In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: January 19, 2024
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The Piccolo is the smallest in the trumpet family and is designed to play either A or Bb, using a separate for each key. Many greenhorn players confuse the piccolo trumpet with a regular pocket one, as they are both small and portable. But the truth is that there is a difference between these two. Over the years, the best piccolo trumpets have been used in many musical genres by popular players like Ludwig Güttler, Reinhold Friedrich, Adolf Scherbaum, Wynton Marsalis, Maurice André, Guy Touvron, Otto Sauter and many more to make beautiful music.
This comprehensive review takes an in-depth look at five of the best piccolo trumpets on the market. We focused on important features like weight, bore size, key, material and finish and warranty information that affects the performance of the trumpet.
To ensure that this guide is comprehensive we spent endless hours scouring through the internet to glean relevant information, contacted expects players who have been using the instrument for years and went through hundreds of reviews left by real people. This guide starts with a comparison table that shows the rating of each model. Next, is a detailed description of each product as well as their pros and cons. Finally, a thorough buying guide that contains everything you need to buy a piccolo trumpet that will suit your needs.
"For a true pro this piccolo trumpet from Bach is a great investment – it has a 4-inch one-piece bell and a .450-inch bore size to deliver an outstanding sound."
Yamaha is one of the best brands that manufacture every kind of musical instrument. Over the years, they have made top-notch instruments that are somewhat better than others out there. Their keen attention to details and their high production standards was instrumental to their growth in becoming one of the leading music instrument manufacturers.
One of their newest offerings, the YTR-6810S is an excellent piccolo trumpet with impressive features that are certainly going to improve your playing experience and comfort. The instrument is designed to provide smooth play, quick response, and efficient performance.
The specification of the YTR-6810S includes a one-piece bell of 3¾ inches, O.413 inches bore size, 4 Monel pistons that are super smooth in operation and easy to adjust and mouth-pipes for Bb and A.
The superior yellow brass of the YTR-6810S is designed to deliver richer sounds. Its super sleek design and excellent finish add more elegance to it. A strong portable case is provided with it. Also, a five-year warranty is included so that you can purchase with confidence.
Needless to say, the YTR-6810S is a top-notch piccolo trumpet with a lot of impressive features. However, it has one issue. Some users complained that it is super expensive especially when compared to other models similar to it.
So, if you a professional player looking to taking your skill to a new stratosphere, the Yamaha YTR-6810S will be good for you.
Bach is a reputable name in the music instrument manufacturer category. It is known by many for its superior quality, high standards, and elegant design. The various instruments made by Bach are unique in their own way.
The AP190, which is one of the best piccolo trumpets from Bach, is a masterpiece with superior sound quality and unparalleled responsiveness.
The Bach AP190 is specifically designed for professionals looking to taking their game to a new level. Unlike other models similar to it, the Bach AP190 is made with premium materials and can produce beautiful and resonating sounds with relative ease. Also, it is easy to use and maintain.
The striking silver finish and superb performance make it a must-have for professionals.
The Bach AP190 features four monel pistons that makes it super easy to play and adjust and a 4’’ one-piece bell with flat rim and ferrules with enhanced radius. The trumpet functions in the key A/Bb and the bell is designed to enhance sound.
For the comfort of users, a deluxe case and two sets of valve guides are provided.
Obviously, the Bach AP190 is a top-notch piccolo trumpet, but it has a couple of issues. First, it is very expensive. Also, it isn’t a good fit for beginners learning to use the instrument.
The Funion Piccolo Trumpet is an affordable, durable and efficient piccolo trumpet that is perfect for beginners looking to taking their skill to a new level.
The impressive design, elegant finish, superior performance and jaw-dropping features of the Funion Piccolo Trumpet are what make it stand out from the crowd. Since it was made with premium quality materials, you can be sure that it will last for years and years to come.
One notable thing about the Funion Piccolo Trumpet is its impressive 456” bore. This makes it perfect for extended usage.
Unlike some piccolo trumpet that weighs 9Ibs and above, the Funion Piccolo Trumpet weights a mere 6Ibs. Since it is lightweight, you will be able to use it for long hours without straining yourself. Also, you can move it around with relative ease.
This impressive piccolo trumpet comes with a cleaning cloth and special a case you can use to carry and store the instrument.
Obviously, the Funion Piccolo Trumpet is a high-performance trumpet, but it has a couple of issues. First, it is not a good fit for professional players. Also, it has an average sound quality.
So, if are a beginner player looking to buying your first piccolo trumpet or want to replace your present one, the Funion Piccolo Trumpet will be perfect for you.
The Cool Wind CPT-200 is an elegant, lightweight, and sturdy piccolo trumpet that is made with high-quality materials. Cool Wind, the maker of the CPT-200 is an excellent brand that has been pushing boundaries. Over the years, it has made a lot of impressive musical instruments. Its latest offering, the Cool Wind CPT-200 is somewhat different from others on the market- it is made from premium plastic.
Unlike most piccolo trumpet on the market that weighs 6lbs, the Cool Wind CPT-200 weighs a mere 3Ibs. Since it is lightweight, you will be able to use it for long hours without straining your arms. Also, you will be able to move it around with ease. The Cool Wind CPT-200 features a 3.7” ABS bell with a bore of 0.456 and four all-metal valves.
This excellent trumpet comes with a mouthpiece and a hard case.
Obviously, the Cool Wind CPT-200 is a unique piccolo trumpet with a handful of eye-catching features. However, it has a few issues. First, it isn’t as durable as a non-plastic trumpet. Also, it is not suitable for professional use. Of course, this takes nothing from the performance of the Cool Wind CPT-200. So, if you are looking for a unique piccolo trumpet the Cool Wind CPT-200 will be perfect for you.
The Classic Cantabile PT-180 is a budget-friendly, durable and high-performance piccolo trumpet. Its sleek design and superior finishing are what makes it stand out from models from other brands.
The comfortable response, intricate workmanship, top-notch quality, and all-around balanced sound character of this excellent piccolo trumpet are certainly going to impress you.
The Classic Cantabile PT-180 is able to produce premium quality sounds because it is made with the highest quality materials.
This excellent trumpet comes with a robust hard case you can use to move it around and a mouthpiece.
The Classic Cantabile PT-180 features a100 mm bell, 11.7 mm bore, and an impressive mouthpiece that can be re-tuned with a special A-pin from B to A.
No doubt, the Classic Cantabile PT-180 is an affordable and high-performance piccolo trumpet, but it isn’t a good fit for experts or professionals.
Whether you are a beginner looking to buying your first piccolo trumpet but don’t want to invest too much or an average player looking for high quality, but on a tight budget, the Classic Cantabile PT-180 will be good for you.
What do we love it for?
It is budget friendly
It is durable
It is has a handful of impressive features
Three-year warranty
What were we disappointed with?
It isn’t suitable for professionals
Things to Consider
Now that you’ve have gone through our review on these five excellent models, you may have a better idea of the best piccolo trumpet that will suit your unique needs. But before you make a final decision, take a look through the following buying guide. This concise and informative guide shed light on the features we mentioned above. This guide will help ensure that you make an informed purchase and ultimately narrow down a model that will suit you.
Piccolo vs the regular – trumpet differences
While a piccolo and a regular trumpet look alike to an extent and can both be used to make beautiful music, they aren’t the same.
Most piccolo trumpets on the market come with an additional lead pipe that gives players the freedom to tune the instrument. Also, they come with a fourth valve that extends the range of the instrument. These features give the instrument its versatility and make it a worthy investment for average and professional players.
Bb or regular trumpets are likely the most popular in the trumpet family. They are used in across most types of music, from jazz and modern pop to classical.
Unlike Piccolo trumpet, Bb or regular trumpet is common among beginners. The reason for this is that there are a lot of instructional materials available for the instrument.
Maintenance tips for piccolo trumpets
Buying a high-quality piccolo trumpet is one thing, keeping it in an excellent working condition is another. If you are new to trumpets, it is important that you learn how to clean and maintain it as soon as possible. Below are some trumpet cleaning tips that are surely going to come in handy.
Take your mouthpiece to a technician for repair if you notice any dent on it.
When dirty wash the bottom caps with warm water and let it dry before reassembling and greasing.
Grease your slides monthly
Wipe the instrument with a soft cotton cloth after use.
Don’t attempt to remove stuck parts with hammers or pliers
Don’t put anything inside other than your instrument into the carrying case (not even your music note).
Make sure that the latches are tightly closed before moving the instrument.
Price tag
Since no two piccolo trumpets model is exactly the same, they aren’t going to be sold at the same price. While there are top-notch and pricy models like the Bach AP190 and the Yamaha YTR-6810S, there are budget-friendly models like the Classic Cantabile PT-180.
If you are a greenhorn player, it is wise you invest in durable budget-friendly models. Investing in a super expensive model isn’t really smart move because it isn’t going to make you a professional player overnight.
On the other hand, if you are an expert player looking to replacing your current piccolo trumpet, then you can opt for expensive models like the Bach AP190.
Features to consider while buying the perfect piccolo trumpet
As you probably know, there are a handful of important features you need to take careful consideration of when you are looking for a great piccolo trumpet. In this section, we are going to be taking a close look at important features like weight, bell material, keys, valves, finish, mouthpiece, warranty, bore size and user’s level to help you make an educated decision.
Keys
Most piccolo trumpets on the market are pitched with either A or B-flat. This is made possible by the tuning slides and changeable bells. A player can choose between A or B-flat by the way he positioned his hands.
Of course, there are piccolo trumpets with C, G, F, and C-flat, but these models are difficult to find as they are rarely manufactured.
Modern Piccolo trumpets like the Yamaha YTR-6810S and the Bach AP190 are designed to help users play with relative ease.
Valves
Most modern piccolo trumpet features 4 valves. These valves create a window for players to descend below the middle C down to the low D. The first valve is specifically designed for extending the range. The fourth valve is made to secure the intonation.
On the hand of an expert, a piccolo trumpet can be used to make soft and delicate sound with a piercing touch. To many, the piccolo trumpet is one of the best woodwind brass instrument that can effortlessly blend with the woodwind choir. Piccolo trumpets sound better when played with flutes, oboes, and clarinets.
Bell material
This is a very important feature to consider because it can affect the performance and sound quality of the instrument. Yellow brass is by far the most popular and is used in making most professional and student piccolo trumpet models. Just like yellow bells, rose bells are also common and impact a darker, warmer quality to the tone. Silver bells are rare and are sometimes found in high-grade models. At one time, Nickel plate was popular, now it is difficult to find.
Of course, considering the material the bell is made from is important, but what’s more important is how the bell is made. The best bells are the one hand hammered into shape by a skilled craftsman.
Weight
This is another important feature you should give thought to before making a purchase. Since you are going to be using the instrument for long hours daily or weekly, it is wise you opt for lightweight models like the Cool Wind CPT-200. Using a model that weighs more than 6lbs is certainly going to be a pain, as it will strain your arms and shoulders when you use it for a long time.
Aside from been easy to use, lightweight piccolo trumpets models are super easy to move around or transport.
User’s level
While you have the freedom to buy any piccolo trumpet model, it is important that you think about what you are going to use it for before making a final decision. If you play in a popular band, then you should opt for top-notch models like the Bach AP190 and the Yamaha YTR-6810S that can make a clear and strong sound.
On the other hand, if you are an amateur player, your priority should be on the reliability and durability of the instrument. It isn’t smart to go for an expensive model at first as you can easily damage it by inappropriate handling.
There are a couple of piccolo trumpets like the Classic Cantabile PT-180 that are inexpensive and sturdy in construction. These models are perfect for beginners.
Bore size
While some piccolo trumpets like the Yamaha YTR-6810S (413) have a small bore, others like the Bach AP190 has a bore that is close to the size of a regular trumpet. Piccolo trumpet with a small bore is usually very difficult to blow with a mouthpiece cup that is very shallow or a cup diameter that is narrow or a backbore or throat that is too tight. Trumpets with a larger bore, on the other hand, may blow freely with a large mouthpiece.
So, if you have a small instrument like the Yamaha YTR-6810S, you should opt for a mouthpiece with a backbore and throat that aren’t too tight.
Mouthpiece
Granted, the mouthpiece might look like a small and insignificant part of a piccolo trumpet, but it is, in fact, one of the most important parts of the instrument, as it can determine to a large extent the nature of the sound it produces.
A mouthpiece with a wide and flat rim will favor endurance and comfort. On the other hand, a mouthpiece with a round and narrow rim will favor articulation and clarity of sound.
Keep in mind that only you can determine the rim that suits your needs. This means that a mouthpiece that is suitable for one trumpeter may not be suitable or even worse for another.
Finish
Most popular trumpets on the market have a smooth and clear lacquer finish on a brass surface. Another common type of finish is a silver plate which is somewhat better than lacquer because it has a thinner coating and it allows the metal to ring and vibrate more, resting in a louder and brighter tone.
Warranty
Whether you are going for expensive piccolo trumpet models like the Yamaha YTR-6810S or cheaper models like the Classic Cantabile PT-180, it is important that you check to see if it comes with a good warranty. That way, you will be covered if anything unfortunate happens to your trumpet through normal use. Do well to read the warranty carefully, as some companies offer partial coverage on all of the different parts.
Learning to play a piccolo trumpet is almost the same as learning to play a regular trumpet. To learn effectively, you have to be committed, dedicated and hard working. The following video sheds light on some important tips that will help you play better.
Yes, there is a minor difference between a cornet and a piccolo trumpet. While both sounds alike and can be used to play the same notes, they don’t look the same.
No. Piccolo trumpets can’t play one octave higher than the C and B-flat trumpets.
Our Verdict
While all the piccolo trumpets reviewed in this guide are of top quality and has a lot of impressive features, here are our top three picks.
The Yamaha YTR-6810S makes the top of our list as the best all-round piccolo trumpet because it is made with premium quality materials, its sound quality and response are next to none. Also, it comes with a five years warranty.
Our second best pick is the Bach AP190. What set it apart from others out there is its impressive silver finish and remarkable features like its one-piece bell with a flat rim, Monel pistons, and 3’rd slid rings.
Our third best pick, the Classic Cantabile PT-180, is perfect for players on a tight budget, as it is affordable and it plays very well.
We hope that this concise and informative guide have brought your attention to some important features to look out for and armed you with the information you need to buy the best piccolo trumpet on the market.
I highly disagree with this list. If you ask nearly any professional classical trumpeter, they will tell you that that the industry standard (with VERY good reason) is the Schilke P5-4. Furthermore, among professionals, Bach piccolo trumpets are generally considered to be some of the worst out there. Realistically, this list should look more like this:
Thank you for sharing your opinion and providing an alternative list. We appreciate your input and understand that different professionals may have different preferences when it comes to trumpet models. Our list was based on a combination of expert reviews, customer feedback, and overall popularity. However, we acknowledge that personal experiences and preferences can vary.
Regarding the weight of the Yamaha piccolo trumpet, we apologize for any confusion caused. We will update the information to accurately reflect the weight of the instrument itself. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We value your contribution to the discussion and encourage others to share their thoughts as well.
This is an absolutely woeful bit of reading. If you are in the market for your first piccolo or your last, please do not take any advice from this article. I can not state this enough. Find an institution of higher learning (University, College…etc) and get in touch with the trumpet faculty at that school. Their advice would be exponentially more useful that anything in this article.
I highly disagree with this list. If you ask nearly any professional classical trumpeter, they will tell you that that the industry standard (with VERY good reason) is the Schilke P5-4. Furthermore, among professionals, Bach piccolo trumpets are generally considered to be some of the worst out there. Realistically, this list should look more like this:
1) Schilke P5-4 (Best Professional)
2) Yamaha YTR-9835 (Editor’s Choice)
3) Selmer Piccolo Trumpet
4) Getzen Eterna
5) Austin Custom Brass Doubler (Best Budget)
One last thing, the Yamaha piccolo listed doesn’t weigh 7lbs. That’s likely the total shipping weight.
Thank you for sharing your opinion and providing an alternative list. We appreciate your input and understand that different professionals may have different preferences when it comes to trumpet models. Our list was based on a combination of expert reviews, customer feedback, and overall popularity. However, we acknowledge that personal experiences and preferences can vary.
Regarding the weight of the Yamaha piccolo trumpet, we apologize for any confusion caused. We will update the information to accurately reflect the weight of the instrument itself. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We value your contribution to the discussion and encourage others to share their thoughts as well.
This is an absolutely woeful bit of reading. If you are in the market for your first piccolo or your last, please do not take any advice from this article. I can not state this enough. Find an institution of higher learning (University, College…etc) and get in touch with the trumpet faculty at that school. Their advice would be exponentially more useful that anything in this article.