A couple of months ago, I posted a video about different kinds of piccolos and the features and sounds they offer. (Missed it? Check it out here!) In keeping with the theme of discussing instrument care, I wanted to take a few minutes today to go over some important care tips that are unique to piccolos of all different makes.
Care for plastic and composite instruments is similar to that of a flute, with the obvious exception that they are much smaller. Plastic or metal cleaning rods are available in a piccolo size, and larger cleaning rods or cloths should NOT be attempted in a piccolo–it will get stuck, I promise you! The bore of a piccolo is much, much smaller, so only a very thin (about 1 inch thick and 6 inches long, at most) strip of cloth should be threaded through the body of the instrument. If a cleaning cloth becomes stuck in the instrument, do not attempt to force it through–bring it to one of our technicians. These same tips also apply to metal instruments, with the exception of the outside of the instrument, which should also be polished to avoid tarnish and oil build-up. A flute polishing cloth may be used for the outside of the body only.
Caring for your wood piccolo is a bit more of a delicate operation. Grenadilla wood is susceptible to cracking as temperatures rise and fall, especially in the Midwest, where most of us are stationed. As mentioned in the piccolo video, wood instruments are generally not recommended for outside playing, especially in a marching band setting. Just as with string instruments and wood clarinets and oboes, the bodies of piccolos can actually crack due to temperature fluctuations, which causes the wood to swell and shrink, compromising the integrity of the body. Aside from keeping the instrument from temperature and humidity extremes, wood piccolos also require a “breaking-in” period when they are purchased new. These steps are listed as follows:
1. For the first two months, the instrument should be played no more than 20 minutes per session, a maximum of two times per day.
2. After two months, the sessions may increase to three times per day.
3. From 3-6 months, gradually increase the playing time of each session. After 6 months, the instrument can be considered fully broken in.