Best Open Hole Flutes for Orchestra 2025

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

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute

Extended Techniques Professional Performance Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
  • • Extended technique capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex maintenance
  • • Requires proper finger coverage

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF FluteFluteHandcrafted Powell signature headpiece in sterling silverWith Powell scaleSterling...

4.7/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 RE

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
Yamaha YFL-372GL Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yamaha YFL-372GL Flute

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
Powell Sonare PS 705 BEF Flute Aurumite - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Powell Sonare PS 705 BEF Flute Aurumite

Contemporary Music Advanced Students Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
✓ PROS
  • • Professional performance standard
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Requires proper finger coverage
  • • Can be challenging for beginners

Powell Sonare PS 705 BEF Flute AurumiteConcert FluteHandcrafted Powell signature headpiece in sterling silverWith...

4.5/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-1407 XRBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Altus AS-1407 XRBE Flute

Solo Performance Orchestra Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
✓ PROS
  • • Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
  • • Extended technique capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than closed holes
  • • Can be challenging for beginners

Altus AS-1407 XRBE FluteTransverse FluteRing keysB-footE-mechanismOffset GS-cut headpieceHeadjoint and body made from...

5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute

Advanced Students Orchestra Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
• Extended technique capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Extended technique capabilities
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • More complex maintenance
  • • Sensitive to temperature changes

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

4.8/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite

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
Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute

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
Altus AS-1607 XRBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Altus AS-1607 XRBE Flute

Solo Performance Orchestra Contemporary Music
Key Feature:
• Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
✓ PROS
  • • Better acoustical properties
  • • Extended technique capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Sensitive to temperature changes
  • • Requires proper finger coverage

Altus AS-1607 XRBE FluteTransverse FluteRing keysB-footE-mechanismOffset GS-cut headjointHeadjoint and body: 958...

4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Azumi AZ-Z3 RBE-C Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Azumi AZ-Z3 RBE-C Flute

Professional Performance Contemporary Music Extended Techniques
Key Feature:
• Professional performance standard
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
  • • Extended technique capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Requires proper finger coverage
  • • More complex maintenance

Azumi AZ-Z3 RBE-C FluteTransverse FluteRing keysE-key systemOffset GB-footC# trill key925 Sterling silver body925...

5.0/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta Handmade - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta Handmade

Contemporary Music Advanced Students Extended Techniques
Key Feature:
• Enhanced projection and resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Can be challenging for beginners
  • • More expensive than closed holes

Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta HandmadeTransverse FluteMaesta SeriesHandmade in JapanHeadjointbody and foot made of .970...

4.7/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute

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
Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Altus AS-A9 REO-S Flute

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
Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Altus AS-1507 XRBE Flute

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
Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC Flute

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

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.

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