Best Open Hole Flutes for Contemporary Music 2025

Perfect open hole flutes for contemporary-music - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Professional Performance For Advanced Students For Contemporary Music For Extended Techniques For Orchestra For Solo Performance

BRANDS: Pearl Flutes Yamaha Azumi Powell Sonare Muramatsu Altus Thomann Sankyo

Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC Flute

by Pearl Flutes

Extended Techniques Orchestra Contemporary Music

Key Feature:

• Enhanced projection and resonance

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Extended technique capabilities

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to temperature changes
• More expensive than closed holes

Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC FluteTransverse FluteQuantz SeriesBrezza headjoint: provides the perfect balance between...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599669

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta Handmade - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta Handmade

by Pearl Flutes

Extended Techniques Contemporary Music Orchestra

Key Feature:

• Extended technique capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended technique capabilities
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects

✗ CONS

• Can be challenging for beginners
• More complex maintenance

Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta HandmadeTransverse FluteMaesta seriesHeadjointbody and foot in .997 silverMachine head in...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564484

$8,524

Buy at Thomann View Details

Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute

by Altus

Extended Techniques Solo Performance Advanced Students

Key Feature:

• Better acoustical properties

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Better acoustical properties

✗ CONS

• More complex maintenance
• Can be challenging for beginners

Altus AS-PSD ERB1 FluteTransverse FluteRing keysB-footE mechanismOffset GS-cut headjointHeadjoint and body: 997 ALTUS...

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 588261

$9,339

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RE

by Pearl Flutes

Contemporary Music Professional Performance Advanced Students

Key Feature:

• Enhanced projection and resonance

✓ PROS

• Better acoustical properties
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Can be challenging for beginners
• More expensive than closed holes

Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RETransverse FluteSilver headjointbody and footjointKey system: Nickel...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 496913

$3,904

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC Flute

by Pearl Flutes

Professional Performance Solo Performance Extended Techniques

Key Feature:

• Professional performance standard

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Requires proper finger coverage
• Sensitive to temperature changes

Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC FluteTransverse FluteQuantz SeriesBrezza headjoint: provides the perfect balance between...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599681

$2,858

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha YFL-372GL Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha YFL-372GL Flute

by Yamaha

Solo Performance Orchestra Professional Performance

Key Feature:

• Professional performance standard

✓ PROS

• Extended technique capabilities
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to temperature changes
• Requires proper finger coverage

Yamaha YFL-372GL Transverse FluteTransverse FluteIntermediate modelRing keysPointed arm designOffset...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 458123

$1,538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute

by Powell Sonare

Advanced Students Contemporary Music Extended Techniques

Key Feature:

• Professional performance standard

✓ PROS

• Professional performance standard
• Extended technique capabilities

✗ CONS

• More complex maintenance
• Requires proper finger coverage

Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF FluteTransverse FluteHandcrafted Powell Signature K Style headjoint in sterling silverLip...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502898

$5,498

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guo New Voice C Flute Macarons - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guo New Voice C Flute Macarons

by Guo

Contemporary Music Orchestra Extended Techniques

Key Feature:

• Better acoustical properties

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Extended technique capabilities

✗ CONS

• Can be challenging for beginners
• More complex maintenance

Guo New Voice C Flute MacaronsTransverse FluteNew voice head joint and bodyRing keysWithout E-mechanismInline...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 567629

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC Flute

by Pearl Flutes

Contemporary Music Professional Performance Extended Techniques

Key Feature:

• Better acoustical properties

✓ PROS

• Extended technique capabilities
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to temperature changes
• More complex maintenance

Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC FluteTransverse FluteQuantz SeriesBrezza headjoint: provides the perfect balance between...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599677

$1,758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC Flute

by Pearl Flutes

Orchestra Contemporary Music Solo Performance

Key Feature:

• Better acoustical properties

✓ PROS

• Extended technique capabilities
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to temperature changes
• Can be challenging for beginners

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC FluteTransverse FluteQuantz SeriesBrezza headjoint: provides the perfect balance between...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599674

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute

by Altus

Orchestra Contemporary Music Advanced Students

Key Feature:

• Extended technique capabilities

✓ PROS

• Enhanced projection and resonance
• Better acoustical properties

✗ CONS

• More complex maintenance
• Can be challenging for beginners

Altus AS-A9 REO-S FluteTransverse FluteStandard SeriesPitch: A = 442 HzC-footRing keysE mechanismOffset GMouthhole...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 591718

$3,518

Buy at Thomann View Details

Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute

by Altus

Advanced Students Extended Techniques Professional Performance

Key Feature:

• Enhanced projection and resonance

✓ PROS

• Better acoustical properties
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Sensitive to temperature changes
• Can be challenging for beginners

Altus AS-1507 XRBE FluteTransverse FluteRing keysB-footE-mechanismOffset GS-cut headjointHeadjoint and body: 958...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588254

$12,222

Buy at Thomann View Details

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite

by Powell Sonare

Orchestra Extended Techniques Contemporary Music

Key Feature:

• Extended technique capabilities

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Professional performance standard

✗ CONS

• Can be challenging for beginners
• Sensitive to temperature changes

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute AurumiteTransverse FluteSterling silver bodyHandmade Powell Signature sterling silver...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 439723

$4,398

Buy at Thomann View Details

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute

by Powell Sonare

Contemporary Music Extended Techniques Advanced Students

Key Feature:

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects

✓ PROS

• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
• Better acoustical properties

✗ CONS

• More expensive than closed holes
• More complex maintenance

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF FluteTransverse FluteHandcrafted Powell Signature K-Style headjoint made of sterling silverLip...

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502896

$5,664

Buy at Thomann View Details

Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

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:

• Better acoustical properties

✓ PROS

• Professional performance standard
• Enhanced projection and resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires proper finger coverage
• Sensitive to temperature changes

Altus AS-A13 REO-S FluteTransverse FluteLegend SeriesPitch: A = 442 HzC-footRing keysE mechanismOffset GMouthhole...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 591728

$9,678

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Open Hole Flutes

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced open hole flutes typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best Open Hole Flutes for Contemporary Music 2025

Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC Flute

Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta Handmade

Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute

Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RE

Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC Flute

Yamaha YFL-372GL Flute

Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute

Guo New Voice C Flute Macarons

Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC Flute

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC Flute

Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute

Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute

Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute

How to Choose the Best Open Hole Flutes

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying open hole flutes?

How much should I spend on open hole flutes?

Are expensive open hole flutes worth the investment?

What are the best brands for open hole flutes?

Should I buy open hole flutes online or in-store?

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