Allora Student Series Piccolo Model AAPI-996

I actually bought the first one. The keys and pads are fine. The action of the trill keys is quite high compared to other piccolos I've played. Even in comparison to its own keys, the trill keys have a long press down. It has a decent sound, high notes aren't terribly difficult-replacing the head cork really helped. Also, holding your right pinky up above high g makes them speak easier.It did take 3 attempts with superglue to get the neck back on, and with this one, I am 80% sure it's not going to fall off while I'm playing. That is not high enough to make it my primary instrument. The d and e-flat are a little whistley, but that might be my glue job leaking.I think if you are going to spend over $150 on a piccolo, be able to play test it. This one sounds like quality control isn't very standard, so you might get a good one, or you might get something that should have been a factory reject.

I got this piccolo for my birthday. It is not a glamorous piccolo, but for the price I think it is a good buy. The high notes are pretty difficult to get out, more difficult than the gemeinhardt 4p (I think). My one complaint though is that my trill keys are stuck together, if you know what I'm talking about. If I press one trill key it opens both which inhibits me to play a high b and b flat. I'm hoping with time they will eventually get unstuck, it has gotten better, I would just push one trill key and push down the pad that it wasn't supposed to open. I suppose its not that terrible of a defect though since the notes they play are so high. I play in marching band and we play high b flats so unfortunately I will have to play a lower b flat. However, I don't know if that is every piccolo of this model or if only mine had that problem, I'm assuming only mine has that problem, probably just some fluke and something sticky got on it making them both activate. It is getting better though. So overall, I think this is a great piccolo for the price. You won't find much better without spending at least a thousand. I think this is a great piccolo for high school band, but college band I would recommend getting a better quality one.

I bought this piccolo for my daughter to use in her high school band.It plays well and she is happy with it.It appears well made and for the price I think it was a good buy.