Which Flute Should I choose?

When you're looking for a flute, there are countless options. So why choose Adams? At Adams, you'll find an exceptionally wide range of flutes, from beginner models to top-tier instruments, along with experts who play the flute themselves and guide you personally in making the right choice. Adams also offers professional maintenance and repair services, ensuring your instrument gets the best care. Whether you're a beginner buying your first flute or a seasoned professional looking to upgrade, at Adams you’ll receive expert advice and the confidence that you're choosing a flute perfectly suited to your level and needs.

The European Flute Centre

or young beginners or people with shorter arms, a flute with a curved headjoint can be a useful option. The curved headjoint allows for better posture while playing. For everyone, one thing is essential: the ergonomics of the flute. If you can hold the flute comfortably, you’ll be able to play longer without pain or fatigue.

Choosing a (well-established) brand is very important, especially for beginners. Yamaha and Pearl are established names in the musical instrument industry and make excellent beginner flutes.

We advise you to try a flute before making a purchase. Even within the same price range, flutes can feel very different. Visit Adams Music Centre, where you can test various flutes. This way, you can experience firsthand which flute suits you best.

The choice between open and closed keys on a flute depends on your playing level, physical comfort, and musical goals. On a flute with open keys, two keys for the left hand and three for the right hand are open in the middle.

Here are the main considerations for open or closed keys:

• More comfort – The keys seal the tone hole completely without requiring your fingers to cover them perfectly, which is useful for young players or people with smaller hands.
• Different sound – Flutes with closed keys often have a somewhat "darker" sound.

• Better technique / hand position – Open keys require precise finger placement, which refines your technique and increases your control over the sound. Because your fingers must be placed exactly in the right spot, you develop an ergonomic playing technique and avoid picking up bad habits.
• Less resistance – With five keys open in the middle, air can flow out of the flute more easily than with closed keys. This results in less resistance while playing and a somewhat more open sound.
• More possibilities – You can use techniques such as microtones, glissandos, and quarter tones, which is useful for contemporary music and jazz.

Most beginner flutes have closed keys because the focus is mainly on holding the instrument correctly, and developing tone and technique. Today, established brands such as Pearl and Azumi also offer beginner flutes with open keys. Special silicone plugs allow you to close the open keys. Over time, these are removed one by one, helping you develop good finger placement and technique.

If in doubt, you can always try out different models. Feel free to visit Adams Music Centre to experience firsthand what suits you best!

Materials play a major role in shaping the sound your flute produces. A silver headjoint offers a richer, more refined tone and enhances the flute’s response. Looking to take it a step further? A fully silver flute provides greater depth and a warm tone, along with improved projection. Flutes made of gold or gold alloys produce a unique, warm sound, but they come at a higher price. For flutists working in baroque or chamber music, a wooden flute might be the right choice.

The choice of brand is just as important. Each brand offers slightly different ergonomics, key and trill placement, and mechanism design. This can significantly impact your playing comfort. It’s always wise to try out several brands to see what suits you best in terms of feel and playability. A flute should feel like an extension of yourself. Don’t forget to bring your current flute for comparison – this way, you can make a well-informed decision that suits your playing style perfectly.

These flute makers produce instruments of exceptional quality. Adams European Flute Centre is one of the few music stores that always has a wide selection of flutes available for advanced players.

Our flutes for advanced players

Our specialized advisors will assist you in finding the flute that suits you. We listen to your wishes, analyze your playing style, and guide you in making a choice that aligns with your needs. Top brands such as Haynes and Brannen-Cooper are known for their reliability and durability, even under the demanding conditions of a professional.