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
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.
Today, the best flutes are crafted with precision and expertise to deliver exceptional sound quality. Renowned brands like Yamaha, Pearl, Armstrong, Trevor James, and Powell offer a range of flutes suitable for beginners to professionals. These instruments boast excellent tone, durability, and playability, making them ideal choices for any flutist.
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 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 make a flute comparison and 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
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™.
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™.
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
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™.
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™.
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
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™.
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™.
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
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™.
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™.
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™.
Flutes by Yamaha:
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
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™.
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™.
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 flute is good for intermediate and advanced 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 a great choice for intermediate 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™.
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. You can also read flute reviews to help you decide on the best flute to buy.
Then, you can invest in a flute that will give you the control and flexibility you desire.
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.
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!