The future of music

15 Best Flutes for Beginners, Intermediates & Students

December 28, 2021
best flutes for beginners

Is learning how to play the flute on your wishlist? Well, for a first-time beginner, the flute is a great choice.

In fact, the flute is one of the most beginner-friendly instruments. It’s extremely lightweight, versatile, and easy to learn.

And it has this unique mesmerizing sound.

The only challenge you might come across is to choose the right flute model for you.

To make your buying process easier, we’ve made a list of the 15 best flutes for beginners, intermediates, and students.

And to help you understand what to look for in a flute, we’ll take you through all the important things to consider in our buyer’s guide.

15 Best Flutes

1. Yamaha YFL-221 Student Flute

Yamaha YFL-221 Student Flute

Without a doubt, the Yamaha YFL-221 is one of the best beginner flutes on the market.

It’s made from durable nickel silver and has a silver-plated finish. Along with neoprene bumpers, this model will last you a long time.

Besides durability, this beginner flute provides a comfortable playing experience. It’s lightweight and nicely balanced.

And the tone is also amazing. It’s even across all ranges of the instrument.

It’s very versatile so you can use it for different playing styles.

Designed with closed-hole keys, the Yamaha YFL-221 is ideal for beginners. It also features an offset G key that will allow you an ergonomic hand position.

All in all, if you want to actively work on your flute skills, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha YFL-221.

Pros

  • Great tone
  • Comfortable
  • Looks good
  • Versatile

Cons

  • A bit pricey

2. Gemeinhardt 3

Gemeinhardt 3 open hole beginner flute

If you want to practice on an open-hole flute, you should consider the Gemeinhardt 3.

This French-style beginner flute has a silver-plated body and J1 headjoint.

Also, it has a C footjoint, and you can choose from an inline and offset G. It’s a very versatile and flexible student flute.

It’s very responsive as well, so you can easily play fast melodies.

Although playing the flute with open keys is a bit challenging for newcomers, the Gemeinhardt 3 is designed to make your learning process smooth and easy.

After all, closed hole models are great for students who want to learn proper fingering technique.

Moreover, this model comes with a hard-shell plastic case, a cleaning rod, and flute plugs. You won’t have to spend extra money on all the necessary accessories.

You’ll also get a 5-year warranty.

Pros

  • Great tone
  • Responsive keys
  • Flexible
  • Comes with accessories

Cons

  • Open keys might be challenging for beginners

3. Eastman Student Flute Model

 Eastman Student Flute Model

As we’ve already mentioned, playing the flute with the closed holes (or a plateau-style flute) is a bit easier for beginners.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable Plateau flute to learn your first notes, you should check out the Eastman Student Flute Model.

It has an offset G key, a C foot joint, and a Silver-plated nickel-silver headjoint. And it comes with an ABS molded case.

This student flute is a good investment that will provide you with everything you need for regular practice.

Pros

  • Well-designed
  • Great playability
  • Closed holes

Cons

  • A bit pricey compared to some other options

4. Mendini By Cecilio Flutes – Closed Hole C Flute For Beginners

Mendini By Cecilio Flutes - Closed Hole C Flute For Beginners

Known as one of the most popular flute brands, Mendini By Cecilio created this unique series of beginner flutes.

If you’re looking for a stylish starter flute, this model is for you. It’s also an ideal flute for kids.

It’s available in all kinds of colors, from sky blue to gold and pink.

And it’s quite affordable as well.

It features quality metal material and an undercut beveled embouchure with double bladder pads.

The Student Flute Package includes a durable case, joint grease, cleaning cloth and rod, and a pair of gloves. It’s everything you need for regular practice.

All things considered, it’s a good beginner flute suitable for students and young beginners.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Comes in different colors
  • Good build quality

Cons

  • Not as durable as other more expensive models

5. Jean Paul USA Silver Plated Flute (FL-220)

Jean Paul USA Silver Plated Flute (FL-220)

The Jean Paul USA Silver Plated Flute is a great choice for beginners.

It has power-forged keys and a student-friendly embouchure plate for better intonation and a comfortable playing experience.

The keys are plateau-styled (closed hole key system.)

Moreover, this beginner flute features a cupronickel body material with a silver-plated finish.

It comes with a carrying case, a cleaning cloth and rod, and gloves.

And although it’s categorized as a beginner flute, it’s suitable for intermediate players as well.

So, it’s a great instrument to work on your skills and improve them quickly.

Pros

  • Good sound
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • A bit heavy

6. Jupiter JFL710 Silver Plated, Plateau, Offset G Student Flute

Jupiter JFL710 Silver Plated, Plateau, Offset G Student Flute

This beginner flute will definitely meet all your needs.

It has a nickel-silver body, a brass barrel, and silver-nickel keys.

Therefore, it produces a great sound. It has an even balance across all registers.

The Jupiter JFL710 is also quite durable, so you won’t have to replace it with a new model anytime soon.

It has Plateau keys, rolled tone holes, and an offset G key.

It’s very easy and comfortable to play. It comes with the ABS molded case.

The Jupiter JFL710 might be a bit more expensive than some other models on this list, but it’s affordable, especially because you’ll get a durable and reliable instrument.

Pros

  • Well-designed
  • Good sound
  • Durable

Cons

  • More expensive than some other models

7. Selmer Prelude FL711

Selmer Prelude FL711

The Selmer Prelude FL711 is undoubtedly one of the best close hole flutes for beginners.

Its ribbed construction and ergonomic key design provide durability and comfortable hand position.

It features a silver-plated body and headjoint and an offset G.

It also has top-adjusting screws so it’s very adjustable and easy to repair.

And last but not least, the Selmer Prelude FL711 provides great sound quality. The sound it produces is full and consistent.

That said, the Selmer Prelude is a perfect flute for learning and improving your skills.

Pros

  • Good sound quality
  • Comfortable
  • Durable

Cons

  • It’s designed for smaller hands

8. Kaizer FLT-1500NK

Kaizer FLT-1500NK

If you’re looking for an affordable but reliable starter flute, the Kaizer FLT-1500NK might be the perfect choice for you.

This model has 16 closed-hole keys, an offset G with split E, and a detachable footjoint.

The package includes a case and everything you need for the maintenance of your flute.

On top of that, the Kaizer FLT-1500NK has a nickel-silver body and power-forged keys which is great for a budget-friendly flute.

It also provides excellent intonation and responsiveness.

As if that’s not enough, the manufacturer offers a free 45-day trial so you can try it out first. And you’ll get a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Responsive
  • Great intonation
  • Free 45-day trial and lifetime warranty

Cons

  • The joints can be tight

9. Eastar EB016-FBA-CA Beginner Flute

Eastar EB016-FBA-CA Beginner Flute

The Eastar EB016-FBA-CA is another amazing budget-friendly flute.

It comes with literally everything you need:  joint grease, cleaning rod, case, stand, gloves, tuning rod, and a fingering chart (a very useful extra accessory.)

The flute looks really elegant as well, and it’s available in different colors.

It features a cupro-nickel material body. And the Italian wool felt pads will allow you to feel a nice bounce-back when you press the keys.

So, besides looking great, the Eastar EB016-FBA-CA provides excellent responsiveness and comfortable playing.

This is a great choice for everyone who’s ready to start with their flute lessons.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Responsive
  • Available in different colors
  • Affordable
  • Comes with all the accessories

Cons

  • It’s cheap, so the overall quality could be better

10. Etude Model EFL-100 Student Flute

Etude Model EFL-100 Student Flute

You can get the Etude Model EFL-100 Student Flute for a very affordable price (around $130.)

It has an offset G key and a silver-plated head, body, and foot joint. And it comes with a plastic case.

It’s easy to play and with proper maintenance, you won’t have to replace it very soon.

It’s indeed a good value for money.

So, if you’re searching for a budget-friendly student flute from a popular brand, you should put the Etude Model EFL-100 Student Flute on your shortlist.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Good value for money
  • The case is included

Cons

  • The overall quality could be better (but it’s good considering the price)

11. Hawk WD-F113-WT Closed Hole C Flute

Hawk WD-F113-WT Closed Hole C Flute

The Hawk WD-F113-WT Closed Hole C Flute is another budget-friendly option.

Even though it’s budget-friendly, it’s not made of cheap materials.

It has nickel-plated keys and a nickel body. And it features steel springs and adequate pads.

Considering the price, it offers a good sound quality. And its overall playability is sufficient for beginners.

It’s available in different colors, if you want a distinctive flute that stands out.

A carrying case and maintenance kit are included.

All in all, The Hawk WD-F113-WT is a good option for anyone on a budget.

Pros

  • Good playability
  • Budget-friendly
  • Available in different colors

Cons

  • Not as durable as some more expensive models

12. Pearl PF500 Student Flute

Pearl PF500 Student Flute

The Pearl PF500 Student Flute will cost you a bit more than previous models, but it will ensure you quality and durability.

It features a silver-plated body, an offset G (no split E), and a C foot joint.

It has an exclusive no-pin mechanism and bridge mechanisms (allowing more strength.)

And it produces a warm, soothing sound.

After all, the Pearl PF500 Student Flute was designed with amateurs and learners in mind. Therefore, it’s very easy to play, and it will certainly last you longer.

Pros

  • Great playability
  • Beautiful sound
  • Durable

Cons

  • The handle of the case is plastic

13. Burkart Resona 300 Flute

Burkart Resona 300 Flute

If you’re willing to invest in your new instrument, you should definitely check out the Burkart Resona 300 Flute.

It’s a high-end flute suitable for beginners and intermediate players. It’s ideal for advancing students who want to practice on a high-quality instrument.

It produces a beautiful, full sound.

It has a Sterling silver headjoint and body, silver-plated nickel-silver keys, pointed arms, and white gold springs. It features open holes and offset or inline G and B foot.

A split-E mechanism (offset G only), C# trill key, and 14k gold riser are also available.

As you can see, this stunning flute has advanced features, but if you have a good teacher, it won’t be hard to handle it.

After all, with the Burkart Resona 300 Flute, you’ll be practicing on a high-quality instrument that will undeniably ensure you an excellent playing experience.

Pros

  • High-quality materials
  • Advanced features
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Pricey

14. NUVO N220JFBK Flute

NUVO N220JFBK Flute

If you’re not ready to make a big investment yet, you can start with a plastic flute.

The NUVO N220JFBK Flute is available in different colors and it’s great for children.

It’s very lightweight and easy to hold.

Although it’s made of plastic, it provides a good performance. And the material is washable.

It also comes with a note mouthpiece and removable key extensions (to help small fingers.) It also features a “donut” head joint for better balance.

So, if you’re looking for a flute for your kid, the NUVO N220JFBK is a great first flute.

Pros

  • Kid-friendly
  • Easy to play
  • Easily washable

Cons

  • Plastic materials

15. Merano Blue Lacquer Beginner Flute

Merano Blue Lacquer Beginner Flute

The Merano Blue Lacquer Beginner Flute is one of the affordable beginner flutes, but it’s not plastic.

It’s made from nickel, and a layer of blue lacquer gives it a stylish appearance.

Besides being eye-catching, the Merano Blue Lacquer Beginner Flute is adjustable and easy to play.

It has closed-hole keys so it’s convenient for first-time beginners.

It features quality double bladder pads and an offset G key with a split E key.

And it comes with a lightweight case, gloves, a cleaning cloth, a cleaning rod, and joint grease.

With this cool beginner flute, you’ll be able to start with the first flute lesson right away.

Pros

  • Looks great
  • Comes with all the accessories
  • Adjustable
  • Affordable

Cons

  • The paint might start to chip eventually

How To Choose The Best Flute For You

As you can see, there are many great beginner flutes on the market. We’ve tried to cover different kinds of starter flutes, from inexpensive plastic models to high-end beginner flutes.

So, how to decide which flute is the best for you?

As a beginner, that choice might not be so easy.

Best Beginner Flutes and Flute Buyer's Guide

First of all, to understand what to look for in a flute, you should get to know its parts.

As you’ve noticed, we kept mentioning different parts of the flute (headjoint, footjoint, etc) throughout our flute reviews, so let us introduce you to their roles.

Main Parts of the Flute

Body

As the largest part of the flute, the body houses most of the keys and holes. The keys that fit over the holes are covered by pads. The pads ensure that no air can escape, so they actually impact the quality of the sound.

The keys also have springs essential for their opening and closing.

Headjoint

The headjoint is the top part of the flute. It’s a metal tube also known as the voice-box of the tube.

The quality of the headjoint affects the tone color, articulation, dynamic range, and all the other crucial elements of playing the flute.

As flutes don’t come in different sizes, headjoints are sometimes curved, so the keys can be closer to the body. Kid flutes usually have curved headjoints.

Footjoint

The footjoint is the smallest section of the flute. It usually has three holes operated by keys.

Student flutes come with standard C foot, and professional flutes have an additional key called B foot which extends the range of the flute.

Crown, Cork, Lip Plate, and Riser

The crown is a cap near the embouchure hole (the hole where the air enters the flute) helping the air travel down the flute.

Although it’s a rather small part, the quality of the individual crown impacts the overall tone of the flute.

The cork is situated below the crown. It has to be in a precise position in order to keep the flute in tune.

The lip plate is where you place your lower lip when you’re playing. It helps to keep the flute steady.

And the riser is the part that connects the lip plate and the tubing of the headjoint. Although it doesn’t seem very important, the riser actually helps the flute produce the sound and its height can affect the volume.

Materials

Materials are always a crucial thing to consider when buying a new instrument.

Most of the flutes on our list are made of nickel silver. It’s an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel, very resilient, and known to produce a light tone. It’s often used in student flutes.

Merano nickel silver flute

Silver flutes provide a dark, focused tone and a clean response. They are a bit heavier than nickel-silver flutes, and they’re preferred by intermediate and advanced players. They also require more maintenance.

The most common plating materials are nickel, silver, and gold.

Nickel is the most popular in the construction of beginner flutes. It’s lightweight and easy to clean.

Silver-plated flutes have a darker tone. They’re shiny and a bit heavier than nickel-plated flutes.

And gold is, besides nickel, a beginner-friendly material (although it’s popular among experienced flutists at well.) It produces a nice, warm tone.

So, the material you choose depends on your level of experience and personal preferences. But it also depends on your budget; some cheaper models are made of plastic.

Plastic flutes are very affordable, but they won’t offer you the same quality of sound as flutes made of sustainable, durable materials.

Flute Keys

As you’ve noticed while going through our flute reviews, many beginner flutes come with an offset G. It means that offset G keys (played with the third finger) are mounted on separate posts.

Flutes with offset G are easier to play, especially for players with smaller fingers.

Beginner Flute with Offset G

On the other hand, inline G keys are set in the same line as the rest of the keys. They are usually found on intermediate and professional flutes.

Another thing you should look for in a flute is plateau-style keys. This means that the holes are closed so you don’t have to make effort to close them with your fingers.

French-style keys (an open hole model) are usually found in more advanced flutes. However, they are also good for ambitious beginners who want to learn proper fingering techniques from the start.

Accessories

Best beginner flutes usually come with all the necessary accessories. The package should include a sturdy carrying case and maintenance products.

A quality carrying case is, besides safe transportation, important for proper storage of your instrument. You should avoid exposing your flute to extreme cold or heat.

Another thing you should do to keep your flute in good shape is to establish a cleaning routine. If your flute doesn’t come with a cleaning cloth and needle, make sure to purchase them separately.

Flute Maintenance and Cleaning

It’s important to make sure your flute is dry before you store it, and that’s why you’ll need a cloth.

So, taking proper care of your flute is crucial if you want your new instrument to last as long as possible.

New Vs Used Flute

Are you worried that you won’t find a quality flute because it might be too expensive? Have you considered buying a second-hand flute?

Buying a used flute can definitely be cost-effective, but only if you find an instrument in a good condition. You need to make sure that it doesn’t have any flaws which can be tricky if you’re a beginner.

But if the previous owner took good care of the flute, or if it was barely used, you can buy a really good instrument for a lower price.

However, many beginner flutes have a very reasonable price. And you’ll be sure to get an instrument in a mint condition.

Also, new flutes usually come with a warranty, so even if you notice any defects, you won’t lose your money.

Price

As we’ve just mentioned, some beginner flutes are very affordable. But don’t get tricked; cheap flutes don’t provide the quality you need. They are usually made of plastic, which isn’t bad if you just want to try it out for fun.

But if you’re planning to take your flute lessons seriously, you should opt for a reliable, durable instrument.

On the other hand, some brands tend to blend quality and affordability. That is, of course, an ultimate goal.

Final Thoughts

The flute is a very fun and versatile instrument to learn. It’s also a very convenient instrument for beginners.

But if you want your learning process to be smooth, you’ll have to practice on a reliable instrument.

We hope our list of the best flutes for beginners and students helped you narrow down the choices.

There are many great options out there, so it all depends on your needs and preferences. The most important things you should look for are comfort, nice materials, and a good tone.

In the end, if you do a little research, finding the best flute for you won’t be that hard. And you can always get help from online flute reviews or seek advice from knowledgeable players.

With all the online learning sources, learning how to play the flute has never been easier. And we assure you it will be a rewarding process.

So, we hope this article inspired you to make an informed decision, buy a beautiful flute, and start with your musical journey right away!

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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