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With me being a flutist and recently launching this website, I thought that I would make a review on the best flute for beginning flute players. I spent some time trying out flutes to find the best. Though, I might do another post in the future, since my music store selections are pretty limited, and one store flat out refused to let me try flutes (I won’t say who). But we did get seven beginner flutes. So if you, or someone you know is interested in learning flute, but don’t know where to start, this is for you. Here are six of the (currently) best flutes.
6. Giardinelli
The Giardinelli GFL-300 is not the worst flute I have ever played, but it sounded the worst of the six that I tried. It was also the least responsive when it came to starting the notes and playing at different volumes.
5. Armstrong
The Armstrong LFL-100, is kind of partial to me, since the first flute I owned (not the first I played) was the LFL-102, which is the next modal up. It puts out a pretty decent sound, but the mechanism is very clunky compared to the other flutes. You can literally here yourself pressing down the keys no matter how lightly you press them. The other flutes don’t include that same effect.
4. Jupiter
The Jupiter Capital Edition was the first flute I tried out during my session. It put out a decent sound and was pretty responsive, until I played louder. But, right in the middle for decent beginner flutes.
3. Gemeinhardt
Gemeinhardt’s have been a reliable brand for quite some time. And the Gemeinhardt 2SP will show you why. It produces good tone (for a student flute) and responsive to articulations and volume. It, as well as our next contender are very well known and reliable brands in the student flute world.
2. Yamaha
The YFL-221Y is number two on this list. It seemed to have a slightly better response than the Gemeinhardt, but it still produced a good fundamental tone.
Honorable Mention
Because I tried this instrument a few years ago, I did not include it on this list, but the Jupiter 700W – Waveline C Flute may compete with our top contender. The Jupiter exclusive Waveline flute is perfect for the smaller beginner. This is because the headjoint (which is usually straight) has an o-shaped bow in it, allowing the keys to be inline with the mouthpiece and easier to reach without sacrificing hand and arm placement. But, this is not what impressed me. What I remember is how much power or volume you could put through it, and it had a quality tone that competes with some intermediate level flutes. So, if you find a Jupiter 700W – Waveline C Flute, I would highly suggest trying it out.
1. Yamaha
What? Two Yamaha’s in one list? The reliable Yamaha YFL-222 is the top contender on this list. It created quality sound, was very responsive to articulation and volume, and felt nice under the fingers. What makes it better than our previous Yamaha, is that the sound it produces is ever so slightly better. You or whoever is starting to learn flute, will not be disappointed with choosing this instrument.
Now that you know some of the brands and models to look for, here are some things to keep in mind.
Renting vs. Buying
Like learning to ride a bike, you learn first with training wheels, then you ride the bike, then purchase a better bike. Okay, not the greatest analogy, but what about a camera? You normally don’t give a child a $1000 camera if you’re not sure they’re going to take pictures. They might break it, they might use it once and leave it to collect dust. The same goes for the flute. Rent a beginner flute and see if the player sticks to it (I’d say at least 2 years), purchase a better flute (a good intermediate flute should be good), and if they want to go pro, they can buy a professional grade flute. (Also, if you’re in the greater Seattle area, I’d highly recommend going to Music & Arts. They had extremely friendly service and have a sweet rental plan).
One Final Note
You can choose any of these instruments or none at all. I probably started on one of the worst flutes possible, a school rental…[I won’t say the brand name] flute, but it taught me how to make a decent sound on the worst of the worst. So go out there and find a flute or choose from the best starter flutes here.
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