Originally Posted by rowuk

Hi Gordon,
picking any horn is tough, but you are right that a picc is a real challenge!
A picc that goes sharp in the top register is unfortunately very common! I share your opinion about the Schilke but am convinced that the Scherzer is one of the best "production" piccs out there. Modern rotary mechanics have gotten much better (unibal bearings are fantastic!) even compared to 5-6 years ago. I thing that Baroque literature benefits from the rotary type airflow. A piston valve only produces a clear sound over about 25-30% of the valve throw, the rotary over more than 50% however. I find fast passages just sound "cleaner"!