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Here you will find my recommendations for flutes that should match your skill level requirements while giving you the best quality for your money.
I have had many years experience with Pearl, Jupiter and Yamaha flutes and I can safely say they are reliable, durable and fixable. I have also had the privilege recently to try Vento and Briolette flutes. Since I have only had a month with these two flute brands, I can not yet personally say how durable they are, but based on my experience with these flutes and the opinion of a local technician who carefully inspected them for me, these flutes are reliably crafted and fixable.
Below are lists of some various models of Pearl, Jupiter and Yamaha flutes that I recommend according to associated age/experience level:
Beginners Younger than 7
At this age I recommend you start with the recorder. In general don't spend more than $20 for a recorder.
- Canto CR101 Soprano Recorder with Baroque Fingering
- Canto One-Piece Translucent Soprano Recorder with Baroque Fingering Transparent Yellow
- Aulos A303A 3-Piece Soprano Recorder with Baroque Fingering Ivory
Beginners Ages 7 and 8
Jupiter Prodigy is the only choice available and it is a great flute. It is much smaller than the standard flute and the key pads are made for smaller fingers. Expect to pay around $500.
- Jupiter 313S Prodigy Flute
Beginners 9 and Older
C foot, silver plated, plateau keys, offset G. First choice would be a Pearl or Jupiter ranging from $450 to $1,000. Second choice would be a Yamaha flute. An economical alternative that I can recommend from personal experience would be a Vento flute.
Pearl Flutes
- Pearl Flutes PF-505E Quantz Series Flute
Jupiter Flutes
- Jupiter 515S Deluxe Standard Flute
Yamaha Flutes
Vento Flutes
Intermediate. Any Age. Like to play - Mainly as a pastime.
Silver plated, or better yet solid silver headjoints, B foot, offset G. First choice would be Pearl or Jupiter-French keys. Second choice is a Yamaha. $750-$1,250. An economical alternative that I can recommend from personal experience would be a Briolette flute or a Vento flute.
Pearl Flutes
- Pearl Flutes PF-505RBE Quantz Flute
- Pearl Flutes PF-525RB Quantz Series Flute
- Pearl Flutes PF-665RBE Quantz Series Flute
Jupiter Flutes
- Jupiter 511RBS Deluxe Standard Flute
- Jupiter 511RBSO Deluxe Standard Flute
- Jupiter 611RBS Silver Flute
- Jupiter 611RBSO Silver Flute
- Jupiter 711RBS Silver Flute
- Jupiter 711RBSO Silver Flute
Yamaha Flutes
Briolette Flutes
Vento Flutes
Intermediate. Any Age. Loves to play - e.g. Thinking of pursuing further lessons or study.
Solid silver headjoint and body, B foot, offset or inline G, open holed split E. First choice Pearl or Jupiter brand. Second choice is a Yamaha brand. More than $1,500. Try and compare flutes before you buy. An economical alternative that I can recommend from personal experience would be a Briolette flute or a Vento flute.
Pearl Flutes
- Pearl Flutes PF-665RBE Quantz Coda Series Flute
- Pearl Flutes PF-665RB Quantz Coda Series Flute
- Pearl Flutes PF-765RBE Quantz Series Flute
- Pearl Flutes PF-765RBE Quantz Coda Series Flute
Jupiter Flutes
- diMedici 911RBSO diMedici Artist Series Flute
- diMedici 911RBS diMedici Artist Series Flute
- diMedici 1011RBS diMedici Artist Series Flute
- diMedici 1011RBSO diMedici Artist Series Flute
- diMedici 1011RBSGL diMedici Artist Series Flute
Yamaha Flutes
Briolette Flutes
Vento Flutes
Very Competitive, Preprofessional.
You probably have a private teacher so you should consult with him or her. Try and compare flutes before you buy.
The Pearl flutes have a wonderful tone and the keys have great action. The student will play low and high notes with ease.
The Jupiter flutes have a nice tone as well. It is also a good sturdy flute and I find the keys to react to a lighter touch. The keys have better action than the Pearl brands, however I tend to prefer Pearl flutes since they produce a slightly better tone.
The Yamaha flutes offer and provide similar qualities of the Pearl and Jupiter. They have a variety of flute styles available. The only drawback is that they generally are more expensive.
I have also come across other brands such as Gmeinhardt, Bundy, Selmer and Emerson during my years of teaching. However, I prefer the quality of the Pearl, Jupiter and Yamaha flutes.
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