At GoFlute.com, we’re committed to providing honest, hands-on insights into the world of flutes and piccolos. Today, we’re putting the Guo New Voice Piccolo to the test. This unique piccolo boasts innovative materials and design, but does it live up to its promises? Here’s what we discovered.
First Impressions and Assembly of the Guo New Voice
The piccolo is packaged in a soft carrying bag and a beautifully crafted wooden case, complete with a metal cleaning rod.
The Guo New Voice Piccolo’s lightweight design and unusual composite material made a strong impression. However, I encountered some challenges during assembly. The connection between the head joint and the body relies on silicone to ensure a tight fit. Upon arrival, the silicone was greasy but effective, yet no additional grease was included for maintenance. The head joint was initially stuck, requiring careful adjustment to loosen it enough for smooth assembly. Over time, I worry this connection might loosen further.
Mechanics and Aesthetic Design
The piccolo’s mechanics present a mixed bag. While the keys are exceptionally light and easy to move, they’re surprisingly noisy, which could be distracting during quiet passages. Aesthetic concerns also arise: the finish lacks polish, with clear plastic components, square elements, and wires that resemble thick steel rods detracting from its overall appearance.
During the first day of testing, I noticed that the B key was stuck and wouldn’t release properly, making it impossible to play certain passages smoothly. Interestingly, the issue was resolved by the next day, and the key functioned normally without further intervention. This may indicate a need for the mechanism to settle or adjust with initial use, but it’s worth keeping an eye on for long-term reliability. Watch a video of the problem here: Guo New Voice Piccolo
Sound and Tuning
When tested with a tuner, the Guo piccolo proved capable of playing in tune, provided the head joint is pulled out significantly. However, this creates a logistical issue. The instrument comes preassembled in its case, but there isn’t enough room to store it with the head joint extended. This means you’ll need to push the joint back in after every use, which might become tedious over time.
Sound-wise, the Guo New Voice delivers a tone reminiscent of a student flute—clear but somewhat cold. It lacks the warmth and depth found in professional wooden piccolos, which can make it harder to develop an emotional connection with the instrument.
Guo New Voice Comfort and Playability
The ribbed texture of the body mimics wood and offers a secure grip, but it can feel slightly abrasive against the lower lip. While I found this discomfort noticeable at first, it faded as I became absorbed in playing. From a distance, the light-colored model I tested looks convincingly like wood. However, upon closer inspection, the material more closely resembles plastic, which might be off-putting for some players.
One standout feature of the Guo New Voice Piccolo is its resilience to environmental conditions. The material doesn’t warm up during playing, which feels unusual compared to traditional flutes. This characteristic, while disconcerting in some settings, is a major advantage for outdoor performances or winter concerts. Unlike metal instruments, it won’t chill your fingers in cold weather, and it’s virtually unaffected by humidity.
Final Thoughts on the Guo Piccolo
The Guo New Voice Piccolo is a fascinating instrument with clear strengths and some notable drawbacks. Its ultralightweight build and resilience to environmental extremes make it an excellent choice for outdoor performances or as a backup instrument. However, it lacks the warmth, aesthetic appeal, and tactile connection many players seek in their primary piccolo.
For me, this piccolo won’t replace my main instrument for amateur orchestra performances. Still, it’s a reliable and practical option for specific situations, especially those involving challenging weather conditions or long playing sessions where weight is a concern.
If you’re in the market for a piccolo that prioritizes practicality over tradition, the Guo New Voice Piccolo is worth considering—but it may not be the right choice for everyone.
Would you like more tips for choosing the right piccolo? Explore more guides and reviews on GoFlute.com!