Burkart & Phelan Grenadilla & Silver Piccolo

Burkart Professional piccolo, serial number 5541, with an African grenadilla body and sterling silver keywork. Earlier examples of this model were marked "Burkart & Phelan" before the line was standardized as the Professional, so the branding places this among the earlier instruments. It is built in the same Massachusetts workshop as the Burkart Elite and carries the Burkart piccolo scale developed in-house, the feature that anchors the maker's reputation.

The embouchure appears to be the maker's Burkart cut, a rectangular hole softened at the sides for an open, flute-like tone that blends well in ensembles.

In excellent condition.

About the Maker

Burkart-Phelan Inc. was founded in 1982 by Lillian Burkart and James Phelan, who met while working at the Verne Q. Powell flute company in Massachusetts. James Phelan developed the scale that became the cornerstone of the firm's flutes and piccolos, while Lillian Burkart, often called the "first lady of flute making," led the voicing and headjoint work and received the National Flute Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. The company remains American-owned and is widely regarded for the craftsmanship and intonation of its piccolos.