Picking the right brand can be daunting in the world of flutes – there are so many to choose from! In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best flute brands on the market and what they can bring to your playing. Our list covers a range of ability levels, from novice to professional, as well as a variety of price points. We’ll also recommend our favourite flute per brand!
In a hurry?
If you don’t want to read through all 11 brands, here are three of our favourites, why we’ve chosen them, and our flute suggestion.
| Brand | Why we love it | Our flute recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor James | Suited to student flautists, offering lightweight, comfortable-to-play flutes. | Trevor James TJ5X Student Flute |
| Powell | Each flute is handmade to order, with very fine, precise measurements. | Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute, Open Hole |
| Gear4music | High-quality construction for beginner and intermediate players. | Deluxe Flute by Gear4music |
The best flute brands
1. Trevor James
Trevor James are a flute brand that have been making its mark since it was established in 1984. Known for their superior craftsmanship, Trevor James flutes are suitable for all ability levels and cover a vast range of price points.
They offer the perfect blend of high-quality construction and accessibility – meaning even young students can learn their craft on an instrument with a renowned name.
Our recommendation: Trevor James TJ5X Student Flute
2. Powell
Powell is an esteemed flute brand founded in 1927 by the visionary Verne Q. Powell. Powell flutes have a reputation for their quality construction and exceptional sound quality They’re specifically handmade to order, all fitting very fine points of measurement, meaning each and every flute is unique.
Once the flute is finished, it is custom-fitted into a handmade leather case for added protection. The brand’s continual innovation truly sets it apart, making them a distinguished choice in the flute market.
Our recommendation: Powell Sonaré 101 Series Flute, Open Hole
3. Gear4music
If you’re after a superb starter instrument, or you’re a student progressing to your second flute, Gear4music flutes are a great option. These are solid, well-made instruments that are durable enough to withstand constant practice and lessons, whilst providing sound with excellent clarity.
Our recommendation: Deluxe Flute by Gear4music
4. Sankyo
Another popular brand in the world of flutes is Sankyo. Established in 1968, Sankyo are known for the superior build quality and outstanding sound clarity of their flutes.
Don’t take “superior build quality” lightly; Sankyo flutes are often made from premium materials such as gold, and they can be custom engraved, giving the player a flute with beautiful individuality.
Since Sankoy flutes are quite luxurious, they’re suited to professional or experienced flautists who don’t mind spending over £2000… one even goes up to £12k!
5. Miyazawa Flutes
Miyazawa Flutes, launched in 1969 by Masashi Miyazawa, are renowned for their impeccable construction and are ergonomically designed for a natural fit in the player’s hand.
One unique Miyazawa feature is the Brögger System, a pinless mechanism and curved coupling rod construction that allow you to adjust the balance of each key and enjoy smooth, slick action. The flutes also boast the Brögger Thumb Key Mechanism, which is a relocated thumb post for easy playing.
These instruments are designed with a variety of players in mind. Their extremely comfortable playability makes them ideal for advanced beginners… however, their price points probably suit more experienced flautists!
6. Yamaha
Yamaha is up there with the top brands for many different musical instruments, and the flute is one of them. Established in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha, the company has a legacy that spans over a century. Yamaha’s flutes are celebrated for their exceptional construction quality and clarity, famed for their specially angled keys and soldered plates.
They cater to a broad range of players, making them suitable for beginners still grasping the instrument, intermediate players honing their skills, and professionals seeking advanced features and refined tonal quality.
Our recommendation: Yamaha YFL212 Student Model Flute
7. Stagg
Stagg may have started out as a guitar brand in the ’70s, but ever since it was relaunched and expanded in 1995, they have made a mark in the flute industry.
The brand pride themselves on catering to newcomers to the world of music, aiming to provide memorable first instruments. Their flutes are no different – they’re affordable and boast durable constructions that are ergonomic and comfortable to play.
Our recommendation: Stagg FL111 Flute
8. Jupiter
Founded in 1979, Jupiter quickly established a reputation for their innovative flutes. They’re known for their lightweight designs and unique shapes, such as the Jupiter Waveline flute, but the thing they’re most noted for is how well they cater to beginners.
Part of their ethos is that they heavily support music education and communities, providing high-quality instruments to give beginners a solid start. And their flutes are made to last beyond the first steps, meaning they’ll stick with you as you progress in skill.
Our recommendation: Jupiter JFL700WE Waveline Flute, C Foot
9. Leblanc
Combining historical practices with innovative designs, Leblanc has been well-known in the flute world since 1750. They’re one of the oldest flute makers in the world!
They cater to all ability levels and also offer clarinets, saxophones, and trombones. If you’re after something with history behind it and with time-tested manufacturing techniques, Leblanc are it.
Our recommendation: Leblanc LFL211E Student Flute
10. Pearl Flutes
Established in 1968, Pearl Flutes create high-quality flutes with a focus on craftsmanship and innovation. A Pearl flute is known for its one-piece, core-bar pinless construction – this was groundbreaking when it was introduced in 1972 – and smooth key action. It’s these innovations that set Pearl apart from other flute makers.
Plus, not only do they have an array of keys and mechanisms, but Pearl Flutes also offer a choice of headjoint, whichever flute you go for.
This is a slightly more premium brand, though not as premium as Sankyo or Miyazawa, and so their prices are usually above £600, making them ideal for advanced beginners and beyond.
Our recommendation: Pearl 665E Quantz Flute
11. Altus
Since the first Altus flute was made in 1981, Altus have consistently stood out. The brand’s flutes are known for their seamless tube construction and V-cut head joint, which offers a powerful sound with incredible depth.
They’re also known for the Altus Scale. This ensures extremely precise intonation and tuned harmonics as well as balanced registers, meaning you can achieve the exact tone you want when changing dynamics and pitch.
FAQs
Which flute brand is best?
Brands such as Trevor James and Powell are globally renowned as two of the best flute brands, catering to beginners, intermediate players, and professionals. However, the best brand depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Which flute type is best?
The concert flute is regarded as the best and most well-known type of flute. If you’re after a lower tone, you may wish to opt for an alto or bass flute, or if you want something more traditional, consider a baroque flute.
For more information on the best types of flutes, take a look at our dedicated article here.
How do I choose a professional flute?
To choose the right professional flute for you, you should take into account the flute’s build quality, sound clarity, and features that align with your playing style. Will you be using it for practice? Large venues? Small gigs? You should also consider the brand’s reputation and how comfortable the flute is to play.
Final thoughts
From Yamaha’s fusion of tradition and modernity to Altus’ commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, you’re bound to find the right fit for you in this list of the best flute brands.
Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or a professional, choosing a flute is all down to personal preference but the brand plays a big part! If you’re in the beginning stages of finding the right flute, researching the various brands out there is a great place to start.
For more information on the topic, check out our guide to the different types of flutes and our crash course in woodwind instruments.
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