AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Open Hole Flutes for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Yamaha YFL-677H Professional Flute ($6,595). Yamaha YFL-577H Professional Flute gives you the most for the money at $4,247. Pearl Flutes PF-CD958RBE Cantabile Rosegold leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 65 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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This flute feels solid thanks to its thick walls and bright silver finish. The offset G key makes playing easier, while the E-mechanism adds flexibility for advanced players. It suits anyone who wants a reliable, well-sealed flute for serious practice or performance.
Pros
- Offset G key simplifies fingerings for complex passages.
- Greater wall thickness ensures sturdy build quality.
- Silver plating offers bright and responsive tone.
Cons
- E-mechanism requires extra setup and maintenance.
- B-Foot joint adds extra length to the flute.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,595 now$6,595€5,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This silver flute plays bright and clear, especially in the high register thanks to its Type AM headjoint. The E-mechanism makes the keys feel easier to press, which helps players with bigger hands. It's a solid choice for students moving up to serious practice, though the heavy silver finish might be tough to carry around all day.
Pros
- Silver-plated body offers bright, consistent tone across registers
- Type AM headjoint provides smooth, responsive high notes
- E-mechanism allows easier key operation for larger hands
Cons
- Heavy silver-plated construction may be difficult to carry daily
- Ring keys are less common and can feel complex to beginners
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,247 now$4,247€3,798 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$9,837 now$9,837€8,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- The .970 silver can tarnish faster than .925, requiring more frequent polishing.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$8,272 now$8,272€7,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- The .997 silver construction results in a noticeably heavier instrument.
- The premium-priced nature makes it inaccessible for many student or intermediate players.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$8,664 now$8,664€7,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
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
37AudioFu
Index↑ 37.9%since Aug 14$10,051 · Aug 14$13,862 now$13,862€12,398 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$9,493 now$9,493€8,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This handmade flute uses solid silver everywhere for a focused sound. The thin walls and drawn holes make it very responsive, but the ring keys and offset feet might need extra setup time. It suits players who want a pure tone and don't mind a bit of maintenance.
Pros
- Handmade with solid silver throughout for consistent tone
- 0.38 mm wall thickness ensures responsive vibration
- Drawn tone holes allow precise pitch control
Cons
- Ring keys can feel less smooth than lock mechanism
- Offset G and B-Foot add complexity to setup
34AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,943 now$8,943€7,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
Cons
- The thin wall thickness (0.38mm) may be fragile for less experienced players
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most flutists
34AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$10,934 now$10,934€9,779 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$8,943 · Aug 17$10,263 now$10,263€9,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 65 open hole flutes
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Altus AS-A11 RBEO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes40Stable$6,909€6,179$6,909€6,179Check ↗
- 12
Pearl Flutes MD970 RBE Maesta HandmadePearl Flutes30↑ 22.8%$9,502€8,498$9,502€8,498Check ↗
- 13
Muramatsu GX-RBE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$7,704€6,890$7,704€6,890Check ↗
- 14
Sankyo CF 401 Flute RBESankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$6,920€6,189$6,920€6,189Check ↗
- 15
Muramatsu DS-RBEO FluteMuramatsu29↑ 12.2%$11,850€10,598$11,850€10,598Check ↗
- 16
Muramatsu DS-RCEO Flute HandmadeMuramatsu28↑ 13.4%$10,396€9,298$10,396€9,298Check ↗
- 17
Muramatsu DS-RCEOH Flute HandmadeMuramatsu28↑ 13.6%$10,732€9,598$10,732€9,598Check ↗
- 18
Muramatsu DS-RBEOH Flute HandmadeMuramatsu28↑ 14.3%$12,520€11,198$12,520€11,198Check ↗
- 19
Powell Sonare PS 705 BEF Flute AurumitePowell Sonare · 5 finishes48Stable$4,694€4,198$4,694€4,198Check ↗
- 20
Altus AS-A10 RBEO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes40Stable$5,812€5,198$5,812€5,198Check ↗
- 21
Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF FlutePowell Sonare · 2 finishes40Stable$5,757€5,149$5,757€5,149Check ↗
- 22
Muramatsu GX-RCE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$6,586€5,890$6,586€5,890Check ↗
- 23
Pearl Flutes 795RB-2RB Elegante C FluteElegante PF-795 RBE · Pearl Flutes · 2 finishes46Stable$4,806€4,298$4,806€4,298Check ↗
- 24
Pearl Flutes PF-CD925 RBE CantabilePearl Flutes31↑ 13.2%$6,706€5,998$6,706€5,998Check ↗
- 25
Sankyo CF 301 Flute RBESankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$5,132€4,590$5,132€4,590Check ↗
- 26
Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 REPearl Flutes · 2 finishes34↑ 35.2%$5,365€4,798$5,365€4,798Check ↗
- 27
Pearl Flutes Elegante 795 RE - VigorePearl Flutes37Stable$4,505€4,029$4,505€4,029Check ↗
- 28
Muramatsu EX-III-RBE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$4,573€4,090$4,573€4,090Check ↗
- 29
Muramatsu EX-III-RCE FluteMuramatsu34↑ 1.4%$4,023€3,598$4,023€3,598Check ↗
- 30
Altus AS-A9 RBEO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes34↑ 12.8%$4,023€3,598$4,023€3,598Check ↗
- 31
Yamaha YFL-362H Intermediate FluteYFL-362 Flute · Yamaha60Stable$1,385€1,239$1,385€1,239Check ↗
- 32
Yamaha YFL-382H Intermediate FluteYFL-382 Flute · Yamaha54Stable$1,451€1,298$1,451€1,298Check ↗
- 33
Yamaha YFL-262 Standard Open Hole FluteYFL-262 Flute · Yamaha52Stable$714€639$714€639Check ↗
- 34
Azumi AZ-Z1 RE FluteAzumi · 3 finishes48↓ 10.2%$1,285€1,149$1,285€1,149Check ↗
- 35
Guo New Voice C Flute Slate GreyGuo47Stable$1,397€1,249$1,397€1,249Check ↗
- 36
Guo New Voice C Flute MacaronsGuo47Stable$1,397€1,249$1,397€1,249Check ↗
- 37
Yamaha YFL-372 FluteYamaha · 4 finishes47Stable$1,451€1,298$1,451€1,298Check ↗
- 38
Guo Grenaditte C FluteGuo47Stable$2,793€2,498$2,793€2,498Check ↗
- 39
Azumi AZ-S2 RE FluteAzumi · 4 finishes46Stable$1,899€1,698$1,899€1,698Check ↗
- 40
Yamaha YFL-272 FluteYamaha · 3 finishes44Stable$759€679$759€679Check ↗
- 41
Azumi AZ-Z2 RI FluteAzumi · 3 finishes44Stable$1,732€1,549$1,732€1,549Check ↗
- 42
Azumi AZ-Z3 RE FluteAzumi · 3 finishes44Stable$2,660€2,379$2,660€2,379Check ↗
- 43
Azumi AZ-S3 RE FluteAzumi · 2 finishes44↓ 8.3%$2,737€2,448$2,737€2,448Check ↗
- 44
Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes42Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 45
Yamaha YFL-282 FluteYamaha · 2 finishes41Stable$770€689$770€689Check ↗
- 46
Yamaha YFL-472 FluteYamaha · 2 finishes41Stable$2,738€2,449$2,738€2,449Check ↗
- 47
Jupiter JFL700RE-CBOX FluteJupiter · 3 finishes40Stable$659€589$659€589Check ↗
- 48
Powell Sonare PS 601 CEF FlutePowell Sonare · 2 finishes40Stable$3,017€2,698$3,017€2,698Check ↗
- 49
Thomann FL-200R FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 50
Thomann FL-1000 RI FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$248€222$248€222Check ↗
- 51
Thomann FL-2000 RE FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$445€398$445€398Check ↗
- 52
Powell Sonare PS 101 CEF FlutePowell Sonare39↓ 8.2%$614€549$614€549Check ↗
- 53
Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes39↑ 7.1%$993€888$993€888Check ↗
- 54
Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes39↑ 6.3%$1,899€1,698$1,899€1,698Check ↗
- 55
Sankyo CF 201 Flute RESankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$2,924€2,615$2,924€2,615Check ↗
- 56
Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes37Stable$2,905€2,598$2,905€2,598Check ↗
- 57
Thomann Kotori KF-RCEO FluteThomann35Stable$401€359$401€359Check ↗
- 58
Thomann FL-300R FluteThomann35Stable$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 59
Thomann Kotori KF-RBEO FluteThomann35Stable$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 60
Powell Sonare PS 501 CEF FlutePowell Sonare35Stable$2,234€1,998$2,234€1,998Check ↗
- 61
Powell Sonare PS 505 CEF FlutePowell Sonare35Stable$2,403€2,149$2,403€2,149Check ↗
- 62
Jupiter JFL700REC-CBox FluteJupiter32Stable$670€599$670€599Check ↗
- 63
Pearl Flutes Dolce PF-695 REPearl Flutes30↑ 15.0%$2,569€2,298$2,569€2,298Check ↗
- 64
Pearl Flutes Dolce 695 RBEPearl Flutes30↑ 19.2%$2,905€2,598$2,905€2,598Check ↗
- 65
Pearl Flutes Dolce 695 RE - VigorePearl Flutes30↑ 16.3%$3,745€3,349$3,745€3,349Check ↗
Open Hole Flutes by the numbers
Measured across all 110 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,017 — 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
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.
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?
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'.
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.
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
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.
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 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 110 open hole flutes from the Thomann catalogue. 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 deal with 'B' and 'C' footjoints?
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.
How much harder is an open hole flute to learn?
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.
Are all open hole flutes brighter than closed-hole flutes?
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.
What about split E? Is that a dealbreaker?
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.
Do I need a Bricani embouchure plate?
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.
