Guide to Pearl Flute Models

Pearl 200 - Pearl beginner flute model PF-200 Belsona - Silver-plated headjoint, body, and mechanism, pinned mechanism, closed hole, offset G, C footjoint.

• The most affordable Pearl flute, the Pearl PF-200 offers a great student flute at an affordable price. Flute teachers everywhere appreciate the closed holes and C footjoint that make this flute perfect for beginners.

Once we get into the Pearl 500, 600 and 700 series, there are many more options to consider. Here are some key terms and rules:

• The 500 series are either all silver-plated (PF-505), or come with a solid silver lip plate (PF-525.) 

• The 600 series have a solid silver headjoint with silver-plated body and keys. 

• The 700 series have solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys.

• Quantz models are machine-made in Taiwan. 

• Dolce and Elegante models are handmade in Taiwan, and come with more robust, finely sculpted keywork. These models also come with a wooden case.

• The Vigore option, available on Pearl 600 and 700 series, adds a C# trill key, C# roller, and a 3K gold lip plate to the flute.

Pearl Quantz Series 505 - Silver-plated headjoint, body, and keys

The Pearl 505 model is a popular student flute, and includes many different options which may be appealing to beginner players:

• Closed or open hole keys

• C or B footjoint

• Straight or Curved headjoint (or both!)

• Flute Center stocks Pearl 505 flutes with split-E mechanism

Our favorite configurations for Pearl 505 flutes:

• Closed Holes; Straight Headjoint; Offset G; split E mechanism; C footjoint - These options are perfect for beginner flutists. The added split-E mechanism is a great option to have on a beginner flute, and makes “high E,” a notoriously difficult note, more responsive. 

• Closed Holes; Straight and Curved Headjoints; Offset G; split E mechanism; C footjoint - For students who are smaller in stature, a curved headjoitn can be a game-changer. We love that this model comes with both the curved and the straight headjoints - that way, when you’re ready to move up to the straight headjoint, you already have exactly what you need!

• Open Holes; Straight Headjoint; Offset G; split E mechanism; B footjoint - We love this model for the advanced beginner player, or for the student who doesn’t want to have to upgrade in a few years. The open holes can be plugged until a student is ready to have open holes, and the B foot joint will come in handy as the player advances to more challenging music. 

Pearl Quantz Series Flute Model PF-525RBE - Silver-plated headjoint with sterling silver lip plate and riser, silver-plated body and mechanism, open hole keys, offset G, Split E mechanism, B footjoint.

• The Pearl 525 is the first model where we start to see elements of solid silver on the flute. Here, you get a solid silver lip plate and riser, which helps allow the player to make a darker, warmer sound. The solid silver lip plate, plus open holes and low B footjoint, make this an excellent step-up flute for advanced beginners or early intermediate players.

Pearl 665 Quantz - Solid silver headjoint with silver-plated body and keys. Machine-made in Taiwan.

Pearl 665 Vigore - Solid silver headjoint with silver-plated body and keys. Machine-made in Taiwan. “Vigore” adds 3K Lipplate, C# Trill Key, D# Roller. 

Pearl 695 Dolce - Solid silver headjoint with silver-plated body and keys. Wooden French case with case cover. Handmade in Taiwan.

Pearl 695 Dolce Vigore - Solid silver headjoint with silver-plated body and keys. Wooden French case with case cover. Handmade in Taiwan. “Vigore” adds 3K Lipplate, C# Trill Key, D# Roller

Pearl 765 Quantz - Solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys. Machine-made in Taiwan.

Pearl 765 Quantz Vigore - Solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys. Machine-made in Taiwan.“Vigore” adds 3K Lipplate, C# Trill Key, D# Roller

Pearl 795 Elegante - Solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys. Wooden French case with case cover. Handmade in Taiwan.

Pearl 795 Elegante Vigore - Solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys. Wooden French case with case cover. Handmade in Taiwan. “Vigore” adds 3K Lipplate, C# Trill Key, D# Roller

Pearl Elegante Primo Model

The Primo model offers the most handmade instrument of the line, with a headjoint handmade in Japan and a body handmade in Taiwan. The Primo also offers more advanced headjoint options, including the "Calore Cut" and the "Forte Cut."

Solid silver headjoint and body with silver-plated keys. Wooden case with cover. Japan Hand-Finished Taiwan Components with Japan Handmade Headjoint (Calore and Forte)

Pearl Cantabile Model

The Cantabile is a fully customizable Pearl flute, and includes all silver headjoint, body, and keys. With options to select Sterling silver or Britannia silver, tubing thickness, and even optional gold-plating or engraving, this model is perfect for the player looking to create their perfect instrument. 

Pearl Maesta Model

The Maesta Model takes things one step further than the Cantabile model, and is available in three different silver alloys or gold (10K, 14K, or 18K). This flute can also be made with soldered tone holes, making it the top-of-the-line option from Pearl.