Best Open Hole Flutes for Professional Performance 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Powell Sonare PS 905 BEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Pearl Flutes MS970 RBE Maesta Handmade - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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 705 CEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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 Quantz B525RBE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RBE-HC Flute

Solo Performance Advanced Students Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Enhanced projection and resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Quarter-tone and microtonal effects
  • • Professional performance standard
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than closed holes
  • • Requires proper finger coverage

Pearl Flutes Quantz B525RBE-HC FluteTransverse FluteQuantz SeriesBrezza headjoint: provides the perfect balance between...

4.5/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Powell Sonare PS 905 CEF Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Yamaha YFL-272 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha YFL-272 Set

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

Yamaha YFL-272 Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YFL-272 Flute*Transverse Flute*Student modelRing keysPointed arm...

4.5/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Altus AS-A13 REO-S Flute

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
Powell Sonare PS 705 CEF Flute Aurumite - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Azumi AZ-Z1 RBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Azumi AZ-Z1 RBE Flute

Extended Techniques Contemporary Music Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Better acoustical properties
✓ PROS
  • • Better acoustical properties
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Requires proper finger coverage
  • • More expensive than closed holes

Azumi AZ-Z1 RBE FluteTransverse FluteRing keysE mechanismOffset GB-footBody: Nickel silversilver-plated925 Sterling...

4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha YFL-372 Flute Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Yamaha YFL-372 Flute Set

Extended Techniques Contemporary Music Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Enhanced projection and resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Extended technique capabilities
  • • Enhanced projection and resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Can be challenging for beginners
  • • More expensive than closed holes

Yamaha YFL-372 Flute Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Yamaha YFL-372 Flute*Transverse Flute*Intermediate modelRing...

5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Pearl Flutes Quantz B505RE-HC Flute

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
Azumi AZ-Z3 RBE-C Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Guo Grenaditte C Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Guo Grenaditte C Flute

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

Guo Grenaditte C FluteTransverse FluteBody and head joint made of grenaditteRing keysWithout E-mechanismInline...

4.5/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Altus AS-A13 RBEO-S Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Altus AS-1407 XRBE Flute - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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