Although the flute has been around for thousands of years, the instrument, as we know it today was developed in 1848. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world and is played in school bands, orchestras, jazz ensembles and also as a solo instrument. The flute family consists of the Piccolo, E-flat, Concert, Alto and Bass flutes. The most common beginner instrument is. For the purpose of our Buyers Guide we will focus on the Concert flute.

There are three categories of flute:
Student
These flutes are designed for the beginner and are meant to provide an excellent start for the first years of playing. Most student flutes are made from Nickel-silver (Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel). Student flutes are plated with a layer of either nickel or silver to help prevent corrosion. Silver is preferred, as it lasts longer and produces a smoother, less metallic tone without adding much to the overall cost.
Intermediate
Once a student is established and is learning the fundamentals of good playing, it is important to provide them with an instrument that will allow them to continue with their musical growth. On an intermediate flute, silver replaces the other metals on more parts of the flute. The more silver involved in the construction of the instrument, the better the tone (With the price increasing proportionately). Most Teachers encourage the student looking to step-up to purchase a flute with a solid silver head, French open keys and a B foot.
Pro
Designed and constructed with the professional musician in mind, pro flutes are high-end instruments made with the finest materials and craftsmanship. They usually have an all-silver body and an all silver mechanism as well. These are often feature a solid silver body or may be made of other precious metals such as gold or platinum. A professional flute is worth the investment for a long-term player of any age.