Does Gemeinhardt make good piccolos?

Question

I don't like their flutes at all, but I'm not sure if they make good piccolos. What do you think? I'm also looking into some Armstrong and Yamaha piccolos.

Answer 1

HI MIchael,

You are right!!  Gemeinhardt does make some very nice piccolos.  The models you want to look at are the all composite or resonite (some call it the plastic model) or the advanced level piccolo, the wood model.

No matter which brand you decide on, it is better to avoid the all metal models.

I also like the Yamaha piccolos.  Either the resonite or the all wood are..... again the best choice for playing in both marching and concert situations.    

In the past, I have had all four of these models... and currently I have the Yamaha 82 which is the wood piccolo - wood head and body.

As far as the Armstrong.... I have seen a few of them and they were just not made as well as the Gemeinhardt or Yamaha.  And I do have one piece of information for you.   According to my woodwind repair tech.... he would rather work on 10 flutes than on just one piccolo... so if they are not well made,  they are particularly difficult to repair.

You have two good choices with the Yamaha and the Gemeinhardt.   But just remember,  the wood piccolos should not be played out of doors in the elements.

Thanks for reading and Happy Piccolo shopping.