MANCKE piccolo headjoints come with the patented MANCKE Interchangeable Adaptor System. All MANCKE headjoints share a consistency of superb workmanship. MANCKE headjoints are designed to project to the fullest extent and at every dynamic with a wide range of color potential and depth of sound. Each model exemplifies the signature qualities of the MANCKE experience – unparalleled responsiveness, control, flexibility, and resonance.

The Wave Crest model is easily identified by the significantly raised sides of the embouchure hole. This model gives a quick, clean, responsive articulation. With minimal resistance and great flexibility, the player experiences secure, strong, low notes, yet can produce the highest notes with ease. The overall result is a unique combination of ease and stability – a piccolo player’s dream.

Bocote is a uniquely beautiful wood. The density of this wood supports a rich and powerful sound, without an aggressive edge, and crisp articulation. It is responsive and stable throughout all octaves, and warm overtones allow for easy exploration of tonal colors.

This exotic wood is native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. It features a wide range of grain patterns from straight to wild, with curved lines and swirls. The color ranges from golden brown to tan to golden yellow.

Cocobolo wood elicits a luxurious tone with deep resonance. It has a refined response that supports a sparkly upper register and distinct articulation.

This exotic wood is native to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Cocobolo has a myriad of different colors, ranging from yellow, orange, red, and shades of brown with streaks of black.

Cocus wood resonates with a very pure and earthy timbre. The response feels more flexible than Grenadilla, and supports a broad range of tonal color possibilities and dynamic range. This wood is both lively and powerful and produces a beautiful, full resonance with a precise consistency throughout all registers. Articulation feels fast and responsive. Overall, this wood feels like home – familiar and comfortable to play right from the start.

This tropical wood is indigenous to the West Indies. In appearance, Cocus is medium to dark reddish-brown, with darker blackish streaks.

Grenadilla wood feels consistent, incredibly stable, and very present. The Grenadilla wood vibrates beautifully, creating a chime-like feel with its articulation clarity. Grenadilla is a very durable wood and lends itself to a stable playing experience. This is the traditional wood that most of us are familiar with in a piccolo.

Grenadilla is native to dry areas of Africa. Its appearance is dark brown/black color and tends to darken with age.

Kingwood has a glossy sound with a radiant character. Its vibrant responsiveness allows for tremendous resonance and flexibility. It feels easy to play and responds with quick, clean articulation. This wood is full of possibilities in tone color and dynamic range, lending itself to both a sparkly upper register and resonant bottom register.

Kingwood comes from Brazil and is a member of the Rosewood family. Its appearance is a beautiful dark purplish or reddish-brown with darker black streaks.

Mopane elicits a strong, yet sweet, sound. Similar to Grenadilla in depth, feel and clear articulation response, it is very resonant and powerful. Mopane imparts a darker quality in the upper register that emerges from the smooth, rich lower registers.

This exotic wood is from Southern Africa. Its appearance is dark reddish-brown, with black stripes, and tends to darken with age.

Olive wood imparts a uniquely beautiful tonal color with a lightness encapsulated in luxurious sweetness.  The lively resonance of this wood supports a great volume potential which maintains a special warmth. Articulation feels responsive, easy and clean.

Olive wood originates from southern and eastern Mediterranean countries in Europe and Eastern Africa. Its appearance is a light, golden color with occasional brown streaks.

Pink Ivory has a special timbre, lush and balanced with beautiful overtones. The unique sound of Pink Ivory is as striking as its color.  This wood feels lively and vibrant, imparting fast and clean articulation. It is immediately responsive, and feels stable in all registers.

Pink Ivory comes from South Africa and has a very vibrant and earthly pink color.

Rosewood elicits a sweet, warm sound with rich overtones. However, it also has tremendous resonance, power and projection. Articulation response feels consistent, clean and clear.

The tropical trees that give us Rosewood are native to Brazil, Africa, and India. Rosewood has a smooth, deep red-brown hue.