The best flutes for beginners in the UK 2023

Your child wants to learn to play the flute, and you're wondering which model to choose? Between wooden, metal alloy or curved head flutes, it can be hard to decide. Follow our guide to the best transverse flutes to find the instrument your child will feel comfortable with.

Asmuse 16 hole flute 1
8/10

Best value for your money

Asmuse 16 hole flute

The best flute in 2021

This cupronickel flute is perfect for a first musical approach. We appreciate its neat finish and its hard case.

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This C key flute with 16 closed holes has 3 distinct parts. Weighing 880 g, it is made of cupronickel. Its sturdy composition makes it a durable instrument, enhanced by a luxurious looking silver design. This flute comes with a shoulder bag and a complete maintenance kit.

For storage, each part is precisely located in the compartmentalized carrying case. The removable parts are held securely and are protected from shocks during travel by the foam padding. Easy to assemble, this pleasant sounding flute is perfect for young beginners and amateur musicians.

Andoer Western flute 16 holes 2
8/10

Best value for your money

Andoer Western flute 16 holes

The best entry-level flute

An elegant instrument, with a very neat design: this flute with an excellent quality/price ratio is a perfect choice for beginners and experienced musicians.

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This Andoer Western flute comes with a maintenance kit, including cleaning cloths, a stick, gloves and a special screwdriver. It benefits from a well balanced quality/price ratio. It is delivered in a very well arranged hard carrying case. The padded storage case protects the instrument perfectly from shocks.

This flute offers all the necessary features for a first musical approach. Made of cupronickel, it remains affordable for a first investment and is ideal for amateur musicians. Beginners will appreciate its ease of use, combined with its great robustness.

Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute 3
8/10

Best value for your money

Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute

The best high-end flute

The Eastar EFL-2 flute has features especially designed for beginners. This instrument is made of cupronickel and will serve them well for a long time.

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The Easter EFL-2 flute is ideal for beginning flute techniques. It has 16 holes and is equipped with a mechanical E, which makes the high E easier to reach. To facilitate the handling of this instrument by beginners, the G key is slightly offset.

This flute comes with a hard case, white gloves and a cleaning rod. A base, a cleaning cloth and a screwdriver complete the maintenance of this instrument. Its cupronickel structure with a silver finish gives it great solidity. This alloy has the particularity to be very light, while offering a good resistance to corrosion.

Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous 4
7/10

Excellent selection

Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous

A very nice instrument

The Odyssey OFL100 flute is a good investment. For motivated and studious beginners, and above all, music lovers.

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The Odyssey OFL100 flute comes in a well-padded, well-compartmented case with a nickel-plated body and silver finish. This 16-hole flute has an excellent sound and is easy to play, making it ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.

Suitable for young children, this flute is equipped with stainless steel bars, springs and rods. Designed for long term use, its nickel texture is a guarantee of robustness. It comes with a lined ABS case, adjustment screws, a cloth and a cleaning rod.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best flute for beginners

Any specific needs?

The best flute in 2021

The best entry-level flute

The best high-end flute

A very nice instrument

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best flutes for beginners

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Asmuse 16 hole flute 5
8/10
Andoer Western flute 16 holes 6
8/10
Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute 7
8/10
Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Asmuse 16 hole flute
Andoer Western flute 16 holes
Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute
Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous
This cupronickel flute is perfect for a first musical approach. We appreciate its neat finish and its hard case.
An elegant instrument, with a very neat design: this flute with an excellent quality/price ratio is a perfect choice for beginners and experienced musicians.
The Eastar EFL-2 flute has features especially designed for beginners. This instrument is made of cupronickel and will serve them well for a long time.
The Odyssey OFL100 flute is a good investment. For motivated and studious beginners, and above all, music lovers.
Number of holes
16
16
16
16
Materials
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Cupronickel
Nickel
Carrying case
Oui
Oui
Oui
Yes
Finish
Argentée
Argentée
Argentée
Silvered
Maintenance kit

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Buying guide - flute for beginners

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How to choose your flute for beginners

#1 - The type of flute

Before looking for a high-end model, consider a student flute. This type of instrument has all the features you need to get started. It will train you to master the handling of the flute. Choosing a C flute with a curved head can be a good option for learning to play this instrument, especially if the child is very young. This type of model is quite easy for beginners to pick up, plus it offers an excellent sound.

#2 - The budget

For a beginner, the first purchase will not necessarily be a heavy instrument for the budget, which will be between 100 and 300 euros at most. A second-hand flute in perfect condition can be a wise choice to start. When the musician will be able to master his technique and style, the purchase of a more expensive model could be an option.

#3 - Transportability

The flute is a precision instrument that requires special precautions in its handling and transport. When purchased, the instrument is often delivered with a protective case that is padded and sufficiently shock-resistant. The case should have different compartments, in order to house the flute and the maintenance kit.

#4 - The characteristics

The

transverse flute intended for a young child must meet certain criteria:

  • The weight: it should be 350 g maximum.
  • The length: the children's models are shorter than the adult versions, so that the youngest can reach the notes without difficulty.
  • The head should be curved to shorten the length of the flute.

#5 - Ease of learning

"Small hands" models help young children hold the instrument properly. They offer simplified mouthpieces, drop or curved, easier to use. Some of the notes are offset, to make it easier for small hands to play.

Taking care of your flute

Periodic cleaning and checking of your instrument will help keep your flute in good condition for as long as possible.

The protective case

If your instrument is delivered without a protective case, it is imperative that you get a suitable container. The flute must be protected from falls and knocks during transport. It must also be dismantled after practicing. You will need a well-compartmented and padded case. You can find a wide range of models at musical instrument stores.

Cleaning

The hygiene of your musical instrument is important. For the maintenance of your flute, you will need a cleaning kit which will include :

  • a large piece of cotton ;
  • a rod (wooden or plastic) to reach the inside of the flute;
  • cork grease to facilitate the disassembly and reassembly of the headstock;
  • a pair of gloves for final polishing, and a special screwdriver.

The head of the flute will be removed after each use. Clean the mouthpiece, then wipe the cotton cloth inside the body to ensure a perfect drying.

Periodic maintenance

The flute is a precision instrument. It has several axes of adjustment that are carefully tuned for a perfect sound. As the flute is used, some parts may shift or wear out. The parts that are fixed with screws become more mobile.

All these incidents have an impact on the quality of the sound emitted by the flute, and harm its solidity. To avoid these problems, technicians recommend that the instrument be checked periodically by a specialist, who will perform a complete revision.

Wooden or metal flute?

Wooden flute

Wooden transverse flutes are of excellent aesthetic and sound quality. Materials used include ebony, rosewood, bamboo, boxwood or certain fruit tree woods.

Advantages

  • The sounds are different depending on the material used: coconut, ebony and boxwood produce a rich and powerful sound. Maracaibo boxwood and maple give a rather soft sound.
  • Wooden transverse flutes are also appreciated for their aesthetic appeal.
  • The appearance of the wood, its colour and its natural shine offer an appreciable aesthetic aspect.

Disadvantages

  • Wooden transverse flutes are resistant to humidity, shocks and falls. They are quite fragile and can crack quite easily.
  • The price of flutes can be quite high, depending on the price of the material.

The metal flute

Metal flutes are made of various metals, such as copper, nickel, gold, silver, platinum or nickel silver (an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel).

Benefits

  • Silver-plated instruments are the most elegant.
  • Nickel is more affordable and lasts longer. Nickel silver, an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, has the beauty of silver and the strength of nickel.
  • Flutes made of silver have a clean and warm sound.

Disadvantages

  • All-silver transverse flutes are delicate to handle. They are easily dented.
  • Nickel can trigger contact skin allergies in some people.

Verdict

The wooden flute is quite fragile, and can crack or even break if dropped. This is why its use is not recommended for very young children, but rather for adults, who are more careful in handling the instrument.

The metal flute is the most suitable for children. Nickel or metal alloy models offer good resistance to shocks and possible falls. However, nickel can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Why buy a flute for beginners?

Memory exercise

Studies have shown that listening to music and learning music can increase your memory. With a beginner flute, you will not only remember more, but you will also remember for longer periods of time.

Learning organization and time management

A seasoned musician knows that the quantity of practice time is not as important as the quality. Therefore, beginning musicians are taught with their flutes to organize, plan and prioritize their time to get the most out of each learning session.

Cultivate discipline

Studying how to play an instrument takes a lot of effort and dedication. Simply put, you will never excel without the discipline to practice until you have mastered it. Therefore, a good way to instill a sense of discipline is to take flute lessons especially with the beginner traverso model and focus on excellence.

Ideal for beginners

For a beginner, the investment is a bit substantial, especially when it comes to children whose perseverance in the matter is never sure. In some models, the plate and the mouthpiece hole to facilitate the blowing are interesting as well as some other small details. In terms of appearance, for the most part this is a really nice flute, with a nice sound, that will last a long time.

Light

The lightness of a beginner flute comes from its composition. Some models are made of ABS or thermoplastic polymer, which is relatively rigid and very shock resistant. It is a true musical instrument that can be used by beginners as well as more advanced players.

Tips

Start learning after the permanent teeth have come in.

In order to facilitate learning, it is best to wait until the permanent teeth are out. Falling baby teeth lead to leakage, which can disrupt mastery of the instrument.

Protect your ears!

Be careful

not to blow too hard into the flute. The sound comes out fairly close to the ear and too much sound could cause hearing damage.

Clean the flute regularly.

Clean

the mouthpiece plate with a cotton ball soaked in 70° alcohol, without wetting the mechanicals or felts. Avoid the use of bleach.

The usual precautions.

Avoid

adjusting your instrument yourself, but leave this to a qualified technician. When assembling or disassembling the flute, handle the components carefully, so as not to crush the keys.

Store your instrument properly.

Put

your instrument on a flat surface where it will not fall. When the flute is not in use, put it in its case to protect it from possible shocks.

FAQ

What is the best flute?

The best flute depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

At what age should I start taking flute lessons?

The ideal age to discover the flute is around 9 years and more. The child should be at least 145 cm tall, so that he or she can hold the instrument easily.

Solid silver or nickel flute ?

Nickel is a durable and affordable material, but its texture is quite slippery. It can cause skin reactions in some people. Solid silver is aesthetically pleasing and easily maintained without polishing. It is generally used for concert instruments.

Why choose a flute with a curved head ?

The length of the instrument can be reduced thanks to the curved head. This makes it easier for children to reach the keys.

What type of material should a beginner choose?

The alloy of zinc, nickel and copper, also called nickel silver, produces a pleasant sound. It is durable, has good dent resistance and is perfect for young students.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , salondemusique.fr
  2. , musiclic.com
  3. , music.qualite.com
  4. , pierregrammat.wordpress.com
  5. , musicarius.com
  6. , fasiladom.fr
  7. , avenirchalais.ch
  8. , flutetraversiere.chez.com
  9. , algofly.fr
  10. , paul-beuscher.com
  11. , solfege.org
  12. , apprendrelaflute.com
  13. , youscribe.com
  14. , apprendrelaflute.com
  15. , salondemusique.fr
  16. , woodbrass.com
  17. , apprendrelaflute.com
  18. , gear4music.fr
  19. , free-scores.com
  20. , producteurpro.fr
  21. , cdiscount.com
  22. , m.youtube.com
  23. , apprendrelaflute.com
  24. , amazon.co.uk
  25. , laflutedepan.com
  26. , superprof.fr
  27. , fr.tapartoche.com
  28. , livre.fnac.com
  29. , m.youtube.com
  30. , free-scores.com
  31. , m.youtube.com
  32. , apprentus.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Asmuse 16 hole flute 9
Asmuse 16 hole flute
Andoer Western flute 16 holes 10
Andoer Western flute 16 holes
Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute 11
Eastar EFL-2 16 hole flute
Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous 12
Odyssey OFL100 flûte traversière 16 trous

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