13 Best Flute Brands 2023 – Ranked And Reviewed

Finding the best flute brands can be an intricate endeavor! With so many available on the market – it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. To simplify this process we have put together our list of 13 top flute brands of 2023! We also added a list of brands you should avoid.

We considered factors like craftsmanship, sound quality, durability and price when compiling this list so you make an informed purchase decision that meets all of your needs and specifications.

What Are The Best Flute Brands?

Yamaha stands out as an outstanding flute brand due to its excellent reputation and extensive line. Many music teachers recommend Yamaha flutes to students and it has since become a mainstay among flute sections worldwide.

Pearl flute production specializes exclusively in flutes and is supported by some of the top flutists and opera, orchestra players in the industry.

However, as there are other excellent flute makers out there it’s always recommended that you do your research and make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and personal tastes. Investment in quality flute brands guarantees years of exquisite music-making on your beloved instrument.

Yamaha

Yamaha takes its name from our founder Torakusu Yamaha who pioneered the production of Western musical instruments and established it in Japan over 130 years in 1887.

Yamaha flutes have long been revered as being among the highest quality instruments produced. Recognized for their superior sound, craftsmanship and durability, Yamaha’s flutes boast only top-grade materials such as brass, copper and silver for creating warm tones with vibrant overtones. Offering various sizes suitable for players of any level as well as classical to jazz models for all musical tastes – Yamaha flutes have something suitable for novices all the way through professionals alike!

Yamaha also produces other instruments such as pianos, guitars, drums and keyboards, with grand pianos being their flagship product line. Yamaha is well known in the music industry as being at the forefront of innovation; offering new products to meet musician’s needs. Yamaha stands by producing high quality items which last while providing exceptional customer service as well as warranties with their products.

Yamaha boasts an esteemed list of endorsers, featuring internationally-recognized musicians like Jan “Janne” Bengtson, CharinaQuintana and Dieter Flury as world-class artists who trust Yamaha flutes – not to mention being featured in multiple major orchestras and bands worldwide! When so many top musicians trust Yamaha as a supplier for their instrument needs, you know your instrument will be of only superior quality!

Yamaha continues its pursuit of excellence by setting an exceptional standard in flute production. Their dedication to quality and innovation have cemented Yamaha as a global market leader against other best flute brands.

Most popular models

YFL-200 Series Beginner Yamaha Flute

Features:

• C foot joint
• Offset G key
• Closed key holes
• Nickel silver body and headjoint

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YFL-600 Professional Flutes

Features:

• Sterling silver body and silver headjoint
• sterling silver lip plate
• Pinless left-hand key system for ease transaction to high F-F#
• Open hole keys
• C# trill key
• French-style pointed key arms

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Pearl flutes

Sumi Yanagisawa founded Pearl Musical Instruments after World War II in Japan, initially to manufacture music stands and accessories from their Tokyo base. However, as demand increased globally for musical instruments of various sorts worldwide, Pearl Musical Instruments increased production capacity while growing as a business entity.

Pearl flute makers have long been recognized for their commitment to quality instruments and have earned an impeccable reputation within the music world. Many acclaimed opera performers rely on Pearl flutes: Alain Menard, Masahiro Aizawa and Daniela Koch – this speaks volumes for Pearl’s quality and its reputation in the musical arena!

Pearl flutes are constructed using premium metals such as silver- and gold-plated brass to ensure strength and durability over time. In addition, each flute boasts a special headjoint designed to produce exceptional sound output. Furthermore, Pearl’s production processes use materials and processes which don’t harm our planet!

Pearl flutes offer players a comprehensive collection of accessories designed to improve the playing experience, such as cases, stands and cleaning kits. By keeping your flute looking its best while performing optimally with these accessories in place, Pearl flutes remain accessible even for musicians on budgets.

Most popular models

Pearl PF200 Belsona
Student Flute

Features:

• Nickel silver plated flute
• C foot joint
• Offset G key
• Closed hole keys
• French-style (pointed) flute keys

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Pearl Flutes 795 Elegante Series Professional Flute

Features:

• Full solid silver body
• Sterling silver B footjoint
• Silver plated mechanism material
• Silver plated open keys
• Offset G, C# trill and D# roller

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Conn Selmer

Conn Selmer is the US premier wholesale supplier of band and orchestral musical instruments. Selmer manufactures and offers an expansive selection of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments such as flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, French horn and tubas in their catalog.

The brand offers student and semi professional instruments specifically crafted for young players as well as accessories like reeds, mouthpieces, cases and stands.

Conn Selmer has an esteemed legacy dating back to 1875 when Charles Gerard Conn opened his first instrument factory in Elkhart, Indiana. By 1888 they introduced their inaugural flute model and have continued producing high-quality instruments for both amateurs and sudents alike.

From its inception, Selmer has been dedicated to flute making; their flutes have earned worldwide renown due to their superior tone quality, craftsmanship and durability.

Most popular model

Conn Selmer Concert Flute in C SFL301

Features:

• Redesigned Selmer series of intermediate flute
• Japanese nickel silver body
• C foot joint
• C# trill to avoid trill and tremolo fingerings
• D# roller for easier transactions between C# and D#

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Prelude

Prelude has been serving flutists of all skill levels for over 20 years with top student level instruments and accessories like cleaning supplies and cases. Prelude offers accessories like cleaning kits as well.

These instruments are carefully hand-crafted using high-grade materials and designed for superior performance and ease of use. Their flutes are specially engineered to produce warm tones across all registers while remaining highly durable enough for long hours of practice sessions. All Prelude flutes come with warranties assuring you of long term viability.

Prelude is proud to be part of Conn-Selmer Inc, one of America’s premier manufacturers and distributors of band and orchestra instruments. Through this affiliation, Prelude can benefit from Conn-Selmer’s decades-long presence within their field and worldwide partnerships; giving Prelude access to extra resources needed for supporting its products.

Prelude flute is designed to be easy for novice players and offer them an amazing musical experience, even those just beginning. With durable construction and playability features as well as its rich, full sound that brings out their best playing capabilities, its design brings out your musical side in no time at all!

Most popular model

Selmer Prelude FL711
Student Quality Instrument

Features:

• Silverplated straight head joint, as well as nickel silver body
• Split E mechanism for stable third octave
• C foot joint
• Offset G key
• Pleyea Closed hole keys
• French style case

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Di Zhao

Di Zhao flutes are handcrafted to achieve optimal performance and sound production. Created by an experienced team in woodwind instrument engineering dedicated to giving musicians the best playing experience, these flutes combine modern technology with classic craftsmanship resulting in truly exquisite instruments.

Di Zhao flute factory is in Jingzhou, China. It has been manufacturing quality flutes for more than 20 years. Their commitment means each flute is put through an exhaustive testing procedure before being shipped off to their customers. An expert craftsperson makes each hand-cut head joint for only superior sound and quality flutes.

Di Zhao flutes first gained recognition and endorsement through Rozalind MacPhail, an award-winning songwriter and touring artist, who began promoting them. Since then, they have become immensely popular among professional as well as beginner flute players, appearing in orchestras, bands, schools around the globe as well as exhibitions such asNAMM Show, Annual National Flute Association Convention, and Orlando Flute Convention – among many more!

Most popular model

Di Zhao Flutes 100 Student Flute

Features:

• Silver plated flute
• C foot joint
• Closed keyholes
• Y-arms key cup
• Offset G key

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Azumi flutes

Azumi flutes are handcrafted using premium materials to deliver flutes with superior sound and playability. Their founder, Mr. Tanaka has over four decades of experience working within the flute industry; his dedication is apparent in every Azumi instrument created. Mr. Tanaka takes great pleasure in crafting instruments with ergonomic designs for optimal playability for a rewarding performance experience of his players.

Azumi brand has become widely recognized worldwide through notable performers and teachers such as Suzuki Certified Teacher Sarah Jane Hargas. Azumi boasts an enviable record of working closely with international musicians to design flutes that meet the highest performance standards; Azumi produces instruments suitable for beginner students through to professional musicians alike.

These flutes are well known for their superior performance levels and attractive designs, drawing players of all levels. Each instrument is meticulously hand-finished – you may get custom options upon request. Overall, Azumi flutes make an outstanding choice for beginners as well as experienced musicians – with superior craftsmanship and stunning designs.

Most popular models

Azumi AZ1 Student Flute

Features:

• Nickel silver body
• Silver plated B foot joint with Gizmo key
• Open French keys
• Offset G
• Split E

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Azumi AZ3 Professional Flutes

Features:

• Z cut headjoint
• Split E Mechanism
• Open French keys
• Offset G
• B Foot joint with Gizmo key
• French-Style Key Arms (pointed)
• French Case and Cover included

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Armstrong

Armstrong brand was founded by William Teasdale Armstrong of Elkhart, Indiana in 1931 as a flute repair shop. Later passed on to Edward Armstrong as part of an apprenticeship; they started producing improved instruments with help from British flute maker Albert Cooper for both student musicians and community bands. Later still, they sold the company to Conn Selmer family.

Armstrong beginning flutes are known for their superior sound and feature set. Lightweight yet easy to play, with high-quality construction to prevent repairs or maintenance fees – Armstrong flutes feature accurate intonation head joints that ensure accurate intonation. Durable bodies were designed to withstand practice sessions and performances.

Armstrong flutes have long been considered one of the premier choices for beginner flutists – and with good reason! Boasting one century’s experience creating top-of-the-line instruments, Armstrong continues their longstanding dedication to quality by crafting lightweight designs with superior sounds. Armstrong beginner flutes provide young musicians with everything they need for learning experience!

Most popular models

Armstrong AFL201 Student Flute

Features:

• Nickel silver body and headjoint
• C foot joint
• Offset G key
• Y-arms key cups
• Closed holes, also known as pleyea, keys
• Durable case and cleaning rod included

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Wm. S. Haynes

Wm. S. Haynes flutes are the go-to choice of professional orchestras and wind players worldwide, due to their fine quality materials and innovative designs. One of the best flute brands!

Haynes brothers trained as jewelry apprentices while still young before founding their company in 1888. Wm. S. Haynes introduced gold-plated nickel flutes, sterling silver keywork and hand-cut embouchures as innovations at his shop. In 1935, Georges Barrere was one of Haynes’s first recipients of an American platinum flute. Eastman Music Company later bought out Haynes Company under Ni Qian’s ownership.

At their online university, this company provides one-hour classes on topics like “Color & Emotion,” “Blowing Down Tubes for a Living: An Entrepreneurial Flutist’s Journey,” and “Motivation is Not Your Friend” – to name a few of their current programs available. Visit the university here to schedule your session today!

Most popular models

Wm. S. Haynes Q2 Professional Flutes

Features:

• Solid silver headjoint
• Sterling silver body
• Silver plated mechanism
• Highest quality handmade concert flute
• The brand with flute specialty
• French style case and cover, swab stick, and polishing cloth are included

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Jupiter

Jupiter flutes are widely recognized for their unsurpassed build quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Each instrument uses top materials like solid nickel or silver keys and head joints for superior tone production. Nearly 100 years of manufacturing expertise combined with exquisite workmanship have ensured Jupiter production is executed to the highest level of craftsmanship possible.

Jupiter Music Instruments was established in 1930 to offer world-class instruments. Their products can be seen being utilized both academically and professionally across many settings around the globe. Jupiter boasts many accomplished endorsing artists, such as Seungho Yun, one of Korea’s aggressive flute players and Ben Gurton, a touring artist with numerous albums recorded.

Jupiter also produces an extensive line of high-quality brass instruments, including trumpets, trombones and saxophones – each designed for a unique playing experience while producing rich tones with vibrant undertones.

Most popular models

Jupiter JFL710 Student Flute

Features:

• Silver-plated head joint
• Nickel silver body
• C footjoint
• Smooth and responsive silver-plated keys
• Durable case included

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Herche

Herche is a family-owned business which has been manufacturing quality products for over 30 years, mostly sold via Amazon at highly accessible and reasonable prices. Music teachers have given Herche products good reviews!

Beginners might benefit from starting off with this brand! However, as your skills advance and progress, you might prefer switching out for something with greater features that may prove beneficial in progress.

Herche is a manufacturer of winds and brass instruments, such as saxophones, trumpets and clarinets made with quality materials. Their instruments combine lasting playability with great sound while offering great playback capabilities – something no other brand offers quite so effectively at this price!

Most popular models

Herche M2 Beginner Flute

Features:

• Solid nickel silver body and head
• C footjoint
• Offset G
• One year warranty
• Durable case included

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Eastar

Eastar has been known for its commitment to producing quality instruments at competitive prices for almost two decades now. Craftsmen at Eastar take great care and pride in creating instruments with clear tones and playability renowned across woodwind and stringed instruments ranging from violins and guitars.

Eastar’s instruments can be found around the world in schools and bands; becoming one of the industry leaders due to its commitment to high-grade materials, construction methods and customer support.

Most popular models

Eastar EFL-1 Beginner Flute

Features:

• Steel beginner flute
• C footjoint
• Offset G
• 5 colors available

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Trevor James

Trevor James flutes have quickly earned itself an esteemed and respected status within the wind instrument industry since its launch as a small family-run business 35 years ago. Now sold worldwide, Trevor James flutes are known for their signature sound, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional value – winning numerous UK based awards along the way! In 2019, Trevor James celebrated 35 years of manufacturing high-quality flutes!

The company provides plenty of video and audio content on the website designed to aid flute development. “Talking Flutes,” led by Clare Southworth, a former Professor at London’s Royal Academy of Music, and Jean-Paul Wright from TJ brand managing director. Tune into their podcast here if you’d like some advice! You’ll hear some incredible guests: Sir James Galway, Jasmine Choi, Denis Bouriakov, Paul Edmund-Davies and Gareth Davies! Find “Talking Flutes” here.

Most popular models

Trevor James 10XC
Student Flute

Features:

• 3 x UK Music Industry Award ‘Winner’
• 925 silver lip plate and riser
• Japanese tubing
• C footjoint
• Offset G

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Trevor James Virtuoso Series Professional Flute

Features:

• 958 silver headjoint
• 925 silver body and B footjoint
• Pointed key arms with Italian keys pads
• Durable cherrywood case
• Weighted headjoint crown
• One-piece lip and riser for a little extra weight resulting in a rich, warm sound

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Gemeinhardt flutes

Gemeinhardt flutes have long been recognized for their superior craftsmanship and playability. Each Gemeinhardt flute includes a patented mechanism to enable seamless key transitions. Its distinctive headjoint design offers open sound production across the registers for superior performance.

Gemeinhardt also produces an extensive line of wind instruments beyond flutes, including piccolos, alto flutes, bass flutes, saxophones and clarinets — each made using premium materials with attention paid to detail in construction.

Gemeinhardt instruments have long been preferred by musicians of renown – including jazz icon Charles Mingus. Additionally, their instruments are widely utilized by students and educators due to their affordable yet premium quality construction; students also benefit from Gemeinhardt accessories like head joints, cases and cleaning kits available through them.

Most popular models

Gemeinhardt 3B Student Flute

Features:

• Full solid silver-plated body and headjoint
• Offset G
• Inline G
• C footjoint
• Durable case with black nylon cover
• Proudly made in Indiana, USA

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Flute Makers That You Should Ignore

When selecting the maker, there are certain companies and flute brands you should strictly avoid. Some have an established history of producing low-grade instruments which don’t perform to their full potential in terms of sound or feel; here is a list of flute manufacturers you should avoid

Glory

Glory Flutes has been around for more than 10 years and their flutes remain among the least impressive on the market. Reputations include being made from inexpensive materials with poor craftsmanship; plus complaints of poor customer service.

Eastrock

Eastrock Flute Company has long been notorious for producing subpar flutes with poor intonation, construction and keywork issues. It often contributes to improper pads being used on keywork instruments – leading to sharp playing notes being produced from their instruments.

Ktaxon

Ktaxon flutes have gained a bad rep for being of dubious quality, often constructed using cheap materials and with subpar craftsmanship when compared with more reputable flute brands. Ktaxon instruments should only be considered by casual players looking for entry level instruments.

Mendini

Mendini flutes have an unfavorable reputation due to poor construction quality and tone quality, so we do not advise purchasing from this manufacturer as their instruments won’t meet any kids needs or last very long.

Top Flute Brands: Conclusion

Conclusion If you’re on the search for excellent quality and craftsmanship, these 13 best flute brands should make your list. Before making a purchase, be sure to consider factors like price, features and sound quality to find what’s right for your needs.

Starting your journey toward professional flute playing can begin anew with confidence and success! Here you can check out our Best Professional Flute 🎶 Top Seven High-End Picks 2023, or if you are at the begenning of your musical journey, check out Best Beginner Flute 2023 🎼 Top 9 Student Picks and Brands! We hope our recommendations have made finding an instrument easier! Happy practicing!