If you are looking to purchase a great-sounding flute, then there are some things that you need to know first. While there are a lot of high-quality flute brands out there, there are definitely some flute brands to avoid.
While it really comes down to a model-by-model basis, some flute brands to avoid are Lazarro, Eastrock, Herche, Jean Paul, Hallelu. These companies are known to make some pretty sub-par flute models, but not all flutes by these companies are bad.
The flute is one of the most popular instruments and is among the most simple to play. And while it is true that the flute is highly capable of producing beautiful tones, simply finding a high-quality flute can be a difficult and sometimes frustrating process.
List of Worst 5 Worst Flute Brands to Avoid
In this article, we will cover several different flutes that you should probably avoid. We will explain why each of these flutes is something that you don’t want to buy.
This article will rank models by these particular flute brands based on the flutes quality, performance, and durability. We will also cover ease-of-use and the flutes playability.
Below is a list of the specific model of flute to avoid and the deal-breaking reason to avoid it. Continue reading the article for more information on why these models are some of the flute brands to avoid.
Brand | Deal-Breaker | |
| 1 | Eastrock 16-Key Flute | Low Quality Keys |
| 2 | Lazarro 120-NK | Lacks Tone Consistency |
| 3 | Jean Paul USA FL-430 | Lacks Tone Consistency |
| 4 | Herche FL-297 | Gets Bent Easily |
| 5 | Hallelu HFL-200 | Cheap Quality Rods |
1. Eastrock 16-Key Flute
Believe it or not, Eastrock flutes are very well-known for having great tone resonance for their price-point. In some ways, these flutes can sound like a flute that is a lot more expensive.
The Eastrock 16-key flute is an intermediate-level instrument that features memory spring needles that provide far better accuracy and pressure while playing as compared to other designs.
While that sounds really good, there are some major problems with this flute. The cold, hard truth is that Eastrock 16-Key flutes are not by any means a durable instrument. Also, its build quality is very low and leaves a lot to be desired.
Before you know it, keys are going to start falling out. What’s even worse than that is the fact that after only a few months, you’ll notice that your tone has lost nearly all of its quality.
2. Lazarro 120-NK
The Lazzaro 120-NK flute is somewhat commonly referred to as a ‘professional silver nickel flute’ by less informed persons. In reality, however, it’s more of a student or beginner-level flute. This flute can be purchased in a variety of colors, all of which include the necessary cleaning and maintenance accessories.
The Lazzaro 120-NK, however, almost completely and totally lacks any sort of tone consistency. So, this is not a flu that you can really rely on.
Also, it has this closed-hole key mechanism that ends up producing a tone that is not nearly rich enough for any kind of real band performance. Sure, they are a good choice for people just starting out with the instrument, but this flute is something that any serious flute buyer should overlook.
3.Jean Paul USA FL-430
You may know that Jean Paul USA is popular for being one of the best flute brands, so it may come as somewhat of a shock that it’s on this list of the worst flute brands to avoid.
The FL-430 is an excellent example of how a reliable flute brand can make a really bad model. The Jean Paul FL-430 is a medium skill-level flute that is known for having a unique silver-plated finish and the warm tones that it offers.
Along with other small problems, the Jean Paul FL-430 is known to unfortunately lack tone consistency.
4.Herche FL-297
The Herche FL-297 is yet another entry level flute that comes in at a very tempting price-point. It has a lot of features at this low price including a split E mechanism that makes it easier to play than most flutes.
Also, the Herche FL-297 flute makes use of a closed hole key system that has an offset G key. That’s another thing that makes this flute really easy to play. That reason and others makes this flute one of the go-to choices for beginners.
One of the biggest problems with the Herche FL-297 is that it suffers from poor build quality. This flute is very easy to damage and is known to bend. So, that makes it a not-so-great choice for bigger hands.
5.Hallelu HFL-200
This is another student level flute that has a low asking price. While the Hallelu HFL-200 does indeed have decent tone quality, it quite often fails to satisfy anything past an intermediate player. The general rule of thumb is to avoid this flute if your skill level is anything past ‘beginner.’
The Hallelu HFL-200 ends up providing very inconsistent performance and its exterior finish is ‘sub-par’ by any standards. Also, the cleaning and tuning rods for this flute are really flimsy and feel cheap and easy to damage.
Best Flutes To Buy
Of course there are! Now that you have read about what flute brands to avoid, you may be asking yourself, ‘What is the best flute to buy?’ We kind-of expected that, so we have compiled a list for you:
1.Pearl Quantz Series FLute
Pros
This is a great sounding flute that is both reliable and highly durable. The Quantz series features open hole keys, a sterling silver riser and lip plate, and French pointed arms.
This flute also has a split E mechanism that makes it a lot easier to play. The Quantz Series also includes hole plugs, a case and a cleaning rod.
Cons
The open key design can be somewhat difficult to navigate for unfamiliar players. The hole plugs do, however, help transition the player to a higher higher-level.
2.Cecilio Student Flute
Pros
This flute has premium-grade build quality and features a closed-hole design. Both the keys and the body of this flute are nickel-plated. This flute includes a folding stand, carry case, cleaning cloth and rod, gloves, an adjustment screwdriver, and even a pocketbook.
Cons
Some people that buy the Cecilio Student Flute report a high amount of condensation buildup inside the flute. But a flute player will generally want to upgrade as they progress.
3.Yamaha Intermediate Flute For Students
Pros
The Yamaha Intermediate Flute For Students produces a phenomenal sound and provides a quick, even response. This flute features covered keys and drawn and curled tone holes.
It also has an ergonomic key design and placement. It has a nickel and silver body, headjoint, and footjoint. This stylish flute has European-style pointed key arms.
The Yamaha Intermediate Flute For Students Comes with a case, a polishing cloth, a polish gauze, and a sturdy cleaning rod.
Cons
Some owners report that this flute arrives with sticky pads. That, of course, can be easily fixed.
4.Gemeinhardt 1SP Student Flute
Pros
This flute has an absolutely beautiful tone quality the features excellent intonation and response. It’s got an offset G key design that improves player comfort and makes playing flute a bit easier. It’s got an attractive silver-plated finish and is made to last.
Cons
This flute is a little on the heavy side and is somewhat large for a student flute.
5.Jean Paul FL-220 Student Flute
Pros
This flute has a sleek silver-plated construction and is quite easy to play. The Jean Paul Intermediate Student Flute has power-forged keys to help ensure durability and response and produces an excellent tone
This flute kit includes a cleaning cloth and rod, carrying case, and even gloves.
Cons
While it’s not the smallest flute you can get, the offset G model is going to be more comfortable for younger students or students that have smaller hands.
Are Chinese Flute Brands Worth Buying?
Yes. Just because a flute brand is Chinese does not automatically make it a poor-quality product. In fact, some of the best flute brands are Chinese. Bamboo flutes are extremely popular and are a traditional Chinese musical instrument.
It’s important to note, however, that not all Chinese flute brands are made equally. So, as with any other purchase, make sure that you do your research when buying a flute. It’s important to remember that there are a lot of e-commerce websites out there that will sell low-quality flutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a lot to know when buying a flute. So, here are some common questions and answers that can help you:
Is The Flute a Woodwind Instrument?
Yes, contrary to popular perspective, the flute is actually part of the woodwind family. In fact, woodwind flutes are known to produce the cleanest and highest quality sounds.
Modern flutes, however, are a composite design composed of wood, plastic, and metal. Unlike other instruments, woodwind flutes are classified based on how they make sound and how they are played, rather than based on the material used in their production.
The woodwind flutes are classified based on how they make sound and are played, not based on the material used in their production.
Does A Flute Have A Reed?
No, flutes actually don’t have reeds. Instead of producing sound by vibrating a reed, a flute produces its sound by air being blown into its tone hole. This air causes resonant vibrations of the flute instrument itself.
How Many Holes Does A Flute Have?
Most flutes have 16 holes, but depending on the type of flute you are dealing with, some modern flutes may have anywhere from 10 to 17 holes. This is because flutes have evolved over time. Some older flutes may have had only 6 to 8 holes.
Conclusion
The flute is one of the longest running musical instruments that is still in use today. So, there are a lot of flute brands out there. The problem is that every flute brand is going to claim to be the best.
So, it helps to have an objective, outside opinion so that people who are looking for the best flute to buy will be able to know which are the worst flute brands to avoid. We hope this article helped you make your flute purchasing decision.
