Sonaré Picc

Chuckledoo · Posted: Wed May 27, 2009 6:17 pm Post subject: Sonaré Picc

I just remembered the thread from a month or so ago where Jim Becker mentioned that Sonaré would be fielding a prototype Bb/A piccolo trumpet at ITG.

Has anyone had a chance to give it a blow? Thoughts, impressions? Any updates on when the piccs might be available for purchase?

Really wish I could be there. The conference this year is 45 minutes from my doorstep, but I'm out in CA 'til the end of June. Sigh.

Thanks,
Chuck

trumpetmike · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:03 am Post subject:

It is based on the Amati piccolo.
I tried it yesterday and it is better than the standard Amati - however, that wold not be difficult, most hosepipes (unmodified) are better than the standard Amati piccolo.
Depending on what you might be looking for in a cheap piccolo, it might be worth considering - but it is not one I would be recommending

James Becker · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 1:28 pm Post subject:

Well Mike, I would like to address your comments by prefacing that the base model Amati we started out with is head and shoulders better than those many of you might previously remember.

First off the pistons are precision fit stainless steal which is a significant improvement over the chrome plated pistons of the past. As with all Sonare offerings the mechanics must be at a level that Clifford Blackburn and the rest of the Sonare team can approve of. We also found there was significant room for improvements in the alignment of the valve ports.

Second, the design of this piccolo is a fairly traditional design incorporating a narrow .417" bore with a compact wrap reminiscent of French style piccolo trumpets. So it would be best to compare it with other similar models like Getzen 940, Paris Selmer and Yamaha 6810.

And finally, the addition of Clifford Blackburn's Bb and A leadpipes significantly improved the sound, pitch and response of this piccolo trumpet. For what is it worth Clifford found this piccolo trumpet prototype to have a sweeter sound than similar style piccolo trumpets fitted with his leadpipes
_________________
James Becker
Brass Repair Specialist Since 1977
Osmun Music Inc.
www.osmun.com
Sonare Winds Brass Tester
www.sonarewinds.com

Chuckledoo · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike and Jim. I really appreciate the input, not being able to be there myself.

It sounds like I'll just have to try one for myself when that time comes. If they play anything like the C and Bb's (I guess those are on a B&S body, but I trust what Jim says about Sonaré's quality standards across the board), then it is something I'm definitely looking forward to.

Thanks again,
Chuck

trumpetmike · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 4:32 am Post subject:

Jim - was this still in the prtotype stages?
I only ask this because I know how much you have improved the Bb and C trumpets over the past couple of years.
At this time I don't think the Sonare piccolo is quite where you wish it to be, but I can see you developing it further (because you are one of those people who like to make things that work excellently).

bagmangood · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

Reviving this thread because I may be looking for a picc soon,
Is the sonare picc still in the works and/or going to be coming out any time soon?
_________________
Bb: Courtois 305 "Elite"
C: Bach C180-239 (Akwright conversion),
Cornet: Conn Wonder Bb/A
Picc: Selmer Paris (~1970)