Best Altus Open Hole Flutes 2026
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.
Last updated: May 6, 2026 • Next update: May 13, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Altus AS-A9 RBEO-S Flute
by
Altus
Extended Techniques
Contemporary Music
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
The AS-A9 RBEO-S is a serious step up for intermediate to advanced players. The Britannia headjoint delivers a warm, focused tone with excellent projection, and the offset G makes it comfortable for smaller hands. It's a beautifully crafted instrument that rewards a dedicated player’s investment.
PROS
- • Exceptional intonation thanks to the Britannia silver headjoint
- • RBEO-S design offers responsive, nuanced playing
- • Solid silver-plated keys provide smooth, reliable action
- • Drawn toneholes enhance projection and tonal complexity
CONS
- • Britannia silver headjoint can be brittle and requires careful handling
- • Nickel silver body plating may require more frequent polishing
- • Offset G can feel awkward for players accustomed to inline designs
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591719
$3,509
#2
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute
by
Altus
Extended Techniques
Solo Performance
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
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.
- • Offset G and ERB1 design offer ergonomic comfort and improved reach.
CONS
- • The high silver content demands careful maintenance to prevent tarnish.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most players.
- • Offset design might feel unusual for players accustomed to inline models.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 588261
$9,339
#3
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute
by
Altus
Orchestra
Contemporary Music
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
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.
- • Drawn tonehole risers contribute to a remarkably even and consistent response across registers.
CONS
- • The offset G may not suit players accustomed to a traditional embouchure.
- • Britannia silver headjoint demands careful maintenance to prevent tarnish.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many flutists.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 591718
$3,518
#4
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Altus AS-1407 XRBE Flute
by
Altus
Solo Performance
Orchestra
Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
The AS-1407 XRBE is a seriously refined flute. The offset design and S-cut headjoint really make it sing, offering a beautifully balanced and responsive feel. It’s a top-tier instrument ideal for advanced students and professionals seeking a comfortable, expressive, and premium-priced flute.
PROS
- • Exceptional projection and clarity thanks to the S-cut headjoint.
- • 925 Sterling silver construction delivers a warm, focused tone.
- • Offset G enhances comfort and accessibility for smaller hands.
- • Soldered C# tone hole provides intonation stability in that challenging area.
CONS
- • The sterling silver body can be prone to tarnishing, requiring regular polishing.
- • The premium price point places it beyond the reach of many students and hobbyists.
- • Offset design may not appeal to players accustomed to a traditional embouchure.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 588255
$10,999
#5
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute
by
Altus
Professional Performance
Advanced Students
Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
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.
- • SP-1 springs offer remarkably light and responsive key action.
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.
- • The S-cut headjoint, while powerful, might be too focused for some players' preference.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591728
$9,678
#6
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute
by
Altus
Advanced Students
Extended Techniques
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
The AS-1507 XRBE is a truly exceptional flute. The Britannia silver body gives it a rich, resonant tone, and the S-cut headjoint really allows for expressive playing. This is a fantastic instrument for serious intermediate to professional flutists seeking a comfortable, responsive, and beautifully voiced flute.
PROS
- • Britannia silver body offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- • S-cut headjoint provides a focused, responsive, and dark tone.
- • Offset G enhances comfort and accessibility for smaller hands.
- • Soldered C# tone hole ensures intonation stability across the range.
CONS
- • The Britannia silver can tarnish faster than pure silver, requiring more care.
- • High-end price point puts it out of reach for many student or intermediate players.
- • Offset G, while comfortable for some, may feel awkward for players accustomed to inline G.
⭐
4.4/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 588254
$12,222
#7
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute
by
Altus
Advanced Students
Orchestra
Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
The AS-A13 RBEO-S is a truly exceptional flute—a step up for serious students and professionals seeking a refined, focused tone. The Britannia silver body provides a beautiful warmth, while the S-cut headjoint delivers impressive projection. This is a fantastic choice for players prioritizing clarity and responsiveness, particularly those who prefer a slightly darker timbre.
PROS
- • Exceptional projection and focus thanks to the S-cut headjoint.
- • Britannia silver body offers a warm, rich, and responsive tone.
- • Ring keys and offset G enhance comfort and intonation precision.
- • Drawn tonehole risers contribute to even tone across the range.
CONS
- • The 958 Britannia silver can be more susceptible to tarnish than higher karat silver.
- • Offset G design might not suit all players accustomed to standard models.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 591729
$10,999
#8
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-1607 XRBE Flute
by
Altus
Solo Performance
Orchestra
Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
The AS-1607 XRBE is a seriously refined instrument. The Britannia silver delivers a beautiful, resonant tone with excellent projection, and the offset G makes it comfortable for a wide range of players, particularly those seeking a more ergonomic design. This flute is ideal for advanced students and professionals who demand top-tier performance and a nuanced sound.
PROS
- • Britannia silver provides exceptional tonal warmth and projection.
- • S-cut headjoint offers a remarkably focused and responsive airflow.
- • Offset G improves ergonomics and comfort for extended playing.
- • Soldered C# tone hole ensures intonation accuracy in the upper register.
CONS
- • The 958 Britannia silver can be prone to tarnishing requiring diligent care.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- • Offset G may not be preferred by players accustomed to a straight flute.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 588253
$10,999
How to Choose the Best Open Hole Flutes
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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.
Our Methodology
We don't just glance at spec sheets here. We put these flutes through the wringer: hours in the practice room, band rehearsals where we're fighting for headroom, and studio sessions to really hear how they record. We A/B them against other respected brands - Yamaha, Jupiter, Pearl - to see where Altus truly shines and where they might fall short.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
