Best
Overall Flute
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Overall: Beautifully designed with a traditional European style
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Best Feature: Made with a combination of nickel and silver
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Quality Flute
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Overall: A refined intermediate to advanced flute
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Best Feature: Has high silver concentration in Voce head joint
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Budget Flute
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Overall: Has the finest quality and precision
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Best Feature: Has high-quality Japanese tubing that provides resonance
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TedScore™: 8.7/10
Choosing the best intermediate flute is an important step in your musical journey, and investing in a flute that suits your needs and skills is crucial for your progress and enjoyment.
Whether you’re looking for a richer tone or improved key action, there’s something here for everyone. Understanding the key features will help you make the best choice.
So, keep reading to find the perfect fit for you!
The Cost of Intermediate Flutes
The cost of intermediate flutes can vary widely depending on the brand, materials used, and other factors. Generally, intermediate flutes can cost anywhere from $1500/£1200 to $2500/£2000.
Researching and trying out different flutes before purchasing to find one that meets your needs and budget is important.
What to Expect in An Intermediate Flute
Intermediate flutes are designed for players who have already gained some experience on beginner flutes and are looking to upgrade their skills. These flutes offer higher craftsmanship and materials, resulting in better sound quality and more advanced features.
They are typically made from higher-quality materials like silver, gold, or platinum. These materials provide a richer and more complex sound compared to beginner models.
They also often have advanced features such as open hole keys, B foot joint, and split E mechanism. These features allow for more precise and intricate playing techniques.
Intermediate flutes are a significant investment, but they offer a higher quality sound and more advanced features than beginner flutes. If you’re serious about improving your flute playing skills, upgrading to an intermediate flute is a great option.
When Should Beginners Upgrade to Intermediate Flute?
Beginners should upgrade to an intermediate flute when they have developed their skills and outgrown their beginner flute.
This typically happens when the player has been playing for a few years and is ready for a higher-quality instrument to produce a better sound.
An intermediate flute can also help the player develop their skills further by providing more tonal flexibility and advanced playing techniques.
However, it is important to consult with a teacher or a professional before upgrading to ensure that it is the right choice for the player’s skill level and needs.
A Guide to Finding the Perfect Intermediate Flute
Choosing the best intermediate flute can be daunting, but with a few key considerations, you can find the perfect instrument to take your playing to the next level. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Today's Top 7 Best Flutes For Intermediate Players
Yamaha YFL312 Student Model Flute
This beauty is perfect for both beginners and advancing players. The solid silver head joint creates a warm and powerful tone, and the nickel silver body ensures maximum durability.
Plus, with features inherited from professional Yamaha flutes, you’ll feel confident taking your playing to the next level.
PERFECT FOR: students and beginners
FEATURES: With a silver head joint to produce a warm, powerful tone
OTHER INFO: Has a well-built nickel-silver body for maximum durability
Yamaha YFL312 Student Model Flute, Silver Headjoint
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!
- Offset G key for natural playing position
- Produces responsive sound with superb intonation
- Has been upgraded to meet the needs and ambitions of today's generation of flautists
- Comes equipped with a case for easier travel
- Some users reported that the keys might feel stiff or difficult to press down, which can impact your playing experience
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™.
Pearl 665RE Quantz Flute
This instrument looks stunning and produces a smooth, warm tone that’s hard to beat. Moreover, the open holes and quickness of the French pointed arms make it easy to hit all the right notes precisely and effortlessly. With its unique build and design, this limited-edition flute is perfect for anyone looking to stand out.
DESIGNED FOR: intermediate level flute players
FEATURES: open holes, sterling silver head, optional B foot
OTHER INFO: comes with plugs for tone holes, so you can gradually adjust to open tone holes
Pearl 665RE Quantz Flute, Open Hole
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!
- One of the best woodwind flute brands
- Warm and rich sound
- Durable keywork
- Offset G/split E mechanism
- Might need upgrading in the future
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 Chanson Flute
This fantastic instrument is designed to deliver a rich, warm tone perfect for classical and jazz music. The Chanson Flute Voce Head will impress even the most discerning musicians with its innovative design and superior craftsmanship.
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 Flute, Voce Head
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!
- Thick, triple plating of silver on the body
- Split E mechanism
- Comes with a nice case
- Easy to play
- Closed holes
- C foot
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 JAF1000XE Alto Flute
With straight and curved head joints, this Jupiter flute allows you to experiment with different playing positions. The silver-plated body gives it a classic look and feel, and the forged nickel silver dapped keys ensure it will last for years.
The precision-cut head joint with hand finishing is a highlight, giving you a delicate tone in the higher registers while maintaining a robust low register.
COMES WITH: With hand-finished embouchure
FEATURES: Has a silver-plated body and head joints
Jupiter JAF1000XE Alto Flute, Curved and Straight Head
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 second instrument for chamber music, flute quartets and orchestral performers
- Includes hard wood-frame carry case and cover
- Expensive intermediate flute brand
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 YFL-462H Intermediate Flute
This beautiful flute features French pointed key arms and a head joint, body, and foot joint made from sterling silver, providing a gorgeous and powerful sound.
With open-hole keys, an offset-G key, and a C-foot joint with a Gizmo key, this flute is versatile and perfect for the intermediate player.
COMES WITH: Sterling silver construction delivers pure, light, and modern tones
FEATURES: Keys have carefully considered dimensions and angles
Yamaha YFL-462H Intermediate Flute
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!
- Design based on Yamaha's Professional Series flutes
- Ergonomically balanced with a comfortable offset G key
- May not be the best option for those looking for a more traditional or classic sound
- High price point
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™.
Azumi AZ2 Intermediate Flute
The added benefit of a solid silver Altus ‘Z-cut’ head joint means you can expect full richness in tone and an incredibly smooth response.
You’ll love the flexibility in register crossing and the great embouchure hole cuts available with the AZ2. And as part of the Azumi Intermediate line, you’ll enjoy professional flute design and craftsmanship at an intermediate price.
COMES WITH: Has open holes and an inline G for more advanced playing techniques
FEATURES: Provides quick response and a full, rich tone in all three registers
Azumi AZ2 Intermediate Flute Offset G, Split E
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!
- Case included in your purchase
- Azumi is a trusted brand, perfecting its craft for almost 30 years
- Not all flautists prefer in-line G
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 Privilege Flute
This remarkable instrument has been meticulously crafted for musicians who demand only the finest quality and precision in their playing. Its sleek design and innovative features make it a top choice for professionals worldwide.
This Trevor James flute will elevate your performance to the next level with its smooth and effortless playability.
COMES WITH: offset G and split E mechanism for a comfortable grip and easy playing
FEATURES: With a hand-cut embouchure hole and .925 silver lip and riser to produce bright sounds
Trevor James Privilege Flute, Traditional Silver Lip Plate
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!
- Has high-quality Japanese tubing that provides resonance
- With a durable Trevor James triple plating
- Expensive compared to other flute options
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 Intermediate
Summary
These instruments that made the list offer a range of features and benefits that make them ideal for intermediate players looking to take their skills to the next level.
Remember, when choosing the best intermediate flute, it’s important to consider your skill level, playing style, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a silver-plated flute with pointed key arms or a sterling silver plated head joint, there’s a perfect instrument for you.
And don’t forget to take care of your flute with regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure it lasts for years!
I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect instrument to sharpen your playing skills further.
Enjoy playing!
Interesting article Hannah Haefele, especially the segment on costs. However, is it truly worth investing in an intermediate flute for a beginner? Wouldn’t a more basic model suffice initially, especially considering kids might lose interest?
yo so i been thinkin bout switchin from clarinet to flute cause it just looks cooler you know? read the part about when to upgrade and kinda think maybe should start with an intermediate one right off? idk much bout flutes so gotta ask, you think it’s a good idea or should i start basic?
Great list! Just started back up and this is super helpful.
Hey there Hannah Haefele, just read through your piece on intermediate flutes and gotta say, it’s pretty informative! But I’m torn between the Yamaha YFL-462H and the Azumi AZ2. How do they compare in terms of tone and build quality? Thanks for the help!
Following this! Also interested in knowing more about these two models.
I’ve tried both, and personally, the Azumi has a warmer tone but Yamaha’s build quality is top-notch!