Problems with Piccolo!!!

[mdeutsch2012]

Hello, I recently purchased a piccolo online on Amazon. It was $120 overall. It is a SKY instrument. I have one problem though. Although it is brand new and works great, there is one slight problem. Whenever I plan an A flat, it is so flat that it almost sounds like a G. Is there anyway to fix this issue?

[pied_piper]

Sure, send it back and buy a good piccolo. I've never heard of a Sky piccolo. It's not realistic to think that a $120 off-brand piccolo will play as well as a good brand-name piccolo. Even if you take it to a repair shop, if it is a poor design, it's unlikely that they can make a silk purse from a sow's ear.

Sorry to be blunt. Now, to address the problem. It's possible that the G# key is not opening enough. That may be why the Ab is so flat. A repair tech may be able to make the key open more and raise the pitch a bit. I've seen some cheap instruments where the pads are too thick. The tech may be able to install a thinner pad or slightly bend the key to allow it to open more. Some techs may not be willing to try that because some cheap instruments are made from poor metal that is either too soft or breaks easily.

The FAQ here has good information on selecting a new flute or piccolo.
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5859