I don't know how long this has been on. I'm new to this site, but feel like commenting on this. I fell in love with the piccolo in my earlier years of drumming, b4 it became popular. Probably becuz it was different than standard 5x14 etc...and had a funky "pop". I wanted to use it all the time playing funk and jazz, etc... However, my high school jazz instructor didn't like that I used it so much, he thought it didn't blend. I thought he was "wacked " back then (30years ago), but now, know what he was saying. It's about the music ... if you are really a musician, you will realize that drumming is your craft and the drums and accessories are your tools. All these things are at your disposal to assist in creating music. Listen to the music and decide what compliments it, whether it calls for a pic or standard or deep depth. That's why a good working drummer carries many tools in his arsenal. I see and hear to many guys now who have that "American Idol" mentality(all about me) and are forcing licks and gear that they think make them sound good without considering what makes the music sound good. Of course this mentality is fed by the instrument industry itself. Back in the eighties many folks chose electronics over traditional instruments. So it seemed like the industry started pushing solo monsters as idols to astonish kids into wanting to buy the latest and greatest cookie cutter instrument. My interest came from watching how drummers were laying it down in band situations.
Sorry for being long winded, but needed to get that out. Always wanted a forum like this.
Peace!