PS-750 Review from Madrid

PS-750 in Indian Onyx

The Powell Sonaré PS-750 piccolo was introduced almost one year ago at the 2012 NFA in Las Vegas.  Since that time, many have had the chance to test it and have shared their reviews with us.  One of our previous posts shared testimonials from technicians (you can find it at http://www.flutebuilder.com/2013/05/ps-750-testimonials-technicians.html).  But what do performers and educators think?  Well, we found a review written by a university professor in Madrid.  Luismi from Sanganxa (our Powell dealer in Spain) shared the review with us.  For those who are able to read the original (in Spanish), you can find it at  http://bricoflauta.wordpress.com/2013/06/07/piccolo-powell-sonare-750-un-nuevo-concepto/.  The English translation is below.  Enjoy!

On November 12, 2012, my life changed. I fell in love:, when I slid my mouth over the embouchure, the intellectual look took my breath and soul. As my hands caressed her soft, stylized body, time stopped ... SONARE POWELL-750 PICCOLO! Powell has introduced a bold new concept in making piccolos. If it had "the apple”, it could have been a perfect creature made by Steve Jobs. The design of the mechanism, "artdeco", is radical and innovative and is made is made of stainless steel, a lightweight, unchanging metal that is cheaper than silver and gold.

Although her keys are square, it works well because it still has round pads and toneholes. Manufactured in a special resin (in three finishes), the Powell patented wood mimics the look and tone of a professional piccolo. The PS-750 is manufactured in the factory of Powell in Massachusetts (USA). Anecdotally, the first Friday after the piccolo was finished, Steven Wasser (owner of Powell), dipped it into a bowl of water. On Monday morning, he brought it out after it dried properly saw that it worked perfectly. Incredible!, Don’t you think?

The tuning is very polished and the projection is easy and very flexible through all the registers. You'll have a "high end" piccolo for super-competitive price: 2,445 euros.

We come into the world alone and we leave the same way, but in choosing a good piccolo never be alone. You can always count on the professionalism, craftsmanship and personalized advice from a company that is committed to innovation and quality of their products SANGANXA. And of course, with the friendliness and helpfulness of the "captain of the ship", Luismi Mateu.

PS-750 in Tuscan Umber

PS-750 in American Amethyst

PS-750 Testimonials - Technicians

The Powell Sonaré PS-750 piccolo has made quite an impact in the piccolo world.  Its innovative design certainly distinguishes it from the traditional Powell Custom and Signature piccolos.  The stainless steel mechanism features square keys, yet the tone holes are still round.  How do the keys feel?  Well, we’ve taken the piccolo to shows, and many flutist/piccolo players have felt that the keys were quite comfortable.  Several male players in particular have been surprised by the comfort level of the keys for their hands – perhaps because there is more surface area with the square-shaped keys.

Another distinguishable feature of the piccolo is the wood.  The American hardwood used for the body is available in three different color stains – Indian Onyx, American Amethyst, and Tuscan Umber.  Regardless of the color, the piccolos perform equally from a mechanical standpoint – so the color is purely for aesthetics.  Speaking of the mechanics of the instrument, what do professional repair technicians think?  Well, we had the chance to gather some feedback, which we hope will be the first installment of “PS-750 Testimonials.”

The Sonaré Piccolo has gotten excellent reviews from our customers and teachers.  I have found it  very easy to play, and as a technician, I really like how well it set-up it arrived and how stable the mechanism is. 

Miles DeCastro 

Repair Shop Manager

Bridgepoint Music

The Powell Sonaré is very innovative and rather extraordinary with the key design and art deco feel.  From a technical standpoint, it seems to be very well made.  My customer was willing to wait 3-4 months for the piccolo

Tim Anzalone

Repair Technician

Music Center Deerfield

Powell Sonaré piccolos in production.

Close-up on the piccolos in production.