Best Open Hole Flutes for Advanced 2026
Alright, so you're past the student model and looking at open hole flutes. It's a big step - suddenly you're not just playing notes, you're sculpting the sound, bending intonation, and really digging into the nuances of phrasing. But an open hole flute isn't just a 'better' flute; it's a different beast entirely, demanding more control and rewarding that effort with a wider sonic palette. Let's talk about what separates the good ones from the frustrating ones for players who actually want to play.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best open hole flutes in 2026 are Pearl Flutes PF-CD958RBE Cantabile Rosegold (top pick), Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute for tighter budgets, and Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute for pros — selected from 15 options across 5 brands, priced $5,663–$12,222, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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4.3/5
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6/10
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5/10
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2/10
Pearl Flutes PF-CD958RBE Cantabile Rosegold
by
Pearl Flutes
Advanced Students
Orchestra
Extended Techniques
Key Feature:
The Cantabile 958RBE is a seriously refined flute – the Britannia silver core delivers a rich, centered tone that’s immediately appealing, and the rose gold plating adds a touch of elegance. It's a top-tier choice for advanced students and professionals seeking a responsive, beautifully crafted instrument with a slightly warmer timbre than standard silver flutes, particularly well-suited for lyrical playing and chamber music.
PROS
- • Britannia silver construction offers exceptional tonal warmth and projection
- • Rose gold plating provides a unique aesthetic and subtly alters response
- • Advanced G mechanism improves intonation in a notoriously difficult range
- • Pointed arms and drawn tone holes enhance focus and clarity of tone.
CONS
- • The rose gold plating, while beautiful, is a softer metal and requires careful handling
- • The .958 Britannia silver body will be heavier than standard silver alloys
- • High-end price point places it beyond the reach of many aspiring flutists.
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4.3/5
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6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 519665
$9,888
#2
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4.2/5
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Specs:
6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
2/10
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.
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4.2/5
AudioFu Score
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6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 591729
$10,999
#3
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4.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
2/10
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.
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4.1/5
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6/10
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5/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 591728
$9,678
#4
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4.2/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
3/10
Pearl Flutes PF-CD958 14K RBE Cantabile
by
Pearl Flutes
Extended Techniques
Solo Performance
Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
The Pearl CD958 is a seriously refined flute, striking a great balance between warmth and projection. The 14K toneholes really make it sing, and the Britannia silver body gives it a lovely, mature tone. This is a top-tier choice for advanced students and professionals seeking a dependable, expressive instrument.
PROS
- • 14K toneholes offer a remarkably focused and responsive sound
- • Britannia silver alloy provides a warm, complex tonal color
- • Pointed arm design improves intonation and projection across registers
- • Advanced G mechanism minimizes sympathetic vibrations and enhances clarity
CONS
- • The .958 Britannia silver body can be prone to tarnishing, requiring regular polishing
- • The 14K gold toneholes might feel slightly stiff for some players initially
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists
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4.2/5
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6/10
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5/10
Value:
3/10
Art. 407118
$6,818
#5
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Sankyo CF 601 RBE Handmade
by
Sankyo
Advanced Students
Solo Performance
Orchestra
Key Feature:
This Sankyo CF 601 RBE is a serious instrument for the advanced student or professional. The sterling silver body and RT-1 headjoint combine for a rich, centered tone with excellent response. It's a beautifully crafted flute, ideal for players seeking a refined and expressive playing experience.
PROS
- • Sterling silver construction delivers exceptional tonal warmth and projection
- • RT-1 headjoint provides a remarkably focused and responsive core
- • Offset G and B-foot enhance ergonomics and extend technical possibilities
- • 10K white gold springs ensure smooth, consistent key action and longevity
CONS
- • The thin wall thickness (0.38mm) may be fragile for less experienced players
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most flutists
- • Offset G might not be ideal for players accustomed to a traditional embouchure
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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6/10
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4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 260339
$10,757
#6
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3.5/5
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Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta Handmade
by
Pearl Flutes
Extended Techniques
Contemporary Music
Orchestra
Key Feature:
The Pearl MD997 RBE Maesta is a seriously refined instrument. The .997 silver gives it a richness and warmth that’s immediately noticeable – it's a step up from standard silver flutes. This is a great choice for the advanced student or professional seeking a focused, responsive, and beautifully crafted flute.
PROS
- • Exceptional .997 silver alloy delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- • Hand-drawn tone hole chimneys contribute to improved intonation and response.
- • The E-key system provides comfortable and efficient fingerings for advanced players.
- • Maesta series headjoint offers a uniquely responsive and expressive playing experience.
CONS
- • The .997 silver construction results in a noticeably heavier instrument.
- • The premium-priced nature makes it inaccessible for many student or intermediate players.
- • While versatile, the B-foot might limit some extended range techniques for specialist players.
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
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4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 564484
$8,524
#7
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
5/10
Detail:
4/10
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2/10
Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta Handmade
by
Pearl Flutes
Contemporary Music
Advanced Students
Extended Techniques
Key Feature:
The Maesta MS970 RBE is a seriously refined instrument. Pearl's use of .970 silver gives it a warm, focused tone with incredible projection – perfect for the seasoned professional or ambitious student aiming for a truly professional-grade flute. It’s built to last and play beautifully for years.
PROS
- • Exceptional projection and clarity due to .970 silver alloy.
- • Handmade craftsmanship ensures consistent, high-quality build.
- • E mechanism offers extended range and versatility for advanced players.
- • Ring keys provide precise intonation and a responsive feel.
CONS
- • The .970 silver can tarnish faster than .925, requiring more frequent polishing.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
- • The heavier silver construction may be tiring for players with smaller hands.
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
5/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 564487
$8,138
#8
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
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2/10
Pearl Flutes MD970 RBE Maesta Handmade
by
Pearl Flutes
Extended Techniques
Advanced Students
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
The Pearl MD970 RBE Maesta is a beautifully crafted flute that balances a rich, traditional tone with modern responsiveness. This is an ideal choice for serious intermediate to advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument with exceptional feel and projection – particularly those in chamber ensembles or solo performance settings.
PROS
- • 970 silver alloy delivers a warm, responsive, and focused tone.
- • Hand-drawn toneholes optimize intonation and projection across registers.
- • Maesta series headjoint offers exceptional clarity and dynamic range.
- • Solid .925 silver mechanism ensures smooth, reliable action and longevity.
CONS
- • The 970 silver can tarnish more quickly than higher-grade gold alloys.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- • The B-foot limits advanced technical capabilities for orchestral players.
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3.5/5
AudioFu Score
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6/10
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4/10
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2/10
Art. 564486
$7,611
#9
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
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.
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 588254
$12,222
#10
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
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.
⭐
3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 588255
$10,999
#11
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
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.
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3.3/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 588253
$10,999
#12
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4.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
4/10
Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute
Contemporary Music
Extended Techniques
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
The Sonare 905 BEF is a seriously refined flute. Powell's headjoint design really shines, giving it a rich, focused tone that’s both powerful and controlled. This is a great choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a professional-level instrument without the absolute top-tier price tag—especially those who appreciate a comfortable offset design.
PROS
- • Powell’s Signature K-Style headjoint delivers exceptional projection and warmth.
- • Offset G and E-mechanism enhance comfort and accessibility for smaller hands.
- • Aurumite cap and crown provide exceptional resonance and durability.
- • Straubinger Phoenix pads ensure airtightness and responsiveness for precise intonation.
CONS
- • The nickel silver key system, while well-crafted, isn’t as inherently resonant as solid silver.
- • The weight, typical of a premium flute, may be fatiguing for some players over extended practice.
- • The BEF (B foot) limits its versatility for extended range repertoire.
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4.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
4/10
Art. 502896
$5,664
#13
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
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.
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 588261
$9,339
#14
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
Muramatsu DS-RBEOH Flute Handmade
by
Muramatsu
Contemporary Music
Orchestra
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
This Muramatsu DS-RBEOH is a serious instrument, built for the advanced player who demands exceptional tone and response. The heavy wall silver body and hand-drawn tone holes create a truly remarkable sound – it's a workhorse for orchestral and solo performance, offering incredible projection and a warmth you won't find in lighter models. This is an investment piece, perfectly suited for seasoned professionals and dedicated students aiming for the highest level of playing.
PROS
- • Heavy wall construction yields a rich, resonant, and focused tone.
- • Hand-drawn tone holes ensure exceptional intonation and response across registers.
- • Offset G and B-foot enhance ergonomics and facilitate advanced techniques.
- • Solid silver construction contributes to a warm, complex timbre and excellent projection.
CONS
- • The heavy wall construction makes it noticeably heavier, potentially fatiguing for some players.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
- • While versatile, its focused tone may not suit all genres, like lighter classical styles.
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 196341
$10,778
#15
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
Muramatsu DS-RCEOH Flute Handmade
by
Muramatsu
Contemporary Music
Professional Performance
Advanced Students
Key Feature:
The Muramatsu DS-RCEOH is a beautifully crafted instrument, built for serious players seeking a rich, resonant tone and reliable mechanics. Its solid silver build and meticulously drawn tone holes deliver a professional-grade sound, ideal for advanced students and seasoned orchestral players who prioritize tone quality and response over extreme versatility.
PROS
- • Heavy silver construction provides exceptional resonance and projection.
- • Drawn tone holes contribute to a remarkably focused and controlled tone.
- • Offset G enhances ergonomic comfort, especially for smaller hands.
- • Ring keys offer precise intonation and a refined aesthetic.
CONS
- • The heavy wall construction makes it noticeably weighty, potentially fatiguing for some players.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
- • C foot limits versatility for extended techniques or complex orchestral passages.
⭐
3.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
2/10
Art. 203431
$9,295
How to Choose the Best Open Hole Flutes
1
Keywork & Mechanism
A smooth, responsive keywork is non-negotiable. Cheap nickel-silver alloy keys will feel sluggish and sticky, especially after hours on stage. Look for solid silver or gold-plated keys - the difference in feel is massive and impacts articulation.
2
Headjoint Bore Design
This is where the magic happens. A stepped bore headjoint can give you a darker, more focused tone, while a cylindrical bore tends to be brighter and more responsive. It's a huge factor in the flute's overall voicing - are you looking for a cutting lead tone or a warmer, blended sound?
3
Tone & Projection
Open hole flutes should project. You need to cut through a band mix without sounding harsh or brittle. Listen for a richness in the lower register and a clarity in the upper register, avoiding that ice-picky top end that just screams 'cheap'.
4
Intonation Stability
Open hole flutes are more sensitive to embouchure and air control. The best ones will maintain stable intonation across the range, even when you're pushing the dynamics. Listen carefully for problem notes - a flute that's consistently sharp or flat is a pain to tune and play.
5
Footjoint Design
The footjoint significantly impacts the lower register's tone and response. A longer footjoint (C foot) generally offers a richer, fuller low end, while a shorter footjoint (B foot) can be a bit more responsive and easier to manage. It's a matter of personal preference and playing style.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the brand name alone. A fancy logo doesn't guarantee a playable instrument. Pay close attention to the keywork feel - if it feels cheap, it is cheap. Spending more often gets you better metals, finer tolerances, and a headjoint bore design that actually delivers on its promise. And seriously, get a good technician to check the action and intonation before you commit - a little adjustment can make a world of difference.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page ranks 15 open hole flutes from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category.
Position is computed, not curated. Four signals, in order of weight: how completely the manufacturer documents the instrument (number of published specifications), where it sits in the price range, how specific the model designation is — which filters out generic accessories — and whether a product image exists. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
A B footjoint is shorter, making the low notes a bit easier to reach, but can lack some fullness. A C footjoint offers a richer low end, but requires more control to play cleanly. It's mostly personal preference - try both if you can.
It's not about 'learning' open holes, it's about refining your existing technique. You need a solid embouchure and good breath control to avoid unwanted squeaks and intonation issues. If your fundamentals aren't solid, it will be frustrating.
No. The headjoint bore design is a much bigger factor. You can find open hole flutes with surprisingly dark and mellow tones. It's about the overall voicing, not just the presence of open holes.
Split E is a common issue, especially on cheaper models. A good technician can often address it, but be prepared to pay for the repair. It's a sign of poor manufacturing tolerances, so factor that into your decision.
Bricani plates offer a slightly different embouchure feel, which some players find improves tone and response. It's not essential, but if you're struggling with tone or intonation, it's worth experimenting with. It's a tweak, not a miracle cure.
