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
-
TedScore™: 8/10
You’ve seen Lizzo rock the flute on stage, and you want to be just like her. But you’re not quite sure what the best flute is for you to buy.
There are tons of different flutes at all price points and from dozens of flute brands. However, some instruments are better than others.
Keep reading to learn how we got to the best flutes and how to choose the right flute for you.
The History of the Flute
The oldest flute dates back to 60,000 years ago and was found in modern-day Slovenia. It was made from the leg bone of a cave bear, and there are only two holes in it. Other early flutes were made from various animal bones, wood, and similar materials.
Oddly enough, a lot of these early flutes have a very similar scale to the modern Western scale.
However, the modern flute got its start in the Baroque era with the traverso. This musical instrument is similar to the flute we play today, but it was made of wood and only had one key.
In the 19th century, flute player, maker, and composer Theobald Boehm added new features, such as more keys, larger tone holes, and silver instruments. Unfortunately, it took a few decades for Boehm’s design to catch on.
But by the 20th century, many flutists had made the switch to a metal flute. The design allowed for a richer sound that projected better over an orchestra. Many players left their simple system flutes behind, while others kept them for playing early music.
Since the turn of the 20th century, the metal flute has gained even more prominence, and flute makers continue to innovate. Recent new features include the C# trill key, D# roller, and split E mechanism.
Also, during this time, the piccolo followed the development of the flute. However, the most notable difference is the bore. While the modern metal flute features a cylindrical bore, the piccolo retained the conical bore of older flutes.
The 20th century also brought with it the development of the alto flute and bass flute. You could find the alto flute in a few orchestral works, such as The Planets by Gustav Holst. These instruments feature the same Boehm system, so switching from the C flute is relatively easy.
Should You Choose the Flute as Your First Instrument?
The flute can be a good first instrument to learn for some people but not everyone. Before learning the flute, I’d already 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 a bit easier for me to focus when practising, so I could improve much faster.
However, if you really 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 you compare student flutes and find the right model for you.
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. As you advance, you can look into solid silver flutes to get a bright yet resonant sound.
However, you may want to find a flute with at least a solid silver lip plate, even as a beginner. This can be especially helpful if you have a nickel allergy because you can avoid contacting nickel if the silver plating wears off.
Some players, including myself, will get a professional flute with some gold content, whether that’s a gold lip plate, gold 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 how mellow of a sound gold gives you, you can still get a quality instrument that you love.
3. Key System
Most flutes you’ll find today use the Boehm system. Within the Boehm system, you can find slight differences in specs. For example, you can choose between an offset G key or 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 favourite 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 you can make include ring or plateau keys and a low B or low C foot. The top flute brands offer both options, but one may be more common where you live. For example, a B foot is popular 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 from the Baroque era. These flutes are made from 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 flute or professional flute, you should play the instrument first. Then, you can determine if you like how it sounds. We all have different preferences, so play all of the notes from the low register to the high register.
Pay attention to the tone and intonation. If you’re not a huge fan, you can look at other brands and models to find something better for you.
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 helps you get a full, more resonant sound compared to 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 actually make it harder to assemble your instrument.
If your flute doesn’t come with any accessories, you can always buy them separately. Some are highly affordable, such as cleaning cloths. Most music stores that carry flutes also sell accessories, so you can add everything to the same order.
Best Flute For Students
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
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 tone
- Easy to play
- Affordable flute
- Comes with a case
- Newer model
- Not the most popular
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™.
DESIGNED FOR: serious students
FEATURES: great intonation
OTHER INFO: has a CY headjoint
Yamaha YFL212
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!
- Good response
- Nice specs
- Comes with a maintenance kit
- 5-year warranty
- A bit expensive for beginners
- Counterfeits are common
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™.
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
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 mechanism
- Easy response
- Nice sound
- Good for beginners
- A little costly
- Not for advanced players
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
DESIGNED FOR: younger kids
FEATURES: two different headjoints
OTHER INFO: a good flute for kids or people with shorter arms
Pearl 505EUS
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 curved headjoint
- Nice mechanism
- Easy to play
- Good sound
- Very expensive
- Larger case
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™.
DESIGNED FOR: children who struggle to form a traditional flute embouchure
FEATURES: recorder-like embouchure hole
OTHER INFO: great for playing outside
Nuvo TooT
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 of plastic and silicone
- Easy to play
- Good response
- Very affordable
- Not the best sound
- Not super popular
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™.
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
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!
- Silver plating
- Nice sound
- Comes with accessories
- Decent price
- Responds better to some players than others
- No curved head
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 Players
DESIGNED FOR: advancing students with arthritis
FEATURES: more silver content than a beginner flute
OTHER INFO: this model features closed tone holes
Yamaha YFL312
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!
- Silver headjoint
- Warm sound
- Great intonation
- Ergonomic design
- Can't play certain extended techniques
- Only a 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™.
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
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!
- Open holes for extended techniques
- Easy to play
- Excellent construction
- Suitable for intermediate flutists
- A bit expensive
- No B 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™.
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
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™.
Best Flute for Professional Players
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
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!
- Rich tone
- Low B footjoint
- Split E key
- Offset G key
- Closed holes
- Not a true pro 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™.
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
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 range
- Versatile sound
- Responds easily
- Straubinger pads
- A bit heavier due to the extra key
- Doesn't come with accessories
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™.
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
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!
- Powerful sound
- Durable mechanism
- Offset G key
- Decent price
- Requires more maintenance
- Not for casual use
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™.
Flutes by Yamaha:
Are They Any Good?
Yamaha is one of the best flute brands. Here are some models to check out.
Best Yamaha Flutes For Beginners
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
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!
- Nickel silver with silver plating
- Good price
- Easy to play
- Nice response
- No split E
- Not for young children
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™.
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
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!
- Open holes
- Powerful, warm sound
- Split E key
- Long warranty
- No B footjoint
- Not the cheapest 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™.
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
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!
- Projects well
- Easy to play
- Nice durability
- Hand-finished pointed key arms
- A bit expensive
- Not for beginners
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 flute is good for intermediate and advanced players.
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
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!
- Good range
- Produces a warm sound
- Rich response
- Pads seal well
- Not for professionals
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.
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
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!
- Open holes
- Hand-cut headjoint
- Comes with essential accessories
- Split E
- Not for beginners
- A bit basic for professionals
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.
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
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!
- Easy response
- Good design
- Open holes
- Suitable for beginners
- Not the best for an advanced player
- A bit cheap
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.
Best Flutes from Armstrong: 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
Powell is one of the best professional flute brands; their intermediate line is just as great.
Best Flutes from Powell: Sonare 101
The Sonare flute is a great choice for intermediate players.
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
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!
- 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
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™.
A Guide on How to Put a Flute Together
When you open your flute case, grab the footjoint in your left hand. Make sure not to grab it by any of the keys to keep from bending the keys and rods. Take the body in your right hand by the barrel since it doesn’t have any keys on it.
Then, place the foot into the body and rotate the pieces back and forth. Don’t force the joints together. If they don’t fit, you should take the flute to a repair technician for assistance.
Move the flute to your left hand and hold it by the barrel. Take the headjoint out of the case by the tenon.
Avoid using the embouchure hole because you could damage it. Then, place the headjoint into the body and rotate the parts together.
Now, you should line the embouchure hole up with the keys on the body. However, you may want to experiment with the exact placement based on what’s comfortable for you. Remember that alignment for the next time you assemble your flute.
Another thing to keep in mind is how you tune your flute. The best way to tune is to pull the headjoint out or push it in. Use a tuner and tune the A in the first and second octaves, adjusting the length of the tubing until your flute sounds in tune.
When you’re done playing the flute, you’ll want to follow these steps in reverse. Take apart the flute one joint at a time, and avoid pressing down on the keys. Then, place each piece in its respective spot in your flute case.
Best Flute
Summary
The best flute depends on the flautist. For example, I’d choose a Pearl flute, such as the 795RE, since I currently play a Pearl flute and alto flute.
However, you may prefer a Yamaha, Jupiter, or Trevor James flute.
Check out different reputable brand names and compare a few models from each.
Then, you can invest in a flute that will give you the control and flexibility you desire.
