Woodwind P2 Piccolo

I bought this piccolo in 1989 and used it all the way through college and beyond, until 2000, when I finally bought a wood picc. This plastic one, though, saw me through high school, All-State and Regional Orchestra (on picc), marching band, the All-Ohio State Fair Band, Syracuse's ensembles, as well as freelancing around Cleveland. I've never found another non-wood picc with such a great tone in all registers, excellent intonation and response for such a terrific price. (And, Jon, I also studied with Hebert!)

I played the Woodwind P2 side by side with a Gemeinhardt P4. The P2 seems to be a clone of the P4 - I found them indistinguishable. The tone is the same, intonation is the same for every note, finish, keywork, etc. all virtually identical. Setting my tuning meter for A=440, and with the head pulled out about 1/8" to 1/4", I could play every note on this piccolo dead-on in tune. Some notes required some bending up or down but they were all very close - much better than other piccolos I've tried. With the plastic headjoint the tone is similar to a wood piccolo. So close that the player would make more difference than the instrument. The key action is fast and relatively silent. Also, the Gemeinhardt headjoints fit the P2 and can be bought separately. Since my P2 came with a metal headjoint, I ordered a Gemeinhardt plastic headjoint for it - now I've got both.

I'm a sophomore in high school and I've been playing oboe since my 4th grade year. But when marching band rolls along, I play piccolo. When I started, I used my schools metal Gemeinhardt. The sound didn't project well at all, and the sound was shrill and ugly. So recently, I purchased this piccolo. The sound is warm, clear, and even in all registers. And the projection is fantastic, which is a plus for marching band!! It is also quite durable, I'm absolutely in love with it. On a final note, it is quite affordable. I would highly suggest this piccolo for marching band, it is an absolute joy!

I got this piccolo for my 12th birthday. I had played flute for 2 years already and I really wanted a piccolo. I learned how to play this instrument perfectly for the camp that happened in 2 more weeks, and last year, I played the Vivaldi Concerto for Mr. Hebert, the former piccolo player of the Cleveland Orchestra! Last fall I also played piccolo for a marching band thing. I am mainly an oboist, and my practice on flute/piccolo has decreased, but it was a choice that I'm happy I made. For when the time is right, I love to play on this quality piccolo.

I have been recommending these piccolos for years! They are the least expensive and have the most durable hardware. I never have to bend keys or replace parts for my students involved with marching band. Want a tough piccolo for your marching season?