Precision that plays.

A piccolo player, Lillian Burkart has spent decades researching and refining the petit flute. The widely acclaimed Burkart piccolo sets industry standards, and is played in many of the world's top ensembles.

In concert with James Phelan, Ms. Burkart continues to apply precise and technically sound methods to the crafting of piccolos. From the selection and aging of the finest woods to the careful voicing of each instrument, every Burkart piccolo is unsurpassed in tone and playability.

Each Burkart piccolo is crafted with these features and techniques:

Wood: African grenadilla wood alone meets our requirements for acoustical warmth, hardness, density and, with proper management, stability. The world's finest grenadilla is selected for the Burkart piccolo. Our aging process is unmatched and includes selection, curing, turning, drilling and, most of all, time.

2007 Scale and Voicing: The Burkart piccolo scale has been developed to produce the most in-tune scale possible without compromise to the full, flute-like sound for which it is heralded.
In 2007, Lillian Burkart set out to once again revolutionize the piccolo, and a new scale was born using modifications in toneholes and bore.
Showcased at the 2007 National Flute Association Convention, this updated scale was received with overwhelming compliments, featuring the following improvements:

Low D is no longer flat
Middle D is no longer sharp
Middle G is no longer sharp
In the area of B, C#, & D above staff the relative intonation is improved
High F# speaks more easily
High B speaks more easily

More resonant low register

Mechanism: All keywork, ribs and posts are made of solid sterling silver (14K gold available by special order). Burkart's precision and craftsmanship ensure stability, longevity and low maintenance.

Ergonomic Key Work: A slightly offset G fingerbutton and subtle modifications to the right hand and D# lever position, as well as new engineering of the thumb keys, aid comfort and technical facility for players with large or small hands.

Pads

All Burkart piccolos are now standard with Straubinger piccolo pads custom made to our specifications.
Cork pads are recommended in the trill and G# keys.

Burkart Piccolo Choices

Custom Model: Handmade model with traditional Y-shaped arms attaching the cups of all keys.

Deluxe Model: Handmade model with French-style pointed arms attaching the cups of all closed hole keys.

The Limited Edition XXV Lillian Burkart Piccolo

Headjoint Styles

Modified Wave: The headjoint profile is carved with a slightly higher front wall (the blowing edge) and lower back wall against which the chin rests. It produces a very rich, clean, projecting tone, with easy control of dynamics. The low register is very focused, enabling good projection and articulation.

Burkart: The rectangular shape of this embouchure is slightly overcut at the sides of the embouchure hole for an open, "flute-like" sound that blends well in ensembles. A most flexible headjoint style, it can be pushed to the extremes of fortissimo high notes without being shrill, and can produce a colorful, sustained diminuendo.

Clarion: This relatively small embouchure hole, with modest rounding of the edges, is reminiscent of early French and German piccolos. The tone it produces is very focused and sweet. For players using a small aperture when playing, it will have the most stable, clear tone of the various headjoint styles.

Options

On/Off Split-E Slide: Each piccolo comes standard with a sleek split-E mechanism to provide effortless production of the high E. For the piccolo connoisseur, Burkart has developed a reliable way to engage or disengage the split-E mechanism. The most favorable high G to A trill fingering can be used with the split-E off.

G# Facilitator: Another Burkart innovation, the high G# facilitator eliminates the need to use two right hand fingers to assist the production of a high G#. It is activated automatically when the player fingers G#. Unlike prior European facilitators, this design does not inhibit the production of high C.

14K Gold Headjoint: Dark and mellow, the gold piccolo headjoint articulates and responds like a flute. Available in only one custom style, it brings truly luxurious pleasure to piccolo playing.

14K Gold Mechanism: A beautiful look for any piccolo, especially when paired with our gold headjoint.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• "How can I test a Burkart flute, piccolo, or headjoint?"

• "What are the differences between the Burkart piccolo and the Burkart & Phelan piccolo?"

Pricing:
Click here for a complete pricelist

Current Availability:
30 to 60 days from date of order for special orders.

We DO often have piccolos available for trial and purchase. These are typically Custom models with High G# Facilitator.

Call 978-425-4500 for your piccolo today.

International Dealers:
Click here for a list of Burkart flute and piccolo dealers

Brochure:
Request our printed brochure and price list using our online form.

Flutes    Piccolos    Headjoints    Price List    Dealers