Braun Piccolo-flute

The Braun Piccolo has been on the market since 1985. Its development began a year earlier at the request of the flautist Michael Hasel,, who had just been appointed to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Herbert von Karajan. The aim of the commission was to create an instrument that would meet the highest orchestral standards and whose tuning and tone quality would be in keeping with the musical style of that orchestra. Working in close collaboration with the musician, Anton Braun developed a completely new design (patented in Germany and the USA). The acoustic concept and the underlying calculations were designed to support an open and relaxed playing style whilst maintaining stable intonation. A distinctive design feature of the instrument is the presence of just a single C-hole for the thumb key – similar to that of the standard flute.
This first instrument quickly became an integral part of the Berlin Philharmonic’s daily orchestral routine, thereby confirming the practical viability of the underlying acoustic calculations. This collaboration laid the foundations for the workshop’s future flute-making.

The main features of the Braun Piccoli are:

• The embouchure and playing feel are very similar to those of the standard flute
• Good intonation and tonal balance across all registers
• A fuller, softer, richer and clearer sound
• Ability to modulate timbre
• Good load-bearing capacity
• Easy to play, particularly in the challenging third octave
• The newly designed scale, with just one C key, eliminates the need for a high G-sharp mechanism, as is the case with large flutes

Specifications for the Braun Piccolo- & Octave Flutes

Headjoint

• Headjoint with "A.Braun" embouchure featuring a flat lip rest (not a reform embouchure!).
• 925 Sterling silver mechanism
• With split-E mechanism (standard fitment across the board)
• Proprietary “A. Braun” piccolo pads

Wood

For BRAUN woodwind instruments, we exclusively use carefully selected, long-seasoned, fine-grained and aesthetic African grenadilla (Dalbergia melanoxylon) with excellent acoustic properties.

A. Braun Pads

These pads are made of moisture-resistant material with a coating on the side facing the tone hole. The coating consists of silicone rubber featuring a micro-structured surface. This structure resembles the surface texture of
the wooden bore, effectively dampening unwanted high frequencies.

The new pad design ensures::

• a quick, powerful, and clear response
• a particularly well-defined, beautiful sound
• a very comfortable feel when playing
• Reliability of the padding due to the moisture resistance and dimensional stability of the silicone rubber layer
• Long service life without readjustment

Special constructions

Special versions, such as instruments with an open G♯ key or other custom designs, can be planned and manufactured.

Pitch

Piccolos and octave flutes can be supplied with scales in the following pitches:
 a'= 442 Hz, 440 Hz or 444 Hz
The respective fundamental pitch allows for effortless playing within a range of ± 2 Hz, depending on personal disposition.

Customisation

Any custom adjustment of the delivered instrument to the customer's individual playing style will be carried out within one year of purchase.

Accessories

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