plated keys and a headjoint.
The Gemeinhardt 4P is a great plastic piccolo for students and casual players. It features a plastic headjoint and a plastic body. The Jupiter JPC1010 is another good option for students as it has a metal tenon connecting the headjoint and body, so you don't have to worry about cork grease.
The Blessing BPC-1287 is a less popular but affordable option for a plastic piccolo. The Selmer PC711 is also one of the most affordable models from reputable brands. The Guo New Voice piccolo is another affordable option, retailing at $735, and it comes in a variety of fun colours.
The Yamaha YPC-32 is a good option for marching band as it has a plastic body and silver-plated keys and headjoint, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor playing. The Jupiter JPC1010 is also a good choice for marching band as it is durable and can sound warm.
