1. 1.The principal difference in flutes is material.
   

2. 2.Student flutes are usually silver-plated yellow brass, or nickel. Nickel is more durable, but is “slippery.” Silver-plated flutes are most popular. Cost: $400-$3000.
   

3. 3.Professional flutes are usually solid silver, gold, platinum, or wood. Cost: $3000-up
   

4. 4.Plateau model (closed hole)
   

1. a.good for students with small hands
   

2. b.stable and easy to repair pads
   

5. 5.French model (open hole)
   

1. a.demand proper hand position
   

2. b.good for extended techniques
   

3. c.more open and brilliant sound
   

6. 6.C-Foot goes down to low C (standard). B-Foot goes down to low B ($400-$600 extra)
   

7. 7.For more information on purchasing a flute and working with piccolo, see these articles.
   

Top Beginner Flute Brands (in no particular order)

Yamaha

Trevor James-great upper range

Amadeus (Haynes)-great upper range

Azumi

Armstrong-decent

Jupiter-decent

Top Professional Flute Brands (in no particular order)

Brannan

Haynes

Powell

Muramatsu

Miyazawa

Di Zhao