i have always been able to play the lower range of the piccolo, but suddenly my notes won't even sound
does anyone have any advice?
thanks
thomxxx

Is it just the bottom octave that is a problem? If so I'm wondering if there may be a leak from one of the pads towards the headjoint.

If it is a sudden thing, maybe as suggested, a leaky pad.
Beverley.

yes, it was very very sudden
i went to estonia, (it's a wooden hammig) would the cold effect it? or is that a silly suggestion?
thomxxx

It can be v v v v cold in Estonia so it's possible I expect...

Ive always found a cold piccolo favours the low notes! Dont think it could be a pad leak towards the headjoint either, as using the the same fingerings produces the same notes in middle ocatave.

Im guessing it is either just one of those days where you cant produce a sound (happens to us all!) Or dependant on which notes are effected (is it is low d then the d# pad).

Is the middle and top register ok?

I'm assuming what thomxxx is asking, is whether extreme cold could have damaged the wood, which seems possible - having experienced Estonia in winter! Hopefully it's not that as I imagine that's a more expensive scenario, but having been to Estonia won't mean the picc is still cold....

hehe yes I see! Hopefully there are no cracks from having played the piccolo from 'cold'! not quite sure how hairline cracks effect the actual playing of the instrument......

Well hairline cracks could cause leaks and air to escape. And if they're allowed to sit, they'll just grow bigger and bigger, until the picc is just two pieces of wood! As a piccolo player, I know how even the smallest maladie can drastically effect it, so I'd definitely check for cracks or leaks. Estonian winter could definitely crack that thing, too.