Best
Flute Overall
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Overall: Professionals who want great features
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Best Feature: A thick wall for a more resonant sound
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Budget Flute
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Overall: New players looking for a good flute
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Best Feature: A durable body that can last for years
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
High-End Flute
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Overall: Music majors and other serious players
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Best Feature: Solid silver tubing throughout
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TedScore™: 8/10
Looking for the best flute is like finding your favorite cup of tea—personal, important, and satisfying when you find the perfect one.
Flutes aren’t just instruments; they’re like friends that echo your musical style. To find the right one, you need to think about how well it’s made, how easy it is to play, and the sound it makes. I always tell my friends that picking the proper flute is like composing your first piece of music—before you even play a single note!
Whether you’re just starting with music or already a skilled flute player, the flute you pick sets the mood for your musical journey. In this helpful guide, we’ll discuss the various kinds of flutes and some of the best brands to help you purchase flutes online.
Best Flute For Students
The Trevor James TJ5X is the best student flute due to its robust construction, responsive key action, and clear, resonant tone, providing an excellent foundation for beginners.
Trevor James TJ5X

DESIGNED FOR: beginners or players with a bit of experience
FEATURES: split E mechanism
OTHER INFO: a relatively free blowing flute for students
Trevor James TJ5X
- Great tone
- Easy to play
- Affordable flute
- Comes with a case
- Newer model
- Not the most popular
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Yamaha YFL212 flute is highly recommended for students due to its excellent build quality, precise intonation, and ease of play, making it an ideal instrument for developing flutists.
Yamaha YFL212

DESIGNED FOR: serious students
FEATURES: great intonation
OTHER INFO: has a CY headjoint
Yamaha YFL212
- Good response
- Nice specs
- Comes with a maintenance kit
- 5-year warranty
- A bit expensive for beginners
- Counterfeits are common
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Pearl 505E flute, with its reliable construction, precise intonation, and easy-to-play mechanism, is perfect for flute students seeking a durable and high-quality instrument to support their musical growth.
Pearl 505E

DESIGNED FOR: serious flute students
FEATURES: Pearl's one-piece core-bar
OTHER INFO: it has French pointed arms, which are more common on advanced flutes
Pearl 505E
- Great mechanism
- Easy response
- Nice sound
- Good for beginners
- A little costly
- Not for advanced players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Flute for A Complete Beginner
The Pearl 505EUS flute, featuring a curved headjoint for easier reach, is a go-to option for individuals with shorter arms, providing excellent playability and a rich, resonant tone.
Pearl 505EUS

DESIGNED FOR: younger kids
FEATURES: two different headjoints
OTHER INFO: a good flute for kids or people with shorter arms
Pearl 505EUS
- Comes with a curved headjoint
- Nice mechanism
- Easy to play
- Good sound
- Very expensive
- Larger case
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Nuvo TooT, designed with a silicone lip plate and simplified fingering, is perfect for children struggling with flute embouchure, offering an easy and enjoyable introduction to wind instruments.
Nuvo TooT

DESIGNED FOR: children who struggle to form a traditional flute embouchure
FEATURES: recorder-like embouchure hole
OTHER INFO: great for playing outside
Nuvo TooT
- Made of plastic and silicone
- Easy to play
- Good response
- Very affordable
- Not the best sound
- Not super popular
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Armstrong FL650 flute, known for its durability and ease of play, comes with essential beginner accessories such as a cleaning rod, case, and polishing cloth, making it an ideal choice for new flutists.
Armstrong FL650

DESIGNED FOR: absolute beginners
FEATURES: flute stand, music stand, and other gear
OTHER INFO: it uses a nickel-silver alloy rather than just nickel
Armstrong FL650
- Silver plating
- Nice sound
- Comes with accessories
- Decent price
- Responds better to some players than others
- No curved head
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Intermediate flutes
The Yamaha YFL312 flute, with its sterling silver headjoint and excellent craftsmanship, offers improved tonal richness and responsiveness, making it a great choice for those looking to upgrade their instrument.
Yamaha YFL312

DESIGNED FOR: advancing students with arthritis
FEATURES: more silver content than a beginner flute
OTHER INFO: this model features closed tone holes
Yamaha YFL312
- Silver headjoint
- Warm sound
- Great intonation
- Ergonomic design
- Can't play certain extended techniques
- Only a C foot
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Pearl 665RE flute features a sterling silver headjoint, French pointed key arms, and a split E mechanism, providing intermediate players with a rich tone, precise articulation, and enhanced playability.
Pearl 665RE

DESIGNED FOR: serious flute players on a budget
FEATURES: open holes and more silver content
OTHER INFO: it has French pointed arms to help the keys seal
Pearl 665RE
- Open holes for extended techniques
- Easy to play
- Excellent construction
- Suitable for intermediate flutists
- A bit expensive
- No B foot
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Trevor James Chanson flute is known for its rich, expressive tone and reliable intonation, making it perfect for intermediate players seeking a high-quality instrument to enhance their musical development.
Trevor James Chanson

DESIGNED FOR: flautists with a beginner Trevor James
FEATURES: sterling silver lip plate, riser, and headjoint
OTHER INFO: good for advanced students or intermediate flute playing
Trevor James Chanson
- Thick, triple plating of silver on the body
- Split E mechanism
- Comes with a nice case
- Easy to play
- Closed holes
- C foot
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Flute for advanced Players
The Pearl 795BE flute combines a beautiful, resonant tone with professional-grade features, making it an excellent choice for advancing flutists.
Pearl 795BE

DESIGNED FOR: music majors and other serious players
FEATURES: solid silver tubing throughout
OTHER INFO: while not technically a pro model, it shares many pro features
Pearl 795BE
- Rich tone
- Low B footjoint
- Split E key
- Offset G key
- Closed holes
- Not a true pro flute
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Anther outstanding choice for advanced flutists seeking superior performance is the Yamaha YFL677H flute.
It has an exceptional tonal richness and intonation needed for professional performances.
Yamaha YFL677H

DESIGNED FOR: professionals who want great features
FEATURES: a thick wall for a more resonant sound
OTHER INFO: comes with open holes and a low B
Yamaha YFL677H
- Great range
- Versatile sound
- Responds easily
- Straubinger pads
- A bit heavier due to the extra key
- Doesn't come with accessories
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Trevor James Grenadilla Wooden Flute offers a rich, warm sound and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a premium choice for professional flutists seeking a distinctive tonal quality.
Trevor James Grenadilla Wooden Flute

DESIGNED FOR: players who want a warm sound
FEATURES: a grenadilla body with the modern Boehm mechanism
OTHER INFO: it comes with a lip plate carved into the wood headjoint
Trevor James Grenadilla Wooden Flute
- Powerful sound
- Durable mechanism
- Offset G key
- Decent price
- Requires more maintenance
- Not for casual use
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha flutes:
Are They Any Good?
Yamaha is one of the best quality flute brands. Here are some models to check out.
One of my personal favourites is the Yamaha YFL222.
The Yamaha YFL-222 is a top-notch choice for flutists, offering exceptional build quality and a rich, resonant tone. What sets it apart from its competitors is its precise intonation and comfortable playability, making it an ideal option for both beginners and experienced players.
One downside of the product is its relatively higher price compared to some entry-level flutes. However, the Yamaha YFL-222’s superior craftsmanship, reliable performance, and beautiful tone make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality instrument that will last for years to come.
The flute’s rich, resonant tone just makes me want to play around with its dynamic range and versatility. It really brings out the musicality and expression in my playing.
Best Yamaha Flutes For Beginners
The Yamaha YFL222 flute delivers a balanced tone and reliable intonation, making it an excellent choice for beginner flutists seeking a durable and easy-to-play instrument.
Yamaha YFL222

DESIGNED FOR: new players looking for a good flute
FEATURES: a durable body that can last for years
OTHER INFO: it can handle almost anything you put it through
Yamaha YFL222
- Nickel silver with silver plating
- Good price
- Easy to play
- Nice response
- No split E
- Not for young children
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Yamaha YFL372 flute combines precise craftsmanship with a clear, resonant tone, providing a high-quality instrument for advancing flutists.
Yamaha YFL372

DESIGNED FOR: flutists looking to upgrade
FEATURES: more silver content for a warm tone
OTHER INFO: great specs to help you advance your playing
Yamaha YFL372
- Open holes
- Powerful, warm sound
- Split E key
- Long warranty
- Text
- No B footjoint
- Not the cheapest flute
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Yamaha YFL472 flute offers a warm, rich tone with excellent intonation and playability, making it a reliable choice for intermediate and advanced flutists.
Yamaha YFL472

DESIGNED FOR: intermediate to advanced players
FEATURES: a sterling silver body for more resonance
OTHER INFO: has open holes that allow you to play quartertones
Yamaha YFL472
- Projects well
- Easy to play
- Nice durability
- Hand-finished pointed key arms
- A bit expensive
- Not for beginners
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5 Other Good Flute Brands to Consider
Consider some other excellent flute brands:
Pearl
I’ve played and loved Pearl flutes, piccolos, and alto flutes.
Best Flutes from Pearl: 765RE
This is the best flute for professional players.
Pearl 765RE

DESIGNED FOR: Players who want a good model without breaking the bank
FEATURES: Open holes and a solid silver body
OTHER INFO: You'll get a few cleaning accessories
Pearl 765RE
- Good range
- Produces a warm sound
- Rich response
- Pads seal well
- Not for professionals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Trevor James
This brand is great for beginners and intermediate flute players.
Best Flutes from Trevor James: Virtuoso
The intermediate flute has more silver content than other models.
Trevor James Virtuoso

DESIGNED FOR: Advancing students who need a better response
FEATURES: The unique Voce head with a good embouchure hole cut
OTHER INFO: Suitable for students and amateur players
Trevor James Virtuoso
- Open holes
- Hand-cut headjoint
- Comes with essential accessories
- Split E
- Not for beginners
- A bit basic for professionals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Jupiter
Jupiter is an American brand that offers the signature sound you want in a flute.
Best Flutes from Jupiter: JFL700RE
The flute is great for students and amateurs.
Jupiter JFL700RE

DESIGNED FOR: Players who want to feel the air vibrate under their fingers
FEATURES: A low C foot to keep the flute from being too heavy
OTHER INFO: A nice student model with some intermediate features
Jupiter JFL700RE
- Easy response
- Good design
- Open holes
- Suitable for beginners
- Not the best for an advanced player
- A bit cheap
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Armstrong
Another American brand to consider is Armstrong, especially at the student level. Armstrong Flutes, an iconic brand known for their high-quality craftsmanship, have also been coveted by professionals in the flute world.
Best ARMSTRONG Flute: FL650
This flute is great for beginners and other students.

DESIGNED FOR: Players new to the flute
FEATURES: Closed holes that offer more flexibility in hand position
OTHER INFO: It comes with a curved and straight headjoint
Armstrong FL650
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great for children
- Nice response
- Pisoni pads
- Pisoni pads
- Not the most popular model
- Not for advanced playing

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Powell
There are numerous retailers offering an extensive range of high-quality flutes, including Powell flutes for sale. Powell is one of the best flute brands for professionals; their intermediate line is just as great.
Best Flutes from Powell: Sonare 101
The Sonare flute is one of the best flutes for advanced players.
Powell Sonare 101

DESIGNED FOR: Players looking for good quality
FEATURES: Standard student model specs
OTHER INFO: The flute is ergonomic so easy to hold
Powell Sonare 101
- Closed holes, so it's good for beginners
- Silver-plated
- Has a split E
- Comes with a case
- Not for intermediate or professional players
- Can be hard to find in stock
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Flute
Before you buy just any flute, keep the following in mind.
1. Brand's Reputation
Websites like Amazon are home to tons of cheap flutes. Unfortunately, you’ll get what you pay for, so you can’t expect those flutes to last long.
Look for reputable flute brands such as Yamaha, Pearl, Trevor James, and Jupiter. They all have a history of producing good-quality instruments that will last you for years.
I’d also recommend looking into the specialization of a flute company. For example, brands like Powell primarily make professional flutes, while their sub-brand Sonare makes intermediate flutes.
2. Material of the Flute
If you’re a beginner, you should look for a silver-plated flute. These models are more affordable and generally easier to play. You can look into solid silver flutes as you advance to get a bright yet resonant sound.
However, it’s worth considering a flute with at least a solid silver lip plate, even if you’re a beginner. This feature can be particularly beneficial if you have a nickel allergy, as it allows you to avoid direct contact with nickel if the silver plating wears off.
Some players, including myself, will get a professional flute with gold content, whether a gold lip plate, plating, or full solid gold. Other materials at the professional level include platinum and wood.

Plenty of handmade flute models are silver-plated or use solid silver. So, if you don’t like the mellow sound gold gives you, you can still get a quality instrument that you love.
3. Key System
Most flutes today use the Boehm system. Within the Boehm system, there are slight differences in specs. For example, you can choose between an offset G key and an inline G key, depending on what’s more comfortable for your left hand.
Some flutes also come with a split E mechanism, which helps you play the third octave E without the note cracking. One of my favorite specs on my professional Pearl flute is the C# trill key. It helps with trills from B or C to C# and from a high G to A.
Other choices include ring or plateau keys and a low B or C foot. The top flute brands offer both options, but one may be more common where you live. For example, a B foot is famous in the US, while a C foot is more common in Europe and South America.
Finally, you may choose between drawn and soldered tone holes. Drawn tone holes are available from the beginner level to the professional level. However, soldered tone holes are exclusive to professional flutes.
If you don’t like the Boehm system, you can also find other models that use a simple system, like those from the Baroque era. These flutes are replicas of flutes from that period, and they’re ideal if you want to play a lot of early music.
4. Tone and Sound Quality
Especially when upgrading to an intermediate or professional flute, you should play the instrument first. Then, you can compare it to a flute and determine if you like how it sounds. We all have different preferences, so play all the notes from the low to the high register.
Pay attention to the tone and intonation. If you’re not a huge fan, look at other brands and models to find something better.
A lot of other factors can affect the sound, though.

The biggest factor is the material, with gold and platinum usually sounding warm and mellow, while silver is brighter.
However, you should also consider the cut of the embouchure hole. A square cut generally produces a more resonant sound than a smaller, rounder hole.
5. Accessories Included
Many flutes come with at least a cleaning rod. You might also get a cleaning cloth to pull through the rod to swab out the inside of the flute. Some beginner flute models come with an exterior polishing cloth or other accessories.
However, you may need to be careful. Some beginner flutes come with things like cork grease. Unless you’re playing a wood flute with cork on the tenon, you shouldn’t ever put cork grease on your flute. The grease could make it harder to assemble your instrument.
If your flute has no accessories, you can always buy them separately. Some are highly affordable, such as cleaning clothes. Most music stores with flutes also sell accessories to add everything to the same order.
Should You Choose the Flute as Your First Instrument?
The flute can be an excellent first instrument for some people to learn, but not everyone. Before learning the flute, I played the piano, violin, and saxophone. The saxophone was particularly helpful since I could transfer my knowledge of breathing and fingerings.
I was also a bit older when I first started the flute (16 years old). That made it easier to focus when practicing so I could improve much faster.
However, if you want to play the flute, you can do so as your first instrument. If your young child wants to learn, you can look for a flute with a curved head. That way, it will be easier for the student to reach the keys.
Whether the flute is your first instrument or not, you need to be patient when learning, and it doesn’t hurt to have a private teacher. That way, you can avoid developing bad habits. A teacher can also help your student flutes and find the suitable model for you.
Best Flute
Summary
Choosing the right flute can feel like a quest, with many beautiful options. I’ve scoured the landscape of flutes and gathered some top picks to make your decision a wee bit easier. Pearl and Yamaha stand out for their incredible build and sound quality, perfect for budding and seasoned flute enthusiasts.
- Beginners: Check out Lazarro; it’s a wallet-friendly choice and hits the right notes for quality.
- Intermediates: Swing over to the Pearl 525RBE1RB Quantz Series Flute, a gem that won’t disappoint.
- Advanced Players: You might fancy a Powell. It’s a treasure trove of craftsmanship for professionals.
Selecting the flute that sings to you is a personal journey, but I hope my quick roundup gives you a head start. Prepare to fill the room with music and charm listeners with every note you play. Happy fluting!
FAQ's
The best brand of flute depends on you and your needs. I’ve played flutes from Trevor James, Lyric, and Pearl, and each one suited me at different times in my flute playing journey.
I’d recommend you look at flutes from all brands in your budget. Ask a flute teacher to shop with you if you’re a beginner. Then, you and your teacher can try the flutes to find one that is the most suitable for you and your goals.
The best flute to learn is the modern Boehm system flute. You can learn other types of flutes, from the Irish flute to the Native American flute. However, the Boehm system is by far the most prevalent, and you’ll have access to more gigs and ensembles.
Plus, you can add other flutes to your inventory, such as the piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute. They’re all based on the same fingering system, so the transition is easy.
Having a good flute matters because it can make or break your sound and response. It can also save you a lot of time and money on repairs.
You can lose a lot of practice time if you have to fix your flute every month. It’s better to spend a bit more on a better flute so that you don’t have to take it to the repair shop all of the time.
Learning the flute can be harder for some players than for others. The most difficult aspect is learning the embouchure. You don’t have much resistance, so you need to direct your air in the right direction to get a sound.
Fortunately, student models are designed to be easier and more forgiving. Their features, like closed hole keys and an offset G key, help you get started.
There’s no single best age to start learning to play the flute. People can learn as young as three or four years old or in their sixties and seventies. If you want to learn to play the flute, there’s no better time to do so than now.
You can safely purchase a used flute to learn on and practice. However, you should have a teacher or repair tech inspect the flute’s condition. Some used flutes aren’t in playing condition and will cost a lot of money to fix.
But if you find a used instrument in good shape, you can save a good amount of money. The only thing you’ll want to do is use some rubbing alcohol on the embouchure hole. You can also let the flute sit for a few days to make sure any bacteria won’t infect you.
The cost of a flute can vary greatly depending on the quality, brand, and materials used. Generally, a beginner’s flute can cost anywhere from £/$100 to £/$500, while professional flutes can cost upwards of £/$10,000.
One of the highly regarded flute brands for professional players is Powell Flutes. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, quality materials, and superior tonal characteristics, making them popular among professional flutists. Other reputable flute brands for professionals include Brannen, Altus, Muramatsu, and Haynes.
hello Ted, your list is really not complete, but that is on the other hand logicall.
There are a lot of older flutes, like Armstrong Emeritus flutes, Armstrong Heritage flutes,
Muramatsu ST flutes etc etc. This are all pro flutes, wich mean that they are made in a very precise
way. You will feel it directly when you hold this type of flutes in your hand.
This mentioned flutes are less bright in sound than the eastern market flutes.
However MURAMATSU is a Japanese flute, but with a dark sound.
It is al a matter of choice of the player and not of the teacher or band director. When playing on a flute
wich does not have the feel (hands) and sound, it is for sure not a good flute, for the particalar player.
regards peter
Hi Peter
I think a list like this can never be 100% complete! It is purely just the view of the author.
Thanks for writing to us.
I can’t believe you didn’t proclaim Haynes as a top pro flute, especially from 1960 and previous yrs of the “Golden Age” of flutes. Thank you.
Hi Arthur – good point! Obviously there are many manufacturers and it’s difficult to make sure we mention them all; and ultimately, it’s down to the Author to suggest their favourites. But when we update the article, we will endeavour to add in Haynes!