Best
Overall Flute
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Overall: With A Well-Built And Durable Nickel Silver Body For Producing A Clear, Rich, And Good Tone
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Best Feature: Delivers A Responsive Sound With Superb Intonation
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Student Flute
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Overall: With A Sterling Silver Metal Plate For Added Warmth And Projection
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Best Feature: Has A Wider Riser Angle For Embouchure Comfort
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Budget Flute
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Overall: Has A Nickel-Silver Body That Generates A Bright Yet Powerful Sound
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Best Feature: With Offset G Keys And A Split E Mechanism To Aid In Intuitive Playing
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TedScore™: 7/10
Assembling a flute may seem mysterious initially, but it’s pretty simple when you break it down. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to put a flute together, making each step clear and straightforward.
By the end of this article, you’ll be assembling your flute like a pro, ready to delight in playing your first notes and feeling curious and prepared to explore.
Join me, and let’s get your flute assembled quickly and easily. Ready? Let’s go!
Understanding the Parts of a Flute
A flute is a wind instrument, essentially a tube divided into three parts: the head joint, the body, and the foot joint. The length of the tube determines the sound produced by the flute, and the various parts of the flute serve a purpose that makes it function very well as a musical instrument.
Head Joint
A flute’s head joint is the section placed on the mouth with no key. It consists of the lip plate, which is the place where the flautist places their lips and the embouchure hole.
The lip plate’s shape is curved, making it easier to blow air than a straight plate. This part is important because it determines the tone quality and pitch of the instrument. It also affects the ease of playing and the overall response of the flute.
Body
The body of a flute is the longest section of the instrument and is where most of the keys are located.
With the keys mounted on metal bars. It has several tone holes that the flautist covers with their fingers to produce different notes.
The length of the body determines the fundamental pitch of the flute. It also affects the tuning and intonation of the instrument.
Foot Joint
A flute’s foot joint is the section attached to the end of the body opposite the head joint.
It contains keys that allow the flautist to play lower notes than those available on the body alone.
The foot joint is important because it extends the range of the flute and allows you to play more notes.
Steps on How to Assemble a Flute
For beginners, carefully assembling a flute can be a daunting task, but it will become second nature with practice! Here are the steps to follow on how to put your flute together:
Start by holding the head joint in one hand and the flute’s body in the other. Insert the end opposite, the lip plate of the head joint, into the end of the body that is bare metal, not covered by any key.
Next, bring the pieces together with a slight twisting motion. Ensure the head joint is pushed all the way into the body. Lastly, attach the foot joint to the bottom of the body by aligning the key and gently twisting it into place. Make sure not to put pressure on the keys or rods.
It’s important to note that you should be careful in handling it when assembling a flute. Avoid touching the keys as much as possible, as the oils from your fingers can damage the finish over time.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check that all the pieces are securely placed before playing. Give the flute a gentle shake to ensure nothing is loose or rattling.
Disassembling a Flute
Disassembling a flute carefully is as important as assembling it. After playing, it’s crucial to disassemble the instrument to avoid damage and keep it clean. Here are the instructions for you to follow:
Start by holding the head joint with one hand and the body with the other hand. Gently twist the head joint clockwise until it comes loose from the body.
Next, remove the foot joint by holding it with one hand and rotating it clockwise until it comes loose from the body. Finally, remove the mouthpiece by unscrewing it from the head joint counterclockwise motion.
It’s essential to be gentle and careful when disassembling the flute to avoid damaging any delicate parts. Always hold the instrument securely and avoid a tight grip or using excessive force.
Once the flute is disassembled, cleaning each part thoroughly is important. You can use a cleaning rod and cloth to remove any moisture or debris inside the instrument. Be sure to dry each part completely before storing it in its case.
Remember to store each part of the flute separately inside its designated compartment to avoid damage and ensure that it stays in good condition.
Top 5 Flutes You Can Buy
Yamaha YFL222 Student Model Flute
This is a great intermediate flute for advancing players looking for a high-quality instrument with a solid silver head joint.
PERFECT FOR: student players
FEATURES: Delivers a responsive sound with superb intonation
OTHER INFO: With a well-built and durable nickel silver body for producing a clear, rich, and good tone
Yamaha YFL222 Student Model 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!
- The offset G allows a more natural hand shape for comfort
- Ideal for students seeking to develop their skills
- Includes a maintenance kit, hard flute case and soft cover
- Relatively expensive compared to other student 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™.
Pearl 505E Quantz Flute
The Pearl 505E Quantz Flute is a popular student flute with a silver-plated head joint and body that produces a rich and warm sound.
PERFECT FOR: beginners and student players
FEATURES: With French pointed arms to ensure a good seal
OTHER INFO: Has a one-piece core-bar construction that enhances durability
Pearl 505E Quantz 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!
- With a silver plate which offers a scintillating finish
- Reliable and comfortable to play
- Includes a case, cover, polishing cloth, and cleaning rod
- Some players have reported issues with the pads and 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™.
Jupiter JFL700EC Flute
The Jupiter JFL700EC Flute is a popular student flute with a silver-plated head joint and body that produces a clear and focused sound.
PERFECT FOR: students progressing through grades 4 to 6
FEATURES: Has a wider riser angle for embouchure comfort
OTHER INFO: With a sterling silver metal plate for added warmth and projection
Jupiter JFL700EC 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!
- Offers effortless high notes with a split E mechanism and offset G
- Allows you the satisfaction of great sound quality and a comfortable instrument
- Includes a French case and cover, so you're ready to travel
- Relatively heavy compared to other student instruments
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 TJ5X Student Flute
The Trevor James TJ5X Student Flute is a popular student flute based on the award-winning TJ10Xs with beginners in mind, featuring a slightly raised lip plate for a free-blowing and accurate response.
PERFECT FOR: beginners and student players
FEATURES: With offset G keys and a split E mechanism to aid in intuitive playing
OTHER INFO: Has a nickel-silver body that generates a bright yet powerful sound
Trevor James TJ5X Student 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!
- Its embouchure hole is over-cut and under-cut by hand to provide optimal performance
- Affordable and budget-friendly for starters
- Resistant to corrosion and other moisture-related issues
- Comes in a purple-lined wooden case with a black, fleece-lined case cover
- You may find better sound quality and intonation with more high-quality models
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 Beginner Flute
The Armstrong FL650 Beginner Flute is a popular student flute that is durable and robust, with a nickel and silver alloy body and white felt bumpers for a comfortable feel.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and student musicians
FEATURES: With curved and straight heads to suit all preferences
OTHER INFO: Built with a robust nickel alloy for producing clear tones
Armstrong FL650 Beginner 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 Pisoni pads for an expressive feel
- Provides an attractive aesthetic with its silver finish
- Provides a comfortable feel and easy playability
- Includes a wooden case with cover, cleaning rod and a cleaning cloth
- May require frequent key adjustments to maintain sound quality
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 Put Flute Together
Summary
Congratulations!
You’ve successfully learned how to put together a flute. With a little practice, you can assemble your flute in no time. Remember to take your time and be gentle when handling your instrument. With proper care and maintenance, your flute will last for years. Always clean your flute after each use and store it safely.
If you have any questions or concerns about assembling your flute, don’t hesitate to contact a music teacher or professional for assistance. You can also leave us a comment below!
Now that you know how to put the flute together, it’s time to start playing! Enjoy the beautiful sounds your flute can create, and have fun exploring the world of music!
And before you go, take a look at our new article, What Is The Best Flute.
are professional flutes really that different? i thought a flute’s a flute lol
Good point, but those high-end flutes can be super pricey. Not all of us need that level of complexity.
While I appreciate the effort put into this article, I must point out that evaluating flutes solely on brand and model can be misleading for beginners. The individual player’s needs, such as hand size and musical genre, play a significant role in choosing the right instrument. It’s crucial to try out flutes in person rather than making a decision based on reviews alone.
This makes the choosing process sound so complicated. Any tips on how to start?
I agree with Clarissa. While reviews are helpful, the feel and response of an instrument to the player are paramount. Also, let’s not forget the importance of a good teacher guiding the selection process.
I’ve played clarinet for years and decided it’s time for a change, so I’m transitioning to flute. This article provides a great breakdown of the flute’s components and assembles instructions. I found it very helpful as a newbie. However, it would be great if there’s a section comparing flute to other woodwind instruments for players switching between them.
That’s a great suggestion! Understanding the differences can really accelerate learning and adjustment to a new instrument.
love the list of flutes! got my eye on the Pearl 505E, heard it’s awesome for jazz pieces.
Finally got around to learning flute assembly from your guide, Hannah Haefele. Super helpful, though I wish there were more pics. Made it easier to understand the head joint part.
Hey Hannah Haefele, I was trying to follow the steps on how to assemble a flute, and I keep having trouble with the foot joint aligning it correctly. Any tips or common mistakes I should watch out for? Thanks!
Hey, does anyone know if the Yamaha YFL222 is good for beginners? I’m starting band class next month. Thanks!