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GordonH · 02-03-2007, 05:15 AM

I am considering switching piccolo but round here each dealer only keeps one or two (usually the cheaper Yamaha and the B&S).
I also get to try other people's from time to time.
Buying an instrument is easy as I can get one sent over from Thomann or Dillons but you can't buy a piccolo trumpet without trying it!

I have been playing the F Besson ones for a long time. I have had two of them and before that I had a Getzen three valve. I also had a Selmer with intention of using it on the Bb side (which the F besson does not do too well).

My criteria are that I want something that will play on the Bb and A side equally well, or maybe slightly better on the A side as I use that more but I do need a workable Bb side. Not too bright (the cheaper Yamaha plays great but its too bright for me). Not too much resistance but not a huge bore like the B&S one.
I don't like the Schilke P5-4 as I find the response from it a bit "cold" and detatched. I know they are bringing out a P7-4 which sounds like a good concept but it will be years before any appear near here for me to try.
I am not convinced about the Scherzer rotaries. They are fairly cheap here (less than a P5-4) but I am not sure about the valve action as the action on my old Bb rotary was a bit clunky at times.

02-03-2007, 05:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
GordonH Mezzo Piano User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 589	Problems buying a piccolo trumpet I am considering switching piccolo but round here each dealer only keeps one or two (usually the cheaper Yamaha and the B&S). I also get to try other people's from time to time. Buying an instrument is easy as I can get one sent over from Thomann or Dillons but you can't buy a piccolo trumpet without trying it! I have been playing the F Besson ones for a long time. I have had two of them and before that I had a Getzen three valve. I also had a Selmer with intention of using it on the Bb side (which the F besson does not do too well). My criteria are that I want something that will play on the Bb and A side equally well, or maybe slightly better on the A side as I use that more but I do need a workable Bb side. Not too bright (the cheaper Yamaha plays great but its too bright for me). Not too much resistance but not a huge bore like the B&S one. I don't like the Schilke P5-4 as I find the response from it a bit "cold" and detatched. I know they are bringing out a P7-4 which sounds like a good concept but it will be years before any appear near here for me to try. I am not convinced about the Scherzer rotaries. They are fairly cheap here (less than a P5-4) but I am not sure about the valve action as the action on my old Bb rotary was a bit clunky at times. __________________ "O trumpeter, methinks I am myself the instrument thou playest, Thou melt'st my heart, my brain--thou movest, drawest, changest them at will;" (Walt Whitman)