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PICCOLO TRUMPETS
Piccolo trumpets can be found in a number of musical settings, but are frequently used in classical settings. The most obvious characteristic is that a piccolo trumpet is roughly half the size of a Bâ™ trumpet. The smaller size of these instruments produces a brilliant sound that is meant to be more delicate than larger trumpets.
Piccolo trumpets are often found in the key of Bâ™ or A, and many instruments include separate mouthpipes for each key or adjustable pipes that can be used in either key. Another difference between instruments is mouthpiece choice, as some horns are designed to use a trumpet mouthpiece shank, while others use a smaller cornet mouthpiece shank.
Below are our top recommendations for piccolo trumpets.
SCHILKE P5-4 PICCOLO TRUMPET
The Schilke P5-4 is often considered the industry standard for the piccolo trumpet sound and has been used in symphony orchestras and on recordings since it was first built in 1971. These piccolo trumpets have four valves, with the fourth used to extend the range down the interval of a fourth. The Schilke P5-4 is a medium bore, at .450” and is bigger than other piccolo models, yet not as big as most standard Bâ™ or C trumpets. Schilke uses a “Beryllium” Bell material created with pure copper that is electroplated. These solid bells have no seam and are lightweight. This design helps to create a bright sound that projects very well. The Schilke P-5-4 comes standard in silver plate and includes a case and mouthpiece. These instruments feature a mouthpipe with a cornet receiver that can be adjusted to the keys of A or Bâ™.
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SCHILKE P7-4 PICCOLO TRUMPET
Much like the well-known Schilke P5-4, the P7-4 has become quite popular as a well-rounded piccolo trumpet. The Schilke P7-4 uses a medium .450” bore with four valves. These piccolo trumpets also use bells made from “Beryllium” made from solid electroplated copper. The P7-4 is a shorter wrapped piccolo, helping to create a warmer sound than other piccolos while also feeling slightly more open than tighter feeling models. These trumpets come with two separate mouthpipes in the keys of A and Bâ™, both using cornet mouthpiece receivers. Due to the lightweight construction of these trumpets they can produce a bright vibrant sound, or can easily produce a more mellow sound making these instruments extremely versatile. Silver plate is standard, but can be upgraded to gold plate for an additional charge. These trumpets come with a case and mouthpiece.
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BACH AP190 STRADIVARIUS ARTISAN SERIES Bâ™ / A PICCOLO TRUMPET
The Bach AP190 Stradivarius Artisan Series Bâ™/A Piccolo Trumpet is a relatively new design on the market, but is built to reflect some of the major design elements found on classic Vincent Bach trumpets. This model features a .450” bore with a hand hammered long bell made from yellow brass. One unique feature of the Bach Artisan Piccolo is that it comes standard with four leadpipes, one in Bâ™ and one in A with trumpet receivers as well as one in Bâ™ and one in A with cornet receivers. These horns also come with two sets of valve guides in plastic and in brass to allow the player to dial in the sound and response for their individual needs. The pistons are made from Monel and a finger ring is mounted on the third valve slide to allow for intonation adjustments. While these trumpets come with a deluxe case they do not come with a mouthpiece.
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JUPITER XO 1700S PROFESSIONAL SERIES Bâ™ / A PICCOLO TRUMPET
The XO1700S Piccolo Trumpet by Jupiter may be one of the most under-rated instruments currently on the market. Like many other popular piccolo trumpets, this model features four valves with a .450” bore. These trumpets are available in two bell materials, yellow brass or rose brass. The yellow brass helps to create a bright sound to project over a large ensemble while the rose brass helps to create a warmer sound with slightly fewer overtones. This may prove favorable in smaller settings where the brighter sound may not be appropriate. The pistons are made from Monel and the valve casings are two-piece with nickel-silver balusters. These instruments are high quality and would be at home in any performance situation. These instruments come standard in silver plate, but can be specially ordered in lacquer or in silver plate with gold plated trim. Interchangeable Bâ™ and A leadpipes are included with a dual compartment case designed to fit a piccolo as well as a large horn like Bâ™ or C trumpet.
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