Manufacturer's Description

"This is a remarkable piccolo. The JP214 piccolo is another addition to a range of instruments which is setting performance standards that are unprecedented in its price range. The body of the instrument is resin with a convincing wood grain effect and incorporates a headjoint design which continues the tradition started by Anton Schwedler with his 'reform' design in the 19th Century. The headjoint itself is thinned to give extra resonance. The thinning gives rise to the need for a lip plate which is comfortable and which features two raised 'wings', one on either side of the embouchure hole. These 'wings' drive more air over the embouchure hole making more efficient use of the players breath. Effectively, the player doesn't expel more air, but more of the air is used. The result is a piccolo with a warmth and responsiveness which is rarely found. The top register, traditionally a difficult area, becomes beguilingly easy. This combination of easy response, dynamic range and tonal diversity delivers an enormous amount of support for those technically demanding ornamental parts for which the piccolo is so often used. The mechanism is neat and reliable and heavily silverplated."

At around the same price, the Pearl PFP105 piccolo is an essential comparison to be made. This is a made from a material called Grenaditte, which has the same acoustic properties as wood but does not crack. The design is based on the legendary Hans Reiner piccolos, which are sought by professional players the world over. Plus, it is the only piccolo at this price to have French-style "pointed" key-arms.