AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Open Hole Flutes for Professional 2026
The top pick is Pearl Flutes PF-CD958RBE Cantabile Rosegold ($13,893). Altus AS-PSD ERB1 Flute gives you the most for the money at $9,514. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 65 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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$10,073 · Aug 14$13,893 now$13,893€12,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- The heavy wall construction makes it noticeably heavier, potentially fatiguing for some players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
28AudioFu
Index↑ 14.3%since Aug 14$10,980 · Aug 14$12,548 now$12,548€11,198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
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.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$11,205 now$11,205€9,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This silver flute shines with its bright tone and fast ring keys. The SP-1 springs make it feel very responsive under your fingers. It suits players who love a crisp sound and quick technical work. The B-foot makes it shorter, so check your reach before buying.
Pros
- 925 sterling silver headjoint and body for bright tone
- Ring keys and E mechanism allow fast fingerings
- Offset G key system simplifies advanced passages
Cons
- S-cut mouthhole design limits certain tonal options
- No wood veneer option available for softer sound
33AudioFu
Index↑ 14.3%since Aug 17$10,195 · Aug 17$11,652 now$11,652€10,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Muramatsu DS-RBEO is a beautifully crafted flute delivering a rich, silvery tone with exceptional projection. It’s a fantastic choice for serious intermediate to professional flutists seeking a refined instrument with a comfortable, ergonomic design – particularly those focusing on classical repertoire and demanding precision.
Pros
- Exceptional silver tone with remarkable projection and clarity
- Hand-drawn tone holes offer incredibly focused and nuanced intonation
- Offset G and B-foot enhance ergonomic comfort and extended range
Cons
- The all-silver construction can feel a bit heavy for some players.
- The premium price point places it out of reach for many aspiring flutists.
29AudioFu
Index↑ 12.1%since Aug 14$10,590 · Aug 14$11,876 now$11,876€10,598 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$10,958 now$10,958€9,779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- The heavy wall construction makes it noticeably weighty, potentially fatiguing for some players.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most flutists.
28AudioFu
Index↑ 13.6%since Aug 14$9,469 · Aug 14$10,756 now$10,756€9,598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Muramatsu DS-RCEO is a beautifully crafted flute that delivers a truly refined sound. It's built for serious students and professionals who demand exceptional clarity, responsiveness, and a comfortable playing experience. This is a top-tier instrument designed to last a lifetime.
Pros
- Exceptional silver tone with remarkable projection and warmth
- Drawn tone holes offer superior intonation and responsiveness
- Offset G enhances comfort and accessibility for smaller hands
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- Silver construction requires diligent care to prevent tarnish
28AudioFu
Index↑ 13.4%since Aug 14$9,187 · Aug 14$10,419 now$10,419€9,298 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$9,514 now$9,514€8,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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.
Cons
- The 970 silver can tarnish more quickly than higher-grade gold alloys.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
30AudioFu
Index↑ 22.8%since Aug 14$7,753 · Aug 14$9,523 now$9,523€8,498 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
Sankyo CF 501 Handmade RBESankyo34Stable$8,963€7,998$8,963€7,998Check ↗
- 12
Pearl Flutes MD997 RBE Maesta HandmadePearl Flutes37Stable$8,684€7,749$8,684€7,749Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha YFL-577H Professional FluteYFL-577H Flute · Yamaha · 2 finishes69Stable$4,256€3,798$4,256€3,798Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha YFL-677H Professional FluteYFL-677 Flute · Yamaha · 2 finishes62Stable$5,434€4,849$5,434€4,849Check ↗
- 15
Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute AurumitePowell Sonare · 5 finishes48Stable$4,480€3,998$4,480€3,998Check ↗
- 16
Pearl Flutes 795RB-2RB Elegante C FluteElegante PF-795 RE · Pearl Flutes · 2 finishes46Stable$4,480€3,998$4,480€3,998Check ↗
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Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF FlutePowell Sonare · 2 finishes44↓ 10.0%$5,040€4,498$5,040€4,498Check ↗
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Altus AS-A10 REO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes40Stable$5,019€4,479$5,019€4,479Check ↗
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Altus AS-A11 RBEO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes40Stable$6,924€6,179$6,924€6,179Check ↗
- 20
Sankyo CF 301 Flute RESankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$4,816€4,298$4,816€4,298Check ↗
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Sankyo CF 401 RE FluteSankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$6,487€5,789$6,487€5,789Check ↗
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Pearl Flutes Elegante 795 RE - VigorePearl Flutes37Stable$4,515€4,029$4,515€4,029Check ↗
- 23
Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta HandmadePearl Flutes37Stable$8,290€7,398$8,290€7,398Check ↗
- 24
Azumi AZ-Z3 RBE-C FluteAzumi · 3 finishes44Stable$3,360€2,998$3,360€2,998Check ↗
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Altus AS-A9 REO-S FluteAltus · 2 finishes40Stable$3,584€3,198$3,584€3,198Check ↗
- 26
Muramatsu EX-III-RCE FluteMuramatsu34↑ 1.4%$4,032€3,598$4,032€3,598Check ↗
- 27
Muramatsu EX-III-RBE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$4,583€4,090$4,583€4,090Check ↗
- 28
Pearl Flutes Elegante Primo PF-EP925 REPearl Flutes · 2 finishes34↑ 35.2%$5,377€4,798$5,377€4,798Check ↗
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Muramatsu GX-RCE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$6,600€5,890$6,600€5,890Check ↗
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Muramatsu GX-RBE FluteMuramatsu34Stable$7,721€6,890$7,721€6,890Check ↗
- 31
Guo Grenaditte C FluteGuo47Stable$2,799€2,498$2,799€2,498Check ↗
- 32
Pearl Flutes PF-CD925 RBE CantabilePearl Flutes31↑ 13.2%$6,721€5,998$6,721€5,998Check ↗
- 33
Yamaha YFL-472 H FluteYamaha · 2 finishes41Stable$3,135€2,798$3,135€2,798Check ↗
- 34
Azumi AZ-S3 RBE FluteAzumi · 2 finishes41Stable$3,135€2,798$3,135€2,798Check ↗
- 35
Powell Sonare PS 601 BEF FlutePowell Sonare · 2 finishes40Stable$3,193€2,849$3,193€2,849Check ↗
- 36
Sankyo CF 201 Flute RBESankyo · 2 finishes39Stable$3,194€2,850$3,194€2,850Check ↗
- 37
Pearl Flutes Dolce 695 RE - VigorePearl Flutes30↑ 16.3%$3,753€3,349$3,753€3,349Check ↗
- 38
Azumi AZS2RE-L Flora Concert FluteAzumi · 4 finishes46Stable$2,239€1,998$2,239€1,998Check ↗
- 39
Yamaha YFL-382H Intermediate FluteYFL-382 Flute · Yamaha54Stable$1,455€1,298$1,455€1,298Check ↗
- 40
Pearl Flutes Quantz B765RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes37Stable$2,911€2,598$2,911€2,598Check ↗
- 41
Yamaha YFL-372 H FluteYamaha · 4 finishes46↑ 1.8%$1,791€1,598$1,791€1,598Check ↗
- 42
Azumi AZ-Z2 RBE FluteAzumi · 3 finishes44Stable$1,903€1,698$1,903€1,698Check ↗
- 43
Pearl Flutes Dolce 695 RBEPearl Flutes30↑ 19.2%$2,911€2,598$2,911€2,598Check ↗
- 44
Azumi AZ-Z1 RBE FluteAzumi · 3 finishes44Stable$1,679€1,498$1,679€1,498Check ↗
- 45
Powell Sonare PS 505 CEF FlutePowell Sonare35Stable$2,408€2,149$2,408€2,149Check ↗
- 46
Pearl Flutes Quantz B665RBE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes39↑ 6.3%$1,903€1,698$1,903€1,698Check ↗
- 47
Powell Sonare PS 501 CEF FlutePowell Sonare35Stable$2,239€1,998$2,239€1,998Check ↗
- 48
Pearl Flutes Dolce PF-695 REPearl Flutes30↑ 15.0%$2,575€2,298$2,575€2,298Check ↗
- 49
Yamaha YFL-362H Intermediate FluteYFL-362 Flute · Yamaha60Stable$1,388€1,239$1,388€1,239Check ↗
- 50
Yamaha YFL-262 Standard Open Hole FluteYFL-262 Flute · Yamaha52Stable$716€639$716€639Check ↗
- 51
Guo New Voice C Flute Slate GreyGuo47Stable$1,400€1,249$1,400€1,249Check ↗
- 52
Guo New Voice C Flute MacaronsGuo47Stable$1,400€1,249$1,400€1,249Check ↗
- 53
Yamaha YFL-272 FluteYamaha · 3 finishes44Stable$761€679$761€679Check ↗
- 54
Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes42Stable$839€749$839€749Check ↗
- 55
Yamaha YFL-282 FluteYamaha · 2 finishes41Stable$772€689$772€689Check ↗
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Jupiter JFL700RE-CBOX FluteJupiter · 3 finishes40Stable$660€589$660€589Check ↗
- 57
Thomann FL-200R FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
- 58
Thomann FL-1000 RI FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$249€222$249€222Check ↗
- 59
Thomann FL-2000 RE FluteThomann · 2 finishes39Stable$446€398$446€398Check ↗
- 60
Powell Sonare PS 101 CEF FlutePowell Sonare39↓ 8.2%$615€549$615€549Check ↗
- 61
Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RE-HC FlutePearl Flutes · 2 finishes39↑ 7.1%$995€888$995€888Check ↗
- 62
Thomann Kotori KF-RCEO FluteThomann35Stable$402€359$402€359Check ↗
- 63
Thomann FL-300R FluteThomann35Stable$481€429$481€429Check ↗
- 64
Thomann Kotori KF-RBEO FluteThomann35Stable$481€429$481€429Check ↗
- 65
Jupiter JFL700REC-CBox FluteJupiter32Stable$671€599$671€599Check ↗
Open Hole Flutes by the numbers
Measured across all 110 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,023 — 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
Playability & Response
This isn't just about intonation; it's about how effortlessly the flute speaks across the entire range. We're looking for immediate response, minimal breath support needed for high notes, and a consistent feel. A sluggish response kills articulation and dynamic control.
Tonal Complexity
Forget about a flat, 'pure' tone. Professionals need a flute with character - a warmth in the lower register, a focused core, and a willingness to break up nicely when pushed. It's about having headroom to shape your sound, not just producing a single, sterile tone.
Keywork Ergonomics & Action
The keywork needs to be intuitive and comfortable, especially during demanding passages. Heavy or sloppy action slows you down and introduces inaccuracies. The feel of the keys is just as important as the sound.
Headjoint Voicing
The headjoint is where the magic happens. A bright, cutting headjoint will slice through a band, while a darker one blends beautifully. The right voicing depends on your playing style and the music you make, but it's a crucial element of the flute's overall character.
Construction & Material
Silver, gold, or platinum - each metal imparts a different sonic signature. The quality of the manufacturing (bore work, key placement) directly impacts playability and longevity. Cheaply made flutes often have inconsistent intonation and leaky pads.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up to open-hole flutes. It's a serious move; it's not just about the cool look, it's about expanding your sonic palette and technical capabilities. Getting it wrong can feel like wrestling a greased eel - frustrating and unproductive. Let's cut through the marketing and talk about what a pro really needs in an open-hole flute, and which models deliver.
Don't chase the flashy finishes. A well-made silver flute will almost always outperform a poorly made gold one. Pay attention to the headjoint - it's the single most important factor in tone.
Be prepared for a learning curve; open-hole flutes demand more precise embouchure control, and you'll need to work on your finger technique to avoid unwanted cross-key sounds. Spend time in a shop trying them out, and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right.
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
Are open-hole flutes harder to play?
Yes, absolutely. The lack of tone holes means you need more precise embouchure control and a better understanding of breath support. It's a challenge, but the reward is a more nuanced and expressive sound.
What's the difference between silver and gold flutes?
Silver is brighter and more responsive, often preferred for classical and orchestral playing. Gold is warmer and more focused, often favored for jazz and contemporary styles. It's a generalization, but a good starting point.
Do I need to replace the pads on an open-hole flute?
Eventually, yes. Pads wear out. Higher-end flutes come with better pads initially, but they'll still need replacement down the line. Factor that into the overall cost.
Can I just drill holes in my existing flute?
Absolutely not. That's a recipe for disaster. It will almost certainly ruin the flute's intonation and playability. Leave it to the professionals.
What about 'B' and 'C' foot flutes?
'B' and 'C' foot refers to the extra keys extending the flute's range. 'C' foot is more common for professional players, expanding the low range, but it's not a sonic difference, just a range extension. Consider your needs based on the music you play.
