Piccolos

The piccolo(full name "flauto piccolo" lit. "small flute") is a member of the woodwind family of instruments and the smallest member of the orchestra at half the size and one octave higher than the flute. Although bone piccolos were thought to have been around in Neolithic times their real introduction wasn't until the wooden variety(now wood, metal and ebonite varieties can be found) in the 18th century. Even so, until Beethoven gave the instrument credence by incorporating one in his Symphony #5 piccolos were never seen in orchestras and their presence is indeed still considered unusual. The skills required to play the piccolo require ...  Read the complete review

The word 'Piccolo' in Italian translates as 'Small'. For this reason piccolo flute gets its name because it is the smallest flute in the family of flutes. (It is the same in brass bands, the smallest instrument would be regarded as a piccolo trumpet for example). There are two types of piccolo: Metal and Wooden. The Metal piccolos are made with cylindrical-boreing. They are easier to play but lack a refined sound. These would be better suited to beginners, marching bands that play outside, or people who just want to play it now and again. The Metal piccolos are made with conical-boreing. These flutes are for advanced/professional ...  Read the complete review