Showing posts with label stainless steel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stainless steel. Show all posts

Saturday, May 11, 2013

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.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

The New Powell Sonaré Piccolo


You've probably heard some buzz going on about a new piccolo from Powell.  Just what exactly is different about this, and when will it be available?  Well, there are several unique features, and we will be debuting this piccolo next month at the 2012 NFA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  If you are attending, make sure to stop by the Powell booth (#317) and see us! 

The new Powell Sonaré piccolo was designed with elegance and durability in mind.  The body is made from an American hardwood that is available in three different color choices: American Amethyst, Indian Onyx, Tuscan Umber.  The photos below show the piccolo in "Indian Onyx" and were taken during a builder's workshop sponsored by NABIRT last April in Pennsylvania.  The keys are square as you can see, and they are made of stainless steel.  This feature is especially nice since stainless steel will not tarnish.  Although the keys are square, you'll also see from the photos that the tone holes and pads are still (traditionally) round.  The stainless steel keys are also available in "golden steel."  Golden Steel is comprised of a high tech ceramic coating over stainless steel.  The finish is durable and a golden yellow color which provides the appearance of yellow gold without the cost.  Additional specs on the piccolo include: 
  • A-442 pitch
  • Modern Powell scale
  • Pisoni Star Pads
  • Stainless steel springs
  • Classic style hand cut headjoint
You might be wondering, "Well, where exactly is this piccolo made?"  The answer is right here at the Powell shop in Maynard, MA!  Handmade just like all the Powell flutes and piccolos.  Hope you will have a chance to try it!  For more information, we have a terrific video on our website -- take a look at http://www.powellflutes.com/blog/brand-new-powell-sonar%C3%A9-piccolo.  A full article from MMR Magazine may be found at http://www.mmrmagazine.com/5748/current-issue/forging-new-paths-powell-flutes/.