Best Flutes: Beginner and Professional Flutes in 2020

When it comes to woodwinds, the flute is one of the most popular instruments. It is also one of the oldest instruments in the world.

For those interested in playing the flute or those who already play and would like to improve, there are thousands of options available.

Ultimately, what your final choice will rely on is your overall skill level, how much money you’re willing to spend and what type of extra features you’re looking for. The best flute for you should fit all of your specific preferences and needs.

This page is a buying guide that contains top-level flute reviews for buyers like you to peruse. We’ve done all the legwork for you. Now, all you need to do is check out our results and make a purchase! Let’s get started!

Our Recommended Beginner Flutes

 

Our Recommended Professional Flutes

 

List of Top 5 Best Beginner Flutes on the Market Today:

1. LJ Hutchen 4215II Mark II Silver Plated

The LJ Hutchen 4215II Mark II Silver Plated Flute is a top of the line flute with many valuable features. It always receives positive flute reviews.

For beginners, it’s perfect. You don’t have to worry about leaking because the pads have been treated so that there is a superior seal on each one, and furthermore, you’ll get amazing intonation on this instrument.

Features

The features on the LJ Hutchen 4215II Mark II are outstanding for beginners. This flute has reinforced post bases for added durability, and the durable silver-plating process means that this flute won’t chip or flake over time. Finally, the flute has specially treated pads, which offer a superior seal, and it has been machine leak tested so that all notes will be pure and evenly toned.

Conclusion

This is the great flute for beginners by far. When beginning players ask which flute they should choose, we always go with this model as a suggestion. It is also sold at a reasonable price.

2. Yamaha YFL-222 Student

Another one flute for beginners is the Yamaha YFL-222 Student Flute. Overall, it’s a more expensive flute than some others here, but for serious beginning players who hope to continue their studies, it’s a great choice, and it’s recommended to most high school students who play this instrument.

Features

As stated, the Yamaha YFL-222 Student Flute is the perfect flute options for players who are just starting out and know that they want to continue. The flute features nickel silver plating with power-forged keys, and it is extremely durable, so it’s difficult to break or damage.

The closed hold keys on this model are also great for beginners. The flute comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer in case anything goes wrong or breaks. We always recommend finding instruments that come with warranties

Conclusion

Again, this is a great beginner’s flute from Yamaha, one of the most reputable instrument brands in music. It’s much like the first choice on this list from LJ Hutchen.

The main difference here is that it is slightly more expensive than the number one choice, so if you’re looking to save money, this might not be the flute for you.

3. Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band, Orchestra

The Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band and Orchestra is the third flute on our list and is a great choice for beginning players as well.

Lazarro is definitely one of the good flute brands to buy from, and this is the least expensive model here, so if you’re on a tight budget but would love to start playing the flute, this is a great choice!

Features

Lazarro makes some great beginning instruments, and this is no exception. It’s a flute in the key of C and features 16 closed-hole keys with a C foot and split E. With the flute, you’ll get a case, gloves, cleaning cloth, grease, screwdriver and cleaning rod.

One of the especially cool things about this flute is that it comes in a number of different colors. You can get this flute in basic silver nickel, pink, green, blue, purple, red, white turquoise and hot pink. You can also choose between yellow brass or silver colored keys.

Conclusion

The Lazarro Professional Silver Nickel Closed Hole C Flute for Band and Orchestra has a durable design that is made of cupronickel. That’s not ideal flute, but for beginners, it’s fine, and it saves a lot of money. In fact, it makes this the most affordable flute on the list.

4. Gemeinhardt 1SP Student

The Gemeinhardt 1SP Student Flute is an amazing beginner flute, and it’s our fourth choice for student models. This flute features a nickel-silver head joint for better intonation and it gives an awesome response to even the most novice of players. You’ll be able to play beautifully and vibrantly with this instrument

Features

This flute has a nickel silver head joint as stated above. The keys are closed hole or plateau keys. On the rest of the flute is an attractive finish of silver plating. The Gemeinhardt 1SP Student Flute has an offset G key. You will receive a soft carrying case with this flute as well.

Conclusion

We love this flute for beginners, and it’s sold at an extremely reasonable price for the quality of instrument that you’ll receive. The response and intonation in this model are great, and the silver plating is attractive and durable.

Lastly, Gemeinhardt is a super reputable manufacturer of flutes for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals, so naturally, they have a wonderful manufacturer’s warranty.

This particular model comes with a three-year manufacturing warranty to protect against any defects or breakages in the first three years.

5. Jean Paul USA FL-220 Student Flute

The last flute on the beginner’s flute list is the Jean Paul USA FL-220 Student Flute. This is an excellent model for beginners, and it comes with a lot of bells and whistles unlike some of the other models. These will be outlined in the features section below.

Features

First, it’s important to note that this classic flute is in the key of C, and it has a French-style closed hole key system. Cupro-nickel is the finish on this flute, and there is a nickel-plated finish.

This is not the ideal finish for intermediate and advanced flute, but it’s perfect for beginners, and it enables these flute to be sold at a lower price, which can be great for students.

Along with the flute itself, you’ll also receive a free soft carrying case, cleaning cloth, cleaning rod, and gloves with this instrument. There is no manufacturer’s warranty.

Conclusion

The Jean Paul USA FL-220 Student Flute is a top-quality flute for student and beginner players. It’s important to note that there is no warranty with this flute, and the finish is made of cupro-nickel which is not ideal. But it’s still a great flute, and you’ll receive it at a low price.

List of Top 5 Best Professional Flutes on the Market Today:

1. Signature Music 17 Open Hole Silver Low B Flute 2821S

The top professional flute on this list is the Signature Music 17 Open Hole Silver Low B Flute 2821S. This is the top flute for serious flute players, and you’ll also be getting the most for your money here.

As a more advanced player, it’s important that holes can be open for open-hole playing. This flute features open holes, but it comes with plugs so that it can be used as a closed-hole flute as well.

Features

The Signature Music 17 Open Hole Silver Low B Flute 2821S is an amazing flute for players from all backgrounds, but it’s the perfect low-cost flute for advanced players.

Along with the Signature Music 17 Open Hole Silver Low B Flute 2821S, you’ll receive a protective hard shell carrying case along with a carrying bag that is padded.

Conclusion

As the best flute on the list, it’s considerable that this model is not too expensive. With that being said, you won’t be skimping on quality because this is a well-made flute that has a silver-plated head joint. The pads are of high quality as well. It’s a great deal for your money!

2. Gemeinhardt Model 3OB Flute

The Gemeinhardt Model 3OB Flute is another great flute for professionals and advanced players. Gemeinhardt is one of the top flute brands on the market, and for many, it’s the best brand.

It’s important to note that this model is considerably more expensive than the Signature Music 17 Open Hole Silver Low B Flute 2821S. But you have to remember that flute for sale are simply going to be expensive, and you’re getting amazing quality.

In fact, this is one of the top professional flutes that is used by some of the most famous flutists in the world.

Features

This flute is silver-plated and features French-style keys. These are integrally drawn and rolled tone holes and holes that are open for the best intonation and overall sound.

The keys are also power-coined for strong sounds. The G is off-set, and there is a B foot joint. Along with the flute itself, you’ll also receive a durable hard case and a cleaning rod for maintaining your instrument.

Conclusion

If you are a serious player and are hoping to play in a professional capacity, this is the flute that you want. It sounds amazing, and it’s durable and long-lasting. The price is definitely higher, but that’s normal for musical instruments that are well-made.

3. Gemeinhardt 2SP Flute with Straight Head joint

Here is another one of the top professional flute models from Gemeinhardt. The Gemeinhardt 2SP Flute with Straight Head Joint is silver plated and plays beautifully. It is a highly recommended model for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a flute with a middle of the road price.

Features

This triple coated silver-plated flute has a straight head joint. The G key is offset, and all pads were professionally made and installed. You’ll receive an excellent carrying case with this model. It’s a hard case with soft lining and holding sections.

Conclusion

We love the Gemeinhardt 2SP Flute with Straight Head Joint. Naturally, the Gemeinhardt name means that the overall price is going to be a little bit higher, but just as in the model above, you’ll be getting amazing quality, and this isn’t quite as expensive as the Gemeinhardt Model 3OB Flute.

As a side note, this flute also makes a higher quality beginning flute for students who are set on making this a lifelong passion.

4. Gemeinhardt Model 3O Silver-plated

The Gemeinhardt Model 3O Silver-plated has a number of great features that make it stand out. Because of the classic French style open holes and the inline keys, you’ll be sure to achieve an amazing sound with this model.

Features

The Gemeinhardt Model 3O Silver-plated flute has a triple coated silver plated finish and a Y-arm mechanism. The inline keys are in the French style, and naturally, all holes are open. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to go down to middle C on this instrument because there is not a B foot.

Conclusion

As a medium-priced flute, the Gemeinhardt Model 3O Silver-plated gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Like all of the other amazing Gemeinhardt models, you’ll receive a quality instrument here.

The silver-plated finish is certainly not gold, but it’s the next best thing. I recommend this flute for advanced players who may be on the road to becoming professionals or at least extremely proficient players.

5. Gemeinhardt 3B GLP Flute 50 Series

One of the top professional quality advanced flute on the market right now is another model from Gemeinhardt.

What’s top-quality about this model, in particular, is that the lip plate on the J1 head joint is gold plated over silver, which makes the sound so much better than cupro-nickel and even silver-plated. It also looks gorgeous and is extremely durable. Overall, this is a high-quality French style flute.

Features

The Gemeinhardt 3B GLP Flute 50 Series is a great open hole style flute. In the traditional French style, you also have inline G keys. The gold plated lip plate is what makes this model stand out.

Along with flute, you’ll also receive a cleaning rod for maintaining your investment and a hard plastic French-style case. This is a zipper nylon case cover with a nice shoulder strap.

Conclusion

The Gemeinhardt 3B GLP Flute 50 Series is the most expensive model on this list. At the same time, it’s an affordable model for the amazing quality of features that you’re be receiving.

If you are a serious player who wants to improve and move forth in the music world with confidence, you should have this flute model. This model produces gorgeous sounds, and the moment that you start playing on it, you’ll see the difference!

Best Flute Brands

A number of musical instrument brands make flutes, but there are only a few that stand out above the rest. We have outlined the top five flute brand options below to that you can get a better idea of which what type of flute each brand produces and what may be a brand that you’d like to buy from.

Yamaha

Yamaha is one of the top flute brands on the market today. This is a Japanese company that makes tons of instruments.

Yamaha began in 1887 in Japan and was founded by Torakusu Yamaha. In that year, they began their operation by manufacturing reed organs.

Later in 1960, the Yamaha Corporation of America began.

Today, Yamaha makes flutes, but they also make trumpets, trombones, saxophones, drum sets, percussion instruments, clarinets, and many other musical instruments. In addition, you’ll notice that Yamaha produces other products as well.

For example, Yamaha makes motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and more.

One of the great things about Yamaha is that they produce musical instruments for all skill levels. In other words, if you’re a middle school student who is just starting out playing the flute, you can find an excellent instrument from Yamaha.

But you can also find an excellent instrument from Yamaha if you are a college-level player or even a professional.

Flute reviews from Yamaha are consistently positive.

Not only is this company one of the best makers of musical instruments and other products, but you’ll also find that their products are pervasive in schools and learning institutes of all kinds.

In fact, many school music programs use only Yamaha instruments because they’re so well made and reputable.

LJ Hutchen

LJ Hutchen makes top quality musical instruments, and their flutes are some of their best products. Flute reviews always mention this brand.

Paul Effman started the company in 1971. He was a music educator, but he was also a performer and repaired instruments for students of all skill levels.

Today, the specialty of LJ Hutchen is woodwind instruments, so they naturally specialize in reeds as well. All of their products are designed in the United States, but they are made in Asia with top of the line machinery. Each flute made by LJ Hutchen has been double bench-tested for quality and perfection.

High-quality intonation is one of their hallmarks. They have been working on developing the intonation of their instruments for almost two decades, and since that time, they’ve made amazing leaps in progress in order to present the best quality products for players.

In addition to producing flutes, saxes, trumpets, and other instruments, LJ Hutchen also makes top-quality cases for all of their instruments.

You’ll find that they are reinforced, heavy-duty and super durable. If you’re in the market for a new instrument case, these are absolutely perfect for protecting your prized investment.

Moreover, once you buy a product from this company, you’ll also receive a lifetime of free technical support. This means that if you have a question about how the instrument needs to be serviced, cleaned or fixed, you can always call the company and get help. This is a great bonus for buying from this company over some others.

Gemeinhardt

Another popular manufacturer of flutes, as well as piccolos, is Gemeinhardt. Actually, this is the largest makers of flutes and piccolos in the world. They make some excellent models for players from all skill levels, and because they specialize in flutes and piccolos, in particular, you’ll find that they have tons of options to choose from.

First, you’ll find that the student flute models from Gemeinhardt are especially outstanding. They may be slightly more expensive than some of the other beginner flutes on the market, but what you’re getting will make them well worth the higher price.

Conservatory flute models are also available as are professional models for serious players in orchestras and bands. In addition, you have the Kurt Gemeinhardt Generation Series Flutes.

These include the “Blue” model, the “White” model, the “Red” model and the “Revolution” model. Each of these has its own special merits and drawbacks.

They also have alto flutes, bass flutes and special head joints for sale at Gemeinhardt. You can learn more about all of these additional options on their comprehensive website.

To explain the history, Kurt Gemeinhardt founded the Gemeinhardt company in the late 1940s, and later in 1997 and 2005, the Roy Seaman Piccolo Company took over and added Gemeinhardt to the Gemstone Musical Instruments family.

Today, the major headquarters of this company is an Elkhart Indiana, and they still manufacture and sell instruments from this location.

Hisonic

Hisonic began as a manufacturing company in 2002. The business was originally founded in 1997 as Kaito Electronics Inc.

Their initial product line made wireless microphones and wireless PA systems for individuals, organizations, schools, venues, and businesses, but today, they also make a number of other products, such as musical instruments.

In addition, they continue to manufacture microphones, headphones, wireless, and wired PA systems and services and parts for their PA systems.

Their main musical instruments include flutes and clarinets. The instruments that are made at Hisonic are all manufactured in the United States and come with limited warranties.

They make flutes for adults, but their target demographic is beginners, and because many of their options are so lightweight, these flutes may work best for beginners who are children. It can be difficult to hold up heavy instruments when you’re small, so the lighter, the better.

Lazarro

Lazarro is another great company to buy from when it comes to flute shopping. This company also makes a number of other instruments, including piccolos, violins, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones.

Their specialty is reed instruments, so they naturally make their own reeds too, and these are some of the finest beginner reeds on the market.

For the most part, Lazarro makes flutes and a variety of other instruments for beginning players.

These aren’t instruments for professionals. The thing that Lazarro especially excels at is flutes with a bit of eccentric flare.

Many young players are interested in having flutes that come in fun colors like green, blue, red or purple.

The flutes from Lazarro are definitely colorful. In fact, there are 22 different colors that you can choose from when buying flutes from Lazarro. You can choose from silver or gold for the keys too, and this way, you can make your instrument completely unique to you.

But the instruments from Lazarro aren’t just pretty. They also play extremely well. Each of their instruments is carefully constructed by international standards to create the best sound for beginning players.

Because their instruments tend to be directed toward novices, they are also less expensive than some of the other brands on this list.

In addition to making flutes and other instruments, Lazarro also makes excellent tuners, carrying cases for instruments and collapsible and portable folding stands for instruments.

These are often essential if you play in a band or ensemble so that you can carefully set your instrument down without the risk that it may fall, break or become damaged. Here, it’s important to note that instruments from Lazarro do come with three-month warranties.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Flute

Of course, most of a great flute buying guide will center around what you need to do in order to find flute for your playing abilities. But there are also some things that you shouldn’t do. In other words, we want to explain to you what you should avoid when choosing a flute.

First, if you are a more serious player, try to avoid flutes that are made from cupro-nickel. This is actually a combination alloy of nickel and copper.

Most metal money is made from this alloy combination. When made into a flute, a coating of paint, nickel or silver is put over the cupro-nickel, but the problem is that you’re not going to get an optimal sound when a flute is made with this material.

For beginners, a silver-plated flute is fine, and this is actually recommended because it’s less expensive and can be more durable.

But if you’re a serious player, look for flutes that are made out of silver or if you can afford it, try to find a flute made from gold. It will produce a much warmer, sweeter and richer tone.

Next, never buy a flute that is secondhand. Naturally, you may want to purchase a secondhand flute because it will be less expensive.

But it’s a better idea to look for deals and sales on brand new flutes. In addition, if you’re truly serious about playing the flute, you should be ready to spend a little bit more money on a better instrument. Otherwise, buy something that’s more in your price range, but make sure that it’s brand new.

Finally, avoid products that are being sold on websites that don’t seem legitimate. There are many forged flutes out there, so if you notice a flute that should be thousands of dollars but is selling for only a few hundred dollars and it seems too good to be true, go with your gut!

It probably is too good to be true. Make sure to do your research and only purchase from reputable sites that you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flutes

Q: What’s the difference between a solid silver flute and a nickel silver flute?

A: You may see the terms solid silver and nickel silver when reviewing different types of flutes. The important thing to remember here is that nickel silver flutes do not contain any silver.

Instead, they are a combination of zinc, brass, and copper, and they are plated with silver. These are less expensive, less well-made flutes.

On the other hand, solid silver flutes are for more professional players or intermediate level players. They sound better and they last longer.

Q: Are there any accessories necessary for playing the flute?

A: There aren’t too many accessories necessary for playing the flute if you don’t count cleaning accessories. The one thing that is recommended for all for the players is a high-quality case.

You want a case that is molded so that it tightly holds the pieces of your flute. You also want a solid latch system and a shoulder strap, and if you’re a serious musician, you may want a pocket for a piccolo in your case as well.

Q: How do I keep my flute clean?

A: You don’t actually need to clean your flute, but it’s important to dry it from moisture. Every time after you play your instrument, take a clean gauzy cloth and wrap it tightly around your cleaning rod.

Because the head joint gets the wettest when you play, it’s the most important flute part to dry. Simply insert the cloth on the rod into the head joint and dry it by twisting and moving the rod up and down. You may also need to dry the body of your flute this way.

Q: How do I learn to play the flute?

A: There are many ways to learn to play the flute, but the best way is to take lessons or join a band. If you are in middle school or high school, you can join your school’s band if you have one.

College-level students also have the option of taking lessons on campus from professors or music students. If you are an adult who would like to learn how to play the flute, lessons can be taken, or you can self-guide your progress by watching videos online, reading about flute playing or picking up a lesson book or two.

Concluding Summary and Making Your Final Decision

Playing the flute is an extremely rewarding experience that many men, women and young adults enjoy taking part in. Like the other major instruments, flutes are necessary for all types of bands and ensembles. You can play the flute in a jazz band, in an orchestra or in a marching band.

And if you’re good, your playing can be showcased.

As with any musical endeavor, your instrument is your most important piece of equipment, And you naturally want to find flute possible for your playing whether you’re a beginner, intermediate level player or a professional.

In order to find the top flute, you’ll need to carefully read flute reviews, go through specs of potential flutes online, and take some time to consider how much money you’re going to spend.

How often do you plan on playing? Do you have a plan for learning how to play or learning how to improve? Do you have a group to play with or a teacher? These are all important questions to ask yourself.

Once you have an idea of your ideal price range, and you’re ready to buy, don’t hesitate either. If playing the flute is something that you’re serious about, go for it! There’s no better time than the present.

In the meantime, we hope that this buying guide has helped you make your final decision. All of the information has been found and recorded with the utmost care in order to help you find the top flute for your musical endeavors. Good luck shopping, and have a great time playing your brand new flute!