Instrument Reviews: Beginner and step-up flutes

Cameron Bray
Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Yamaha recently released the YFL-212, an updated version of the classic beginner flute. Cameron Bray takes a look, along with its current competitors.

Elkhart 100FLE
Elkhart 100FLE

Elkhart 100FLE

This comes with a very nice case which, while looking cheap, doesn't feel like it. The handle is a good size and the shoulder strap is adjustable and comfortable to wear, if a little narrow. The cleaning rod and cloth are stored in the front pocket and make a slight protrusion but nothing too unsightly. Interestingly, there is no separate inner case as with many other models; instead it looks like the two have been screwed together, courtesy of a row of rather prominent screwheads, giving it a somewhat industrial appearance. The black inner lining reminded me somewhat of a barstool trim: no style but fit for purpose. The padding is incredibly solid and the instrument is securely held in place.

The flute has a very simple design, an odd elegance and charm to it and it plays well, producing a rich sound even at the higher end of the range. It trills nicely and I had a lot of fun trying it out as the keys have a nice tactility to them, being both responsive and easy to find.

John Packer JP011

As you can tell from the price tag, this is on the lower end of the spectrum, but don't overlook it – while you should be wary of finding a flute that seems too good to be true, John Packer is a brand that I have always found to be trustworthy. The case is probably the biggest casualty of being a cheap option, with both the handle and shoulder strap coming out of the box slightly frayed. The case is and feels very synthetic but the shoulder strap is adjustable and detachable. If you can get past this, it does have a nice durability to it with none of the stitching feeling loose or strained.

I did wonder where the cleaning rod was, it not being in the front pocket or inside the case. That was until I picked up the flute body, only for the rod to come sliding out – an ingenious space-saver.

The flute has detailing and embellishments around the joints which were not to my taste, but it does make the instrument stand out. The tone it produces was unlike any other metal flute I have played, which is not a bad thing; it just took a moment for my ear to adjust. Indeed, it plays rather beautifully and I was able to bound up and down the octaves without any problems. At this price point, it's hard to find a reason to not recommend it to beginners – it will get any student through their first few grades until they would require a step up anyway.

Nuvo NSF7

I went into this review somewhat apprehensively. I've worked with pBones in the past but thought the idea of a plastic flute was pushing things a bit too far. What you get here is a chunky, sturdy case, protecting what is, in my case, a neon green flute, but you can choose from a variety of interesting colours.

As to be expected, the sound it makes is noticeably different than that of a metal flute and I found it a little difficult to play at first as it doesn't respond quite in the same way. Once I had gotten the hang of it though, it played pleasantly enough.

I wasn't convinced by the patented FirstNote lip plate as I was only able to produce a recorder-like sound at best and a whistle at worst, but the removable keys are a great feature. You can replace any of the pads with a different colour to help with finger position and a few of the pads can also fit special extension tabs that make the instrument easier for smaller hands. Additionally, unlike traditional flutes, the Nuvo has been designed so that the D# key sits on the main body instead of the foot joint – you don't need to attach the foot at all until you're ready to start playing C4, making a smaller flute which is perfect for young novices.

My pBone experience was with students who had difficulty with fine and gross motor skills, with the lighter instrument being easier to play. I wouldn't be surprised if someone could use Nuvos to achieve similar success with students with additional needs.

Ultimately, if it gets more people to start and stick with the flute, I welcome it, and most tutors would be wise to familiarise themselves with its differences to avoid the surprise when someone inevitably turns up for a lesson with one.

Pearl 525E

Once you get past the rather cheap-feeling carry case, this is a great step-up flute. Indeed, it seems that all the corners were cut on the carry case, with its tiny shoulder strap that cannot be removed. Great if you like carrying your flute close to your body but otherwise a nuisance. The coarse material looks and feels like it is straining to fit around the hard case and cleaning materials, which are stored inside the carry case, forming an ugly protrusion. A real shame as both the hard case and the flute itself are some of the most beautiful, chic and modern in their styling, with unobtrusive logos.

The instrument plays magnificently, which should be all that matters, with no notes requiring much effort to produce a clean sound across the dynamic range. It genuinely moved me hearing the notes flow from this – it sounds that good. Dawkes, in lending me the flute, were keen to point out the benefit of purchasing from a dedicated supplier who will make sure it's properly set up. The lack of sticking keys and leakage were a testament to their care and attention, giving a much better impression of the flute. Make sure to buy this flute a case that it deserves.

Trevor James 31CF-E

As could probably be expected from the price tag, this is a step-up flute and it is simply stunning. I was agape from the moment I took it out of the box to reveal a svelte case, which cracks open with discrete buttons to reveal a rich, purple lining that really sets off the instrument. Its name can be read in minute detailing on the head joint, leaving the flute unblemished and pristine.

Luckily, it sounds as good as it looks, with a lovely intonation across the mid-range, and it rewards good posture with a beautiful sound. It took a bit of effort to produce a quiet D6, with a loud C4 being marginally easier. This instrument trills nicely and scales well. If your students can afford it, it will serve them well.

Windcraft WFL-110

In writing this, I was genuinely surprised to see the price of this instrument. It plays like a step-up flute, producing a creamy, almost indulgent sound. The WFL-110 has a striking resonance when you are playing and, from the first blow, I was wanting to see what it could do and where it would take me. I got a little lost in exploring its range and 20 minutes had passed before I paused to make notes.

Whether this is down to the instrument or Dawkes' (the supplier) setup is unclear but this is the quietest flute on this list in terms of key presses, the click-clack of depressions being noticeably absent. Admittedly, getting a C4 out of it took a bit of effort.

Both the hard case and the carry case leave a lot to be desired. While the initial outlay is very reasonable, expect to pay for a replacement hard case quite soon into its lifetime. The faux-leather that covers the case also covers the hinge with no cut, so it was left with a ugly crease as soon as I opened it. I would not have much faith in the case holding up after a few months of a decent practice schedule, though the flute should last well into Grade 4 or 5.

Yamaha FL-212

Lastly, if only alphabetically, we come to the YFL-212 itself. I myself started with an YFL-211, so the nostalgia is heavy. This new case is as sturdy as I remember, perfect for clumsy hands, with a decently sized carry handle and shoulder strap. It is slightly larger than some of the others on this list, due to it having room inside the case for the cleaning rod, which is something that I prefer.

Its dynamic range is appropriate for a student flute, handling the middle octave well enough to see anyone through their first few grades. When scaling, it struggles with producing a crisp sound above C6 but you can get a nice C4 – though it doesn't like it when you skip an octave. This is also quite a forgiving flute, as it doesn't punish poor posture, though this might not be a positive for everyone.

The flutes were kindly provided by: