Recommended Flute Makers
The following list is only my brief and subjective recommendation to players of all levels as they search for an instrument with their ideal voice. I have compiled this in response to frequent requests for such a list made by students I have met during my travels. I am certain that I have omitted several excellent flute makers and I reiterate that I am only commenting on the models with which I am familiar and have judged favorably.
Laura Barron, Arista artist, performs a silver flute with a 14k gold head joint superbly crafted by Miguel Arista. She has also recently acquired an Altus Azumi flute which comlements the strengths of her Arista beautifully. This more affordable alternative to her handmade Arista will allow her to travel to remote corners of the globe for performances, confident that she will have ample facility and a still wide variety of colors available to her.
Beginner Instruments $500 - $1,000
Jupiter 313 S, 507 S, 511 S www.jupiterflutes.com
Yamaha YFL-221, 261, or 281 www.yamaha.com
Intermediate Flutes $1,000-$3,000
Jupiter 611 RBS, 711 RBS
Di medici 911 RBS, 1011 RBS www.jupitermusic.com
Altus Azumi model, 807 C or B, 907C or B www.altusflutes.com
Yamaha YFL-381, 461, 481, 584
Miyazawa www.miyazawa.com
Murumatsu EX, GX www.muramatsu-america.com
Advanced Flutes $3,000-$20,000 (depending on silver or gold components)
Arista www.aristaflutes.com
Brannen www.brannenflutes.com
Burkhart www.burkhart.com
Emanuel www.emaneulflutes.com
Nagahara www.nagaharaflutes.com
Powell www.powellflutes.com
Williams www.williamsflutes.com