Well, I wanted it to play the piccolo part to Stars and Stripes Forever. Plastic ones work fine, are colorful for the show...but don't last long. Unfortunately...this metal one is an octave lower. Big difference. Fine for a mellower tone (I wasn't after that...I wanted something high and bright). Not a lot of volume. I think I can overcome the stiffness in action. BTW, I am a professional trombonist as well (just perform). None of the other reviews address this.