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Flutes

Yamaha YPC-32 Piccolo Incl. Case & Accessories
Low-priced entry, clean sound
£ 699.00
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NUVO jFlute 2.0 (White/Pink)
Great appearance, with low weight!
£ 122.00
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Yamaha YFL-312
Warm sound!
£ 1,099.00
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Flutes & Piccolos at MUSIC STORE

Overview

Flutes are among the most popular woodwind instruments – used in orchestras, wind bands, chamber music, jazz and contemporary projects alike. Their clear, focused tone makes them ideal for solo playing as well as ensemble work.

At MUSIC STORE you’ll find flutes for beginners, intermediate players and professionals: from durable student flutes to high-quality concert models – including piccolos, accessories and practical flute sets.

Which flute is right for me?

Whether you’re learning at school, playing in an orchestra or enjoying music as a hobby, the right flute supports comfortable playing, secure intonation and reliable response. Key factors include the footjoint, key system, materials and overall build quality.

Beginners usually benefit from closed-hole keys and a C foot (C-footjoint), while intermediate and advanced players often prefer open-hole flutes, a B foot (B-footjoint) or higher-grade materials. If you want to refine response and tone further, upgrading the headjoint can also make a noticeable difference.

C foot vs B footjoint

The C foot is standard on most student and intermediate flutes and comfortably covers the typical playing range. The B footjoint extends the range downwards and is often required in orchestral and advanced repertoire. Tip: For most educational material, a C foot is perfectly sufficient; orchestral players may benefit from a B footjoint.

Open-hole flutes (ring keys): precision & flexibility

Open-hole flutes, also known as flutes with ring keys, feature small openings that must be fully covered by the fingers. This encourages correct hand position, supports more precise technique and offers greater control over tone and intonation.

Recommended for: Intermediate and advanced players, ambitious students and orchestral musicians. Suitable models can be found in open-hole flutes.

Yamaha YFL-272 silver-plated flute with open-hole keys and CY headjoint Example: Yamaha YFL-272 – open-hole flute with ring keys.

Closed-hole keys: easy start & secure grip

Closed-hole keys (plateau keys) are fully covered and therefore especially beginner-friendly. They forgive small inaccuracies in finger placement and make the first steps in response and tone production noticeably more relaxed – particularly in everyday music lessons, this allows you to focus on breathing, embouchure and rhythm without needing perfect finger technique right away.

Recommended for: Beginners, children and students, as well as anyone looking for a reliable concert flute for lessons and practice. You’ll find a suitable selection in the category concert flutes with closed-hole keys.

Monzani MZFL-370 concert flute made from Japanese nickel silver with closed-hole keys Example: Monzani MZFL-370 – concert flute with closed-hole keys (plateau keys).

Materials & sound: nickel silver, silver-plated, solid silver

Concert flutes are often made from nickel silver, frequently with silver-plating. Higher-end models may feature (partial) components made from solid silver – which can influence response, tonal colour and projection. Workmanship matters just as much: precise key action, clean pad seating and accurate fittings increase reliability and playing comfort – especially in lessons and with regular use.

If you want to get started straight away, concert flute sets are a practical option – often including a case and basic accessories.

Concert flute sets & starter bundles

Concert flute sets are especially practical for beginners, as a suitable case is often already included – depending on the package, you may also get a cleaning rod, polishing cloth or additional basic accessories. The big advantage: you receive a ready-to-play combination of instrument and sensible essentials, ideal for music lessons, tuition and anyone who wants to start without having to piece everything together first.

Tip: For beginners, sets with closed-hole keys and a C foot are usually the most straightforward choice. You’ll find more starter bundles in the category concert flute sets.

Set with Monzani MZFL-133 concert flute with closed-hole keys, a stand with three solid feet and a Voggenreiter tutorial book Example: Monzani MZFL-133 – set with a stand and Voggenreiter flute basics tutorial book for a direct start.

Piccolo flutes

The piccolo sounds one octave higher than the concert flute and cuts through the orchestra with brilliant clarity. It is a staple in many works and suits players who want to expand their instrumentarium. Typical features include a very direct response, sparkling highs and plenty of presence – ideal for orchestral accents and upper lines.

You’ll find models in the category piccolo flutes.

Yamaha YPC-62 piccolo flute with body and headjoint made from grenadilla wood Example: Yamaha YPC-62 – piccolo flute with body and headjoint made from grenadilla wood.

Accessories & care

With the right concert flute accessories, your instrument remains reliable and playable for the long term: care kits, cleaning rods, polishing cloths, cases, stands and spare parts support protection, hygiene and value retention – especially with regular use.

Go straight to the selection: concert flute accessories.

FAQ – Concert flutes

Which concert flute is best for beginners?

For beginners, concert flutes with closed-hole keys and a C foot are usually ideal: easier to finger, stable intonation and straightforward handling.

At what age can you start learning the flute?

Often from around 6–7 years, depending on body size and arm length. For smaller children, a flute with a curved headjoint can be a sensible option.

What’s the difference between open-hole and closed-hole keys?

Closed-hole keys make starting out easier. Open-hole keys offer more control and flexibility, but require more accurate finger placement.

C foot or B foot – which should I choose?

A C foot is standard and sufficient for many applications. A B foot extends the range downwards and is often needed for advanced players and orchestral repertoire.

How important are materials on a concert flute?

Materials and build quality influence response, tonal colour and projection. Silver-plated nickel silver flutes are common; higher-end instruments may include (partial) solid silver components.

Do beginners need open-hole keys?

Usually not: for starting out, closed-hole keys are typically easier. Open-hole keys are worthwhile once you’re technically confident and want more control and flexibility.

What is a curved headjoint and when is it useful?

A curved headjoint shortens the reach and can help children or smaller players. It allows a more relaxed posture without having to give up a concert flute.

What accessories do I need to get started?

A reliable case, cleaning rod/cloth and, if needed, a care kit are the essentials. This helps keep the flute clean, protected and playable for the long term.

What do I need a piccolo for?

The piccolo sounds one octave higher and is often used in orchestras to play brilliant, highly projecting upper lines.

When is it worth upgrading the headjoint?

A different headjoint can noticeably change response and tonal colour. An upgrade is often worthwhile if you already have a solid flute and want more comfort or projection in a targeted way.

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