The Best Flutes for Starters

The flute is a fun and rewarding instrument, but with many flute types and brands to choose from, finding the right one can be difficult. While there are several instruments in the flute family, such as piccolo, alto or bass flute, the focus here is on the standard C-flute, which nearly all flautists will primarily perform on in orchestras, bands, chamber ensembles and solo. Testing out a variety of instruments to find one fitting a player’s personal preferences is essential.

In choosing a flute, especially at the professional level, the final decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of tone and feel to the player. When purchasing, it’s a good idea to consider the above options and play several different flutes from respected companies to find the best fit for the individual musician. However, this buyer’s guide will point you in the right direction towards purchasing the best flute for your needs.

Flute Types

Student/Beginner

These are flutes designed with students in mind focus on affordability, durability, as well as ease of playing and the ability to play in tune. Student flutes will have a C-footjoint, which has one less key, making the flute shorter and more manageable for young players. Student flutes can sometimes be purchased with an optional curved headjoint, which makes the instrument even shorter for especially young players.

Intermediate

A transitional instrument, intermediate flutes typically provide a step up from student horns by adding a few professional level features, such as a B-footjoint to extend the range of the instrument one note lower, while still maintaining a more affordable price range. For those looking for a long term investment, it is best to avoid the intermediate category and invest in a professional flute.

Professional

The highest quality instruments, professional flutes will have all the standard features needed for upper level performers. This includes the B-footjoint, extending the range of the instrument a note lower, essential for upper level performance. Additionally, professional flutes will allow for customization of body metals, headjoint metals, and additional keys based on player preference. Professional flutes focus on optimal tone quality, response, intonation, and key action. A well-maintained, reputable, professional flute will last decades.

Parts

Headjoint

Headjoints are the top piece of the flute, and musicians blow air across the attached lip plate to create sound. One of the most customizable parts of the instrument and the biggest determiner of the flute’s sound, headjoints can be customized in unlimited combinations.

Many upper level musicians will choose headjoints made of different metals than the body of the flute. Even the lip plate and riser attaching the lip plate to the headjoint, can be personalized with silver, gold or platinum for different tone qualities and response based on player preference.

Body

The middle and longest piece of the flute holds most of the instrument’s delicate keywork. The body and the footjoint of the flute are typically made of the same metal.

Footjoint

This is the bottom piece of the instrument, and normally made of the same metal as the body of the flute. Flutes will either have a C-footjoint or a B-footjoint. The C-footjoint, usually reserved for beginner instruments, shortens the flute slightly for student flautists. To extend the range of the flute one note lower, required for upper levels of performance, a B-footjoint should be considered beyond the beginner level.

Body Metals

Nickel-Silver

Nickel-silver is common for student level instruments. Easier to care for and more affordable than sterling silver, nickel-silver provides a decent tone and reliability for beginning players.

Silver-Plating

Silver-plating has the desirable tone quality of silver at a more cost effective price. After years of regular use, the silver plating may wear off, but cleaning the flute with a polishing cloth after each use can help reduce the amount of wear. While professionals may prefer solid silver, an expertly crafted, silver-plated flute can still exceptional sound and functionality.

Solid Silver

Solid silver flutes produce the classic flute sound most players are seeking as it offers a clear tone and good projection. Though more costly than silver-plating, solid sterling silver is one of the most common metals used for the body of professional flutes.

Exotic Metals

Other metals such as gold or platinum are also available from some flute makers. While these custom finishes are costly, flautists seeking something different in their sound can look at these additional options.

Construction

Closed-Hole

Typically reserved for student-level flutes, closed-hole instruments have a solid key, making it easy to accurately press down keys with less concern about finger positioning. Eventually, players will want to move to an open-hole flute for a better sound and advanced playing techniques.

Open Hole

Open-hole flute keys have a small, circular hole cut in the center of the primary keys of the instrument, allowing for better response and clear sound. More contemporary playing techniques, such as quarter tones or pitch bends, can be created by covering and uncovering only parts of the key holes.

Learning to play an open-holed flute takes time to get used to, as finger positioning needs to be accurate to ensure the entire hole is covered while pressing down the key. For those transitioning from a closed-hole to open-hole flute, covering the holes with plugs and removing those plugs as the player gets used to the keys helps the transition.

G-Key Alignment

The alignment of the G-key, the key controlled by the left-hand ring finger, can either be straight in line with the keys around it (inline), or slightly out of line (offset). Neither option affects the sound of the instrument, but comes down to what is most comfortable to the flautist. Many upper level instruments have the option of offset or inline keys.

Offset

The offset G-key extends further out of line than its neighboring keys and closer to the body of the musician. This makes the G-key easier to reach, especially for smaller hands. Offset keys also help mitigate the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis for all players, as the offset-G key allows the hand to fit more naturally to the instrument, reducing discomfort and stress. Most student level flutes will have an offset G-key.

Inline

Inline key construction means all the keys are in a straight line down the flute, the traditional construction for handmade and professional level instruments. This alignment requires larger hands and better finger control, because inline keys don’t allow the hand to sit in a natural position. Because of potential discomfort and hand strain, inline keys are becoming less popular, even on professional instruments.

Optional Keys

C-sharp Trill Key

One of the most useful additions to the modern flute, the C-sharp trill key facilitates tricky key fingerings by allowing some notes to be played with either the left or the right hand. This is especially useful for very fast moving passages. The C-sharp trill key also serves as a vent, or an additional opening, improving the sound and response of other notes on the flute.

Split E Mechanism/Key

This flute feature serves to make the resistant high-E pitch easier to play. On the downside, the split E-key makes some flute trills, fast alternating note combinations, difficult to accomplish.

Gizmo Key

The gizmo key is a small key added to the flute’s foot to counteract the additional length the B-footjoint adds to the instrument, allowing notes in the upper register to respond better.

D-sharp Roller

Also an option, the D-sharp roller allows the pinky finger to easily slide between keys in the footjoint’s cumbersome cluster of keys for comfort and speed in playing.

Price/Value

While pricing on instruments varies between flute brand and ability level, in general, instrument quality is reflected in the pricing. Be wary of instruments that are significantly less expensive than their peers, as inexpensive flutes can result in costly and excessive repairs, poor tone quality or intonation, and a horn likely needing to be replaced quickly. Sticking with reputable flute manufacturers or through consultation with knowledgeable music educators and professionals will ensure you acquire a solid instrument.