Best Premium Flute
for Professionals
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Wider range of notes
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best Premium
Flute
for Professionals
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Overall: 8/10
-
Best Feature: Off-set G and split-E design
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best for Jazz
Professional Flute
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Made of Grenadilla wood for a more powerful sound
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TedScore™: 8/10
Are you a musician aiming to **elevate** your playing to the next level or even the highest one? Picking the **best flute** for professionals worldwide might seem tricky, given the many choices. But **don’t worry** because there’s help at hand!
In this article, I’ll dive deep into the best professional flutes you can buy, comparing models and top flute brands to help you make the best decision.
Whether you’re a pro or a student looking to upgrade, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect instrument that fits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Let’s get into it!
What Makes a Professional Flute?
When it comes to professional flutes, you’ll want to look for ones made with high-quality materials like silver, gold, or platinum. These materials are known for producing a rich, nuanced sound that can take your playing to the next level.
In addition to the materials, you’ll want to consider advanced key mechanisms and tone holes that allow for greater control, flexibility, and precision in your playing. These musical instruments are designed to offer a wide range of tonal colours, so choose one that allows you to express your unique melodious voice.
Many professional-level flutes also have B foot joints for a wider range of notes, greater tonal depth, and a Split E mechanism for improved intonation and ease of playing in the higher register.
When to Upgrade to Professional Flute
If you’re an intermediate flautist, you may wonder when’s the right time to upgrade to a professional flute. Here are some signs that you’re ready:
- You're playing more advanced pieces and finding that your current flute is not producing the desired sound quality.
- You seek more control over your sound and dynamics, and your current flute limits your abilities.
- You're looking for a more responsive and flexible instrument that can handle a wider range of musical styles and techniques.
- You're playing in professional settings, such as orchestras, and need an instrument to produce a more refined and polished sound.
The Cost of Professional Flutes
If you’re considering purchasing a professional flute, it’s important to understand that it can be a significant investment. These handcrafted flutes are designed with top-quality materials and are not mass-produced in a factory.
As a result, they tend to be more expensive than student flutes.
Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000/£1,600 to $3,000/£2,400 for a high-quality professional flute.
However, the price can vary depending on the brand, materials, and features included. Some of the most expensive flutes for professional players can cost $10,000./£8,100 or more.
It’s important to remember that the cost of a professional flute is an investment in your musical career. High-quality instruments can make a significant difference in your sound and performance, so it may be worth the investment if you’re serious about pursuing music professionally.
How to Find the Perfect Flute for Your Professional Needs
Finding the perfect flute can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can select an instrument that meets your needs and helps you achieve your musical goals. Here are some important factors you need to consider before investing in one:
Material and Build Quality
Professional-level flutes are typically made of high-quality materials like sterling silver, nickel-gold, and platinum.
The materials of these musical instruments offer superior sound quality and durability compared to cheaper materials like nickel or brass. Look for high-quality flutes with precision craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that your flute lasts for many years.
Ergonomics and Player's Comfortability
Ergonomics and players’ comfort are also important considerations. Look for a flute that feels comfortable in your hands and is easy to play.
A comfortable flute will allow you to play for longer periods without experiencing fatigue or discomfort. Consider the flute’s weight, as a heavier flute may cause strain on your hands and arms over time. Additionally, look for a flute with good balance and finger placement to make it easier to play complex pieces.
Sound and Mechanism
A professional flute should produce a clear, bright, and rich sound with good projection and tonal quality.
Look for high-quality flutes with a solid, well-crafted mechanism for smooth and precise key action.
Many professional players prefer open-hole flutes for greater tonal flexibility and control.
The 3 Best Flutes for Professional Players
Pearl 795BE Elegante Flute
This beautiful instrument is hand-finished, giving you superior and strong flute sounds. The 925 silver head joint, body, foot joint, and silver plated mechanism produce an incredible sound quality that will impress.
FEATURES: *Luxury playing with solid silver components
*Gorgeous tone production with a sterling silver head joint, body, and foot joint
*Enjoy smooth playing with an off-set G and split-E design
*Play a semitone lower in your rich tone with a B footjoint
Pearl 795BE Elegante 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!
- Made with refined craftsmanship for a sophisticated look and feel
- Pearl's patented pinless mechanism raises their flutes to a new level
- Has closed-hole keys
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 YFL677H Professional Handmade Flute
This professional, high-quality flute offers a rich, nuanced tonality with a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for concert-level players. The ring keys produce a louder and clearer sound projection in the lower range, while the specially designed head joint offers incredible response and an impressive dynamic range.
FEATURES: *Has a low B foot joint to access a wider range of notes
*Comes with upgraded Straubinger Phoenix Pads for clear sound timbre
*Its silver body produces a warm tone with outstanding projection and excellent overtones
*With increased wall thickness for more resistance
Yamaha YFL677H Professional Handmade 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!
- Provides freedom for musical expression
- Responds quickly
- Comes equipped with a hard case and soft carry bag
- A bit heavier due to the extra keys
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 Grenadilla Wooden Flute
FEATURES: *Made of Grenadilla wood for a more powerful sound
*With a durable silver-plated key mechanism
*Has a Split E mechanism and offset G keys
*With French-style pointed key arms
Trevor James Grenadilla Wooden 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!
- Comes with a fitted case, a carry bag with a strap, and cleaning tools
- Cut and hand-finished by English flute maker Andrew Oxley
- Requires more maintenance than other high-quality flute brands
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™.
Bonus: The 3 Best Flutes for Professional Jazz Musicians
Yamaha YFL-777H Professional Flute
This well-crafted flute has been meticulously hand-adjusted and test-played by experienced artisans, meaning it’s more than just an inexpensive version of Yamaha flutes. With its top-notch features, this flute will surely achieve a new level of musicality, craftsmanship, and expression.
FEATURES: *Based on the Handcrafted Flutes Type A design for a wider expressive range
*With Straubinger Phoenix™ Pads for a softer touch and superior response
*Keys are ergonomically placed for an effortless performance
Yamaha YFL-777H Professional 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!
- Designs are inspired by traditional European styling
- Comes with a sophisticated case cover and a compact case
- Quite an expensive flute
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™.
Gemeinhardt Professional Flute Model 33SSB
This model is known for its superior sound quality and great playability, thanks to its solid silver head joint, body and unique Gemeinhardt pointed pad cup design. It also features 12K white gold springs to ensure a smooth and light action, making playing even the most challenging pieces a breeze.
FEATURES: *Made of solid silver, which produces a rich, warm sound
*Has high-quality construction to make it durable and long-lasting
*With French-style pointed arms for superior sound and playability
Gemeinhardt Professional Flute Model 33SSB
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!
- Features a B foot joint which provides for a lower tone, perfect for jazz ensembles
- Has excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail for a clear and expressive, rich tone
- Relatively expensive compared to other professional flutes
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 Virtuoso Flute
This model is known for its superior sound quality and great playability, thanks to its solid silver head joint, body and unique Gemeinhardt pointed pad cup design. It also features 12K white gold springs to ensure a smooth and light action, making playing even the most challenging pieces a breeze.
FEATURES: *With a silver body and split E mechanism to help achieve your playing style
*Has French-pointed keys to prevent any air leaks
*The embouchure hole is hand-finished
Trevor James Virtuoso Flute, Shaped Lip Plate -1600
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!
- Offers dynamics, colour, a deep timbre and a wide tonal range
- Includes case and cleaning accessories
- Some may experience discomfort on their lips from prolonged use of the shaped lip plate
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™.
How to Care for Your Professional Flute
As a flautist, your instrument is your most valuable tool. Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your flute in top condition and ensure it continues to produce beautiful music. Here are some tips to help you care for your professional flute:
- Always handle your flute with clean and dry hands. Moisture and dirt can damage the keys and pads.
- After playing, gently wipe the length of the flute's body with a polishing cloth, not applying pressure to the keys. This will help remove any moisture and dirt that may have accumulated on the surface of the instrument.
- A flute must be played every day to prevent discolouration. If dark spots appear on the surface of the flute that can't be wiped off with a polishing cloth alone, it may be effective to use a silver cloth.
- Never use water or any cleaning solution to clean the inside of the flute. This can damage the pads and keys. Instead, use a cleaning rod with a cloth or feather to remove any dirt or moisture from the inside of the instrument.
- Store your flute in a case when not in use. This will protect it from dust, dirt, and other elements that can damage the quality instrument.
Best Flute For Professional flute
Summary
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from intermediate flutes to professional models should be based on your needs and goals as a musician.
Investing in one may be the right choice if you’re serious about your craft and looking to take your playing to the next level.
Remember that there are aspects to consider before purchasing. First, think about what type of player you are and what style of music you intend to play. This will help determine the flute level and materials you should look into.
Additionally, try out different top flute brands and models to see which feels most comfortable and responds well to your playing style. Lastly, don’t forget to consider the price range that fits your budget.
We hope that this guide has been helpfulI to you. With careful consideration and research, you can choose the best professional flute that suits all your needs and inspires you to create beautiful music.
Best of luck with your professional flute shopping!
