Reviewing the Best Budget Flutes

If you’re not into the prospect of a pricey instrument, a flute might just be the one instrument you never have to get too in-depth about. Of course, if you are just getting into music, you might not need to spend too much money. However, to really hone in on the right instrument for you, it‘s worth spending a little bit more money to ensure you get the best quality and performance possible from your flute. Choosing a mouthpiece is by far the most important aspect of any flutter. The mouthpieces are what allow you to play the notes and instruments at a high enough level to make you sound your best. So, before you go out and invest in new flute, we recommend you first ask yourself these questions.

What are some tips for buying and playing a flute?

Practice

The first time you play a flute, it’s important to practice at home to get used to the instrument and get a feel for how it sounds. Be careful not to play too rough lest you damage the flute.

Play the passage at a faster tempo

It's good to run the tempo of your practice sessions as low as you can, but try to avoid playing louder than you feel comfortable doing. Don‘t underestimate how important it is to have good posture. You don't want to be bending at the waist when you touch the valve. Learn the key of the flute, and practice key signatures, like D major, F major or B flat major. Pay attention to how the mouthpiece fits. Your flute will likely have an unusual shape, so pay attention when putting it in place.

What should I consider when buying a flute?

Budget flute sets

These are the most common type of flutelike instrument. These usually have one to four fluting holes, but they don’t have a bridge. The basic body style of these models is more like a recorder than a flautist's instrument, so the cost can be higher than other models. They have more elaborate components, such as beaded holes and metal guards, and sometimes feature decorative or striking finishes. While these sets can serve as a fine middle-of-the-road flute for beginners and those seeking a more engaging instrument for advanced players, they usually aren‹t ideal if you‘re seeking to play in a band.

Mid-range fluted instruments

In this price range, you can find some excellent quality flutations that are ideal for beginning students or experienced players. Instruments in this range have four to eight fluttering holes. Many have the traditional shape with a head that's attached by a hinge.  Some have embellishments like beading and decorative keys. Some instruments at this level are designed for solo performances. Expensive flutes: The most expensive flute instruments are usually those made for larger groups or for performing in concert. You'll also find high-end flute models made of metal and/or wood.

How expensive are flutes?

Although most beginner flute sets will cost $50 to $100, there are many quality, durable options available that will meet the needs of even the most avid player. As your knowledge of the instrument increases, you may wish to upgrade to a higher-end model.

Inexpensive

For less than $60, expect to find a set of brass or wood flutings. These fluting sets usually come with a case and may come in a few different sizes. If you are new to the art of flauting, a small fluted instrument may be all you need. You may find that you can keep playing your fluter at home or in the studio.

Mid-range

Between $70 and $150, the options expand considerably. The quality of construction materials improves, which can significantly increase the longevity of your instrument. Some beginner sets in this range may have a hard wood body and a lightweight wood soundboard, while the more advanced flutations will likely have an ebony body with spruce top and lower strings. A fluta has the potential to last for many years, so investing in one in your teens or twenties is a good idea.

Expensive

As you move into the $200 to approximately $500 range, more detailed materials and higher quality craftsmanship become more common. Many sets designed for advanced players are in that range.

What features should I look for in flutes?

Sound quality

Obviously, the quality of the sound from a flute will be inferior to that from an open bell. However, if you need to listen to music or listen carefully at a function, then it's worth investing in something that's higher quality than you might expect.

BPM

Depending on your preference, it might be worth picking a more gentle flute. If you're a faster player, a softer flute might suit you better. You might find that you can either get a brighter sound or a darker sound. The BPM feature determines how fast the fluting action is. This is very important as it will determine how loud or soft the note is and the overall tone. In a nutshell, lower BPs produce brighter sounds whereas, high BPs produce darker sounds. Think about how you like to play and go for something in the middle.

Tuning

Of course, one of your main criteria when buying a new fluted instrument is how easy it is to tune. Many beginner fluters are extremely easy to adjust, with the exception of some beginner models that require some kind of tuning tool or app. So make sure you invest in a model that comes with a tuner so you don't have to spend money to learn how to sound great.

Price

A flute isn't something you’re going to make a big investment on, but it can still be one that helps you to achieve that perfect tone and is worth considering if it‘s within your price range. As such, we recommend starting your search with something within this price bracket. What Features Should You Look For In Budget Flutes? Size – It's important to think about the size of a mouthpiece you want. It should be comfortable and comfortable to hold and large enough so that it won't block your breath. When it comes to the rest of what you intend to flaunt with your flute, make your choice based on how large and versatile you are.

Shape

The shape of flute will depend on the style of playing you play. A wide mouth may mean you have more room to operate the mouthpieces so as not to interrupt your flow. Conversely, narrow mouth flutations may make it difficult to maintain a steady tone, and you may find it harder to get the flow going.

Ease of use

If a beginner is going for a simple flute for learning, chances are that the model they are going with will come as a bundle. They won't need too much to go around, so there's no need for too many bells and whistles. Additionally, many flutes come with several mouth pieces to cover a wide range of needs. Check to see what the bundle includes and select something suitable.

Materials

Wooden models are great for beginners, especially for those with memory issues. These tend to be cheaper than other models, which makes them a good option for first-time buyers. Steel mouth piece options are also available if that's the direction you choose to take. Depending upon the material, these models can sound either sturdily built or more lightweight.