Best Cheap Piccolo & Best Budget Piccolo
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If you are interested in playing the flute, the piccolo is also one of the best choices for a beginner. It has a smaller size than a regular flute and it is easier to learn how to handle this kind of instrument. But, at first, it makes no sense to invest in a piccolo too much if you just get started.
You don’t know how your hobby will evolve and, in the case of children, if they will stick to it and advance in playing this particular instrument. So, to fuel the interest and passion for music, getting a cheap piccolo is a great way to start.
What are the Best Cheap Piccolos to Buy?
How to find a piccolo on a budget? In this case, there are a few aspects you need to have in mind. First, figure out how much you are willing to spend on such an instrument. Of course, set an error margin as well, just in case you will have to spend a few extra bucks to get the desired piccolo.
What you need to know is that you don’t need a small fortune to get a piccolo. It is possible to find great instruments at just a few hundred dollars. For example, student instruments are affordable and will be more than enough to help you get started. You will have the occasion to upgrade your piccolo if you will want this, later on, as you advance with your piccolo playing skills.
To make the right choice, you will also bear in mind how you plan to use the piccolo.
What kind of music will you play with this instrument?
What is the environment or background where you will be playing?
So yes, it matters if you choose to play indoors or outdoors. You see, for outdoor performances, you need a piccolo capable of projecting sound on larger distances. A silver piccolo or, at least, a silver plated piccolo, are better choices in this case. They also last for longer and will provide loud sounds great for outdoor performances. But, if this is not the case, you can opt for piccolos made out of other materials, such as nickel or copper.
Before you actually buy an instrument, make sure to check it carefully and inspect its details and features. You should be well aware of what you are getting, to avoid disappointment. To help in this matter, here is a list with budget piccolos that are more than great for students and beginners.
11 Best Cheap Piccolo Reviews and the Best Cheap Piccolo Brands
1) Mendini MPO-EN Black Resin Key of C Piccolo with Nickel Plated Keys
Mendini created a beautiful set for those that want to learn how to play the piccolo. Besides the instrument itself, this set contains gloves for handling the piccolo without the risk of scratching it, special grease to lubricate its joints, a rod, and cloth for properly cleaning the barrel, and a special case for it. The body of the instrument is made out of ABS resin, which makes it light-weighed.
Still, the keys and head-joint are nickel-plated, for better resistance to wear and tear. The finger brace offers an ergonomic design, giving students the chance to learn how to hold onto the instrument while playing in a fast and easy manner. It is worth mentioning that this is a Key of C piccolo that has a closed hole as well.
The closed hole will speed up the learning process, as you won’t have to think about it and focus on acquiring the right playing skills first. All in all, this is a great set at a more than an affordable price tag. If you don’t want to spend much, this is indeed an option that should be considered.
2) Mendini MPO-S Silver Plated Key of C Piccolo
In case you’re looking for an all-silver piccolo, this set from Mendini can fulfill your wish. The price tag of this instrument and everything that comes along with it is more than accessible. This is great considering that you are getting a silver plated piccolo, which will help you sound amazingly well outside as well if you’ll end up performing this way.
But, even if you don’t, a piccolo with a silver body has a classic look and it is easy to clean. Of course, the set contains an adequate cloth and rod for cleaning your instrument right. Because we are talking about a student instrument, it is one with a closed hole and Key of C.
A sturdy case is also provided, for safekeeping and convenient transportation of your piccolo to and from classes and rehearsal sessions. You will also receive a bottle of special grease, required to keep the joints of the instrument in great shape. Ideally, you should clean and maintain your instrument after each playing session, placing it in its case clean. This will prolong its life and will make it look great around the clock.
3) Nickel Plated C Piccolo Flute with Case
For students looking for a cheap piccolo flute or those wishing to start playing such an instrument, this particular option is worthy of consideration. The price tag of this instrument is more than accessible and it will give you everything you need to start your study. It is made with great quality in mind and considering the needs of students.
According to the claims of the manufacturer, the piccolo’s sound is outstanding, which is more than great. Considering that a student instrument is made more to offer basic features, allowing the student to acquire proper playing skills first, it is definitely a great advantage to have an instrument that sounds great as well.
This way, you will get used to proper piccolo sound right from the start. You will get, together with the instrument, a case proper for storing and transporting the piccolo, and the items you need to perform cleaning and maintenance operations.
4) Sky Band Approved Orchid Purple Laquer with Gold Keys Piccolo Key of C
This is another beautiful purple piccolo flute you should consider. Slightly more expensive than the previous one, it is definitely a good quality instrument that will help you perform well as soon as you acquire the right kind of skills.
The manufacturer guarantees a great sound and product quality, and there are high chances that this is true if we take a look at how this piccolo looks and how it’s made. The body is light and keys are made in an ergonomic manner so you will learn how to use them as soon as possible.
When you’ll order this product, you will also get a proper case with it and a couple of accessories meant to help you clean it easier after each performance.
5) Andoer Piccolo Ottavino Half-size Flute Silver Plated C Key Cupronickel
For those looking for instruments with a more particular aspect, this piccolo made out of copper and nickel and an all-black body may be the best choice. It is a Key of C Piccolo, just right for students and beginners. The design is a stylish one, so your piccolo will definitely stand out in the crowd, in spite of its smaller size. Plus, with this color, you can stop worrying about fingerprints on the surface of the instrument.
For safekeeping and convenient transportation, you will get a special case for it. Of course, you will have to disassemble it before placing it in the case. Ideally, you should clean your piccolo once you’re done using it for the day. This way you will remove excess moisture, dust, and grease from the instrument, making sure it is in great shape all the time.
Taking proper care of your instrument will allow you to enjoy it for longer, without damages to either its appearance and functionality. This piccolo from Andoer also comes accompanied by a proper cleaning cloth, special grease, and cleaning rod, so you have nothing to do but use them well.
6) Andoer Piccolo Ottavino Half-size Flute Plated C Key Cupronickel
If the other piccolos presented were silver or golden, this one will definitely get your attention. It has a beautiful deep purple shade that will get your attention and the attention of your audience for sure.
Of course, you should know that this is not a toy instrument, as it is made out of cupronickel allow. This means that it is a piccolo made out of metal, and not plastic or other materials. It will work and perform as a flute of this kind should.
The instrument will come together with a protective case and the accessories you need to keep it clean and properly lubricated. And all of these are available at a very affordable price tag.
7) Eastar EPC-1 Nickel Plated Piccolo Key of C
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It is not difficult at all to find a gorgeous instrument, equipped with all the accessories you need, within the budget as well. According to the manufacturer, this is a high-grade instrument that can be easily handled, played, and cleaned by a beginner.
Plated with nickel, this piccolo is definitely equipped with everything needed in order to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is worth mentioning that the welding process is free of lead so you can be sure that there’s nothing dangerous or toxic about the instrument.
There are high chances you will love the tone of this piccolo, as it was made to suit the needs of students and beginners while helping them enjoy the gorgeous sound of this particular instrument. The needle of the instrument is made out of high carbon steel, which gives it memory and sturdiness at the same time.
This piccolo also features double sheep casings, which provide a high degree of elasticity and air tightness when playing, while making you’re you’ll be able to enjoy the piccolo for a very long time. The instrument will be delivered with a hard case and all the accessories you need to clean it well.
8) Merano GWD800BK Key of C Piccolo
If you want to find a great looking and performing instrument, which comes along with everything you need to get started, Merano may provide the solution you need. First of all, it offers a gorgeous silver instrument with a black body. The contrast between the shiny silver and glossy black provides a rather elegant appearance, so you will definitely make an impression with this instrument.
It is the kind of instrument that works great for those playing in bands and orchestras alike, so you should not be afraid to consider this option if you’re in either of these cases. The piccolo will arrive in a hard case, so transporting it wherever you may need will not be a problem. The case is sturdy on the outside while the inside is soft, making sure your piccolo doesn’t get scratched by accident.
You will find a place for every part of your instrument and accessory inside the case so each will enjoy a snug fit for safe transporting. The price tag of this instrument is accessible and you’ll get good quality for the money. As a beginner, you first need to acquire proper playing skills before moving to a more expensive instrument.
9) Cecilio PO-280N Key of C Resin Piccolo
You can enjoy a great tone from a piccolo even if it is not made out of metal. For example, this piccolo from Cecilio is made out of ABS resin, so it has a nice black body. The keys are, however, plated with nickel, so the instrument looks great and performs amazingly well.
For the price tag, you’re getting a light-weight yet highly resistant instrument. Because we are talking about a Cecilio instrument, you can expect it to sound, behave, and perform outstandingly as well, even if it is a student-grade piccolo.
So, the extra dollars you will spend on this piccolo may be a justified expense. The piccolo is a Key of C one, with closed holes, which means that it was indeed designed to help you learn how to handle and play this type of instrument. The finger brace is ergonomic and the double bladder pads are of high-quality. You will also receive a case and cleaning accessories for the instrument.
10) Sky Band Approved Silver Plated with Gold Keys Piccolo Key of C
In case a golden piccolo suits your preference best than a silver one, you should check out this particular instrument. Of course, the color is not the main criteria, but some may simply find this type of piccolo more appealing. What you need to know about this instrument is that it is silver plated, in spite of its color. This makes it very easy to clean and maintain the instrument, which will sound great even when played out in the open.
The piccolo respects all the quality standards so you can be sure that you’ll get an instrument that will perform great, besides looking amazing. Ideal for students, this Key of C piccolo can represent an adequate start for anyone wishing to master the secrets of playing such an instrument.
The piccolo comes together with a hard case and the items you need to clean it after each use. This means a cleaning rod, a special cloth for polishing, and grease for the piccolo’s joints.
11) Kaerntner Piccolo KPC-320 (semi-hard case) International Version
There’s no need to pay a small fortune on a piccolo when you can easily find an instrument that can fit within your budget and provide a great performance each time.
This international piccolo version from Kaerntner has the pipe made out of black ABS resin, while the keys are plated with nickel, for better resistance in time. Because the body is made out of resin, it may not produce sounds too loud when it comes to playing it out in the open.
But, in a studio or concert room, this piccolo will sound amazingly well. You will also receive a semi-hard case with it. This means that you will have a case to protect it but you will still have to handle it with care, as the exterior is not as hard as a hard case provides.
The piccolo will also be accompanied by items you will need to keep it clean and spotless. Taking care of your instrument’s maintenance is the best way to ensure a great performance each time.
Choosing the Best Cheap Piccolos
Flute can be fascinating, as the sounds they make are like nothing you ever heard. But, it can be quite difficult to learn how to play the flute. This is why it is recommended to start with the piccolo, a smaller and lighter flute. Its reduced size will also mean that this instrument is more affordable, making it ideal for beginners. You just need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a piccolo flute.
There are flutes for students under $100 and flutes that can exceed $200. Of course, we are talking about flutes that are made for students only, as professional flutes cost much more than this. Secondly, you need to decide how are you going to use the professional piccolo, so you will know what material to look for. There are ABS resin flutes and cupronickel flutes. The first is lighter and more suitable for indoor playing, and the second is not too heavy but can be quite loud, which makes them a great choice if you’re going to play them outdoors.