AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Altus Open Hole Flutes 2026
The top pick is Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute ($3,584). Altus AS-A12 REO-S Flute leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The AS-A9 REO-S is a seriously refined flute – the Britannia headjoint brings a lovely warmth and focus, while the S-cut makes it very responsive. This is an excellent choice for advanced students and professionals looking for a reliable, high-performance instrument with a beautiful sound, particularly those who appreciate a more comfortable offset design.
Pros
- 958 Britannia silver headjoint delivers exceptional projection and warmth.
- S-cut headjoint offers a responsive and focused tone ideal for soloing.
- Nickel silver keys with ring keys provide precise intonation and comfortable action.
Cons
- The offset G may not suit players accustomed to a traditional embouchure.
- Britannia silver headjoint demands careful maintenance to prevent tarnish.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,584 now$3,584€3,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a bright, solid-sounding flute built from real sterling silver. The S-cut headhole helps players get a quick response with less effort. It suits intermediate players who want a reliable, high-end instrument without the weight of a full silver model.
Pros
- 925 sterling silver body ensures bright, responsive tone
- S-cut mouthhole design aids modern embouchure control
- Offset G key simplifies high-register fingerings
Cons
- Heavy weight may strain smaller players over long sessions
- Silver-plated nickel silver keys can tarnish over time
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,019 now$5,019€4,479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This flute uses high-quality sterling silver for a bright, clear sound. The offset G key helps you play the upper notes easier. It comes with a case and bag for transport. It suits players who want a traditional sound with modern key convenience.
Pros
- 925 sterling silver lip plate and chimney for bright tone
- 958 sterling silver headjoint and body for rich response
- Offset G key system simplifies high register playing
Cons
- No specific weight listed makes carrying unknown
- Ring keys may be less durable than open keys
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,924 now$6,924€6,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The AS-A13 REO-S is a serious instrument for the advanced player or professional. The combination of Britannia silver and the S-cut headjoint delivers a powerful, focused tone with excellent projection—it’s built for solo work and orchestral performance. This flute is truly a top-tier offering, designed for players seeking the highest level of response and tonal complexity.
Pros
- Exceptional projection and focus due to the S-Cut headjoint.
- Britannia silver body provides a warm, resonant core tone.
- Offset G enhances ergonomics and comfort for smaller hands.
Cons
- The 958 Britannia silver body can be prone to minor denting with rough handling.
- The high-end price point puts it out of reach for many students and hobbyists.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$9,859 now$9,859€8,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The AS-PSD ERB1 is a truly exceptional instrument – the Pure Silver construction delivers a rich, resonant tone with incredible projection. This flute is ideal for serious advanced students and professional performers seeking a refined and responsive playing experience, and the ergonomic design makes it a joy to play for extended periods.
Pros
- Exceptional projection and focus thanks to the S-cut headjoint.
- 997 ALTUS Pure Silver provides a remarkably warm and complex tone.
- Drawn toneholes enhance responsiveness and intonation accuracy.
Cons
- The high silver content demands careful maintenance to prevent tarnish.
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$9,514 now$9,514€8,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This silver flute sounds bright and sings well because of its thick walls and special alloy springs. It is a solid choice for players who want a warm tone with a very responsive key system. The high-end cost and need for regular care mean it is best for serious musicians who value tone over budget.
Pros
- 925 sterling silver body, headjoint, keys, and risers ensure brilliant tone and bright response.
- Offset G and E mechanism provide smooth intonation across the full register.
- S-cut mouthhole design encourages focused sound and quick response.
Cons
- Premium price point makes it less accessible for entry-level students.
- Sterling silver requires frequent polishing to maintain luster and playability.
33AudioFu
Index↑ 14.8%since Aug 17$8,963 · Aug 17$10,286 now$10,286€9,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Open Hole Flutes by the numbers
Measured across all 110 models we track, not a sample.
Median $6,924 — half of all open hole flutes here cost less.
median of 6 models · 0.25 kg–0.7 kg
How to choose the best open hole flutes
Tone
Altus flutes are known for their warmth and complexity. It's not a bright, sterile tone; there's a richness and depth that allows for nuanced phrasing and really sings in a chamber ensemble or cuts through a rock band without sounding brittle. That 'fat midrange honk' is a real thing with Altus - it just sits beautifully.
Keywork & Action
The ergonomics are spot-on. Altus uses a really comfortable, rounded key design that minimizes fatigue, even during long gigs. The action is consistently light and responsive, allowing for incredibly precise articulation - crucial for those fast, intricate passages.
Headjoint Design
The headjoint is the heart of any flute, and Altus really nails it. Their headjoint voicing provides a surprising amount of headroom without sacrificing that characteristic warmth. It's got a responsiveness that lets you really dial in your dynamics, from a breathy whisper to a powerful projection.
Build Quality & Materials
Altus uses high-grade silver alloys, and the tolerances are tight. You can feel the quality in the mechanics; everything feels solid and well-fitted. This translates to a flute that will hold up to years of gigging and practice - a real investment.
Intonation
While no flute is perfect, Altus consistently demonstrates excellent intonation across its range. It's remarkably stable, which saves you time tuning and lets you focus on your performance, especially important when you're playing with a tight ensemble.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at open hole flutes. Smart move - they open up a whole new world of possibilities for articulation and phrasing. But wading through the options can be overwhelming. If you're serious about your playing, you've probably heard the name Altus - they've been quietly building some of the best flutes out there for decades, and their open hole models are worth a serious look.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or marketing hype. With Altus, you're paying for the craftsmanship and the subtle nuances in tone. Used models can be a great value, but have a tech check the pads - that's the most common point of failure.
Avoid the temptation to cheap out on the headjoint; that's where the magic happens.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 11 open hole flutes from the Thomann catalogue (of 110 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between an Altus 000 and a 001?
The 001 is generally considered a step up, with slightly more refined mechanics and a more focused tone. The 000 is still a fantastic instrument, especially for students or players on a tighter budget.
Are Altus flutes easy to record?
They record exceptionally well. The warm tone translates beautifully to a microphone, and you don't have to fight to tame harsh frequencies. It's a real pleasure to mic up an Altus.
What about Altus flutes with solid silver keys?
Solid silver keys offer a slightly warmer feel and a richer aesthetic, but the tonal difference is subtle. It's more of a luxury feature than a performance upgrade.
I've heard Altus can be a little 'dark.' Is that true?
Compared to some of the brighter, more aggressive-sounding flutes on the market, yes, Altus leans towards a warmer tone. But 'dark' doesn't mean lifeless - it's more about depth and complexity, and it's something you can tailor with different embouchure techniques.
How do Altus open hole flutes compare to Yamaha?
Yamaha is known for consistency and a bright, focused sound. Altus offers more complexity and warmth, but might require a bit more effort to truly unlock its potential. Yamaha is often more forgiving for beginners.
