Best Bamboo Flute Options

Do you want to play the flute but can’t afford a metal one? Or do you want to play music from Asia? Either way, you should learn about the best bamboo flute options.

These flutes are affordable and come from all over the world. If you’re on a tight budget or want to learn about various cultures, bamboo flutes are the perfect tools to help.

Bottom Line Up Front: the best bamboo flute to play depends on your interests, but I’d start with the shinobue. It’s similar to the western flute and piccolo, so it’s easy to play for beginners.

Best Bamboo Flute Options

When looking for the best bamboo flute options, you have a lot to consider. It doesn’t matter if you’ve played the western concert flute or not since bamboo flutes are quite different.

For one, most of the popular concert flute brands don’t make bamboo flutes and vice versa. Also, the materials and holes on western and bamboo flutes have a lot of differences.

If you’re looking to play music from other cultures, you should learn about some great bamboo flutes.

Kyoto Taiko Center Shinobue

I have to start with one bamboo flute I actually own, which is the Kyoto Taiko Center Shinobue. This is a Japanese transverse flute, meaning you play it off to the side like a concert flute.

It’s an excellent option for beginners looking to play Japanese instruments. The fingering pattern is the same as a western flute, but the notes are all off by a step, which can be confusing.

If you like the piccolo, I’d recommend buying this bamboo flute, especially since David Loeb’s Six Preludes features a prelude based on the shinobue.

Pros

• Easy to play
• Good sound
• Transverse style
• Nice for beginners

Cons

• More expensive than some
• Can sound shrill

Huan Shakuhachi

The Huan Shakuhachi is another common Japanese bamboo flute, but this one isn’t transverse. Instead, you hold it vertically, which can be hard if you’re used to the western flute.

You can choose between the key of F and the key of G, so you can get the pitches you want. This instrument only uses pure bamboo, so you can get a clear tone.

It comes in brown for a more traditional look or black for a unique appearance. Either option is easy to play, and you can use the flute for decoration when you aren’t playing it.

Pros

• Different colors
• Easy to play
• Multiple keys
• Clear tone
• Traditional

Cons

• Vertical style
• A bit expensive

Kmise Dizi Bamboo Flute

Moving over to China, there’s the Kmise Dizi Bamboo Flute. Dizi flutes are one of the most well-known Chinese instruments, and they can be fun to play.

This model is in D, and it has a red color which is perfect for playing throughout the year. It comes in two parts so that you can tune it more accurately if you want to play with others.

You’ll also get a lifetime warranty in case the bamboo expands too much and makes the flute unplayable. If you like Chinese music, you should give this dizi a try.

Pros

• Tunable
• Red color
• Warranty
• Fun to play
• Affordable

Cons

• No fingering chart
• Hard to maintain

PHYSKOW C Key Dizi

Another bamboo dizi is the PHYSKOW C Key Dizi. As the name suggests, this one is in C, so you can play a step lower than on the other model, but that also makes the flute a bit bigger.

It uses black bamboo, and the bamboo sat to dry for multiple years. You’ll get a dizi membrane, membrane glue, and other accessories so that you can make the most of the instrument.

Playing this flute can be fun, and it blends in visually due to the black color. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, but it’s a bit more expensive than the other dizi.

Pros

• Lower range
• Black
• Dry bamboo
• Comes with accessories
• Easy to blend

Cons

• Not for people with small hands
• Somewhat costly

D DOLITY Xiao Flute

The D DOLITY Xiao Flute is another Chinese bamboo flute you may want to try. You can get a good sound on this instrument, so it’s great for playing a variety of musical styles.

Its holes are relatively small, so you don’t need huge fingers to play. You’ll have to hold it vertically to play the instrument, but that means you don’t need the perfect embouchure to get a sound.

This model comes in the key of F or the key of G, so you can choose one or both. Along with the flute, you’ll get a velvet bag and a Chinese knot.

Pros

• Small holes
• Easy to play
• Different keys
• Versatile
• Comes with accessories

Cons

• Not for everyone
• Quality is okay

Tarini Gallery Bamboo Flute

If you want to play Indian music, consider the Tarini Gallery Bamboo Flute. This bansuri is a traditional Indian instrument, and it’s a pretty simple model so great for beginners.

The embouchure hole is square, which can be hard to get used to if you play the western flute. However, there are only six holes, so you don’t have to worry about keys.

You play this with the same position as a concert flute, which is nice. It’s an affordable flute, and it’s not too large, so most players should be able to use it.

Pros

• Good size
• Nice sound
• Simple
• Looks great
• Transverse style

Cons

• Square embouchure hole
• Requires different fingerings

Sarfuddin Flutes Indian Bamboo Flute

When looking for a bansuri, you should check out the Sarfuddin Flutes Indian Bamboo Flute. This model has a few yellow stripes, which make the flute more eye-catching.

Like other bansuris, this one has six holes, but the holes are of different sizes. The embouchure hole is more round than the other bansuri, so learning to play on this one could be easier for some people.

Tuning is pretty easy, so you can play this flute with others. It’s not too large, but it is a bit bigger than some other bamboo flutes out there.

Pros

• Easy to play
• Tunes well
• Decent size
• Round embouchure hole
• Looks great

Cons

• Very expensive
• Not the best for beginners

Happy Aloha Hawaii Tropical Pan Flute

The Hawaii Tropical Pan Flute from Happy Aloha is another bamboo model. Since it’s a pan flute, it doesn’t have holes, but it does have eight tubes, each of a different length.

You blow over each of the holes, and you have to move the flute to play different notes. That design can also limit the pitches you can produce.

This flute is seven inches by four inches, so it’s quite portable. It’s fun to play, however, the tuning is off, so you may want to use this more for decoration.

Pros

• Small
• Looks great
• Easy to play
• No need to cover holes
• Affordable

Cons

• Out of tune
• Not for professionals

Antara Siku Pan Flute

The Antara Siku Pan Flute is a better option if you want a playable pan flute. It has over a dozen tubes, so you can play about an octave or more in terms of notes.

This model has a natural design, so there isn’t a distracting pattern on the tubes. There is a piece of fabric with a Native American print that you can hold to hold the flute without affecting the vibrations.

If you want an affordable option or something for a kid, this is great. It’s easy to play, and you don’t have to worry about tuning before you start playing.

Pros

• Playable
• Natural look
• Easy to hold
• Wide range
• Great for kids

Cons

• Can’t tune
• Not for advanced players

NOVICA Bamboo Quena

The quena is a flute from South America, and the NOVICA Bamboo Quena is an excellent model. It’s a handmade flute, so you know it will sound great and be easy to play.

You hold it vertically, which can be awkward at first. However, it’s small enough that holding the flute is easy for most people, especially after some practice.

This model comes with a carrying bag, so you can protect your instrument. Playing it is fun, and you can learn a lot of different music on it.

Pros

• Easy to play
• Handmade
• Sounds great
• Not too large
• Affordable

Cons

• Vertical style

Savita Music Bamboo Ocarina

Most ocarinas are ceramic, but some use wood, such as bamboo. The Savita Music Bamboo Ocarina is a great option if you want a small flute to play.

There are only five holes, so you don’t have to learn as many fingerings. It’s also a more portable option than some flutes, which is great if you travel a lot.

Now, its design means that you can’t use the same fingerings you would on an ocarina with 12 holes. However, you can add this ocarina to your collection to play Native American tunes.

Pros

• Easy to play
• Fewer holes
• Small
• Good for beginners
• Portable

Cons

• Expensive for what you get
• Limited range

How to Choose a Bamboo Flute

After you look at some of the best bamboo flutes, you’ll realize there are a lot of differences. The flutes come from all over the world, and they come in varying sizes.

Unfortunately, knowing how to find the best concert flute won’t help that much. If you want to choose the best bamboo instrument for you, consider the following factors.

Start with the Culture

One of the most important factors is the culture the bamboo flute is from. You can find bamboo flutes from Asia, the Americas, and anywhere in between.

If you know you want to play Chinese music, a bamboo dizi or xiao will be the best option. However, if you prefer Native American music, you may want a quena or pan flute.

You can, of course, buy a bamboo flute from each country so that you can play more music. But start with one, and start with the culture you want to learn more about.

Transverse vs Vertical

If you already play the western concert flute, you may want to start with a transverse bamboo flute. These flutes will be easier since you’re used to holding your arms in a certain way.

However, if you haven’t played the flute or if you play the clarinet, a vertical flute could be easier. Holding your arms in front is more natural than off to the side.

Even if you know the culture, the flute position can help you choose. For example, you hold the Japanese shinobue to the side, while the shakuhachi sits in front of you.

Look at Your Hand Size

Another factor that can narrow your search for a bamboo flute is your anatomy. Unlike metal flutes, bamboo ones don’t have keys to help you close the holes.

If you have smaller hands, you’ll want to look for smaller flutes. Some options come in different keys, so you’ll want to get a higher-pitched one that’s easier for you to hold.

Then, you won’t have to strain your fingers to properly close the holes. And you can play all of the notes that the instrument can reach.

Make a Budget

Bamboo flutes aren’t as expensive as metal flutes, but they can still vary in price. Before you buy an instrument, consider how much you can afford to spend.

You can find some flutes for less than $20, while others cost over $200. Think about how much time you want to spend learning how to play the various flutes.

If you have more time, you may be able to justify spending more money on the instrument.

Shop Around

Of course, you may want to shop around and look at a few different brands. Since I covered all kinds of bamboo flutes, it was hard to compare brands that make the same type.

Once you decide, for example, you want to get a dizi, look at different dizi companies. Then, you can compare the sizes, reviews, and other factors.

Expect to do most of your shopping online since there aren’t a ton of physical stores with bamboo flutes. But you may be able to find a store near you that carries a few flutes you can try.

Research the Fingerings

Some bamboo flutes will come with a fingering chart or even an instruction book. However, most don’t include that with the cost of the instrument.

Before you decide what type of bamboo flute to buy, look up a fingering chart online. You may even be able to find a method book for the flute, such as Learn to Play the Shinobue.

Having a resource ready will help you get started once your flute arrives. Then, you won’t have to wait even longer before you get to learn how to play the instrument.

Expect to Be a Beginner

If you’re already a good flute player, that can help. You’ll already know how to read music, and you can get a good start when it comes to forming an embouchure.

However, there are a lot more differences to playing a bamboo flute. Think of yourself as a beginner, and take things slowly as you learn the basics.

Eventually, you’ll be able to play your bamboo flute as well as your metal one.

Watch Out for Scams

When you buy anything online, you have to be careful, and bamboo flutes are no exception. I’ve seen a lot of brands trying to sell their bamboo flutes in various flute Facebook groups.

These brands include a WhatsApp number, which may be okay. However, a reputable seller will have their own eCommerce website where you can buy the flute directly.

If you can’t buy on their site, they should at least have a listing on Amazon or another reputable marketplace. Don’t give your payment information through a WhatsApp message or another unencrypted method.

FAQs about the Best Bamboo Flute Options

Final Note on the Best Bamboo Flute Options

Comparing the best bamboo flute options isn’t as easy as comparing metal flutes. Bamboo instruments come from all over the world and use different designs and fingering systems.

If you want to start on a bamboo flute, I’d recommend the shinobue or the bansuri. They’re both easy to play, and they can help you learn to cover the holes to get a good sound.

I love my shinobue from Kyoto Taiko Center, but you can get any shinobue to start. Then, you can enjoy playing Japanese music.

Fore more interesting readings check out:

• How to Find the Best Contrabass Flute
• How to Find The Best Piccolo Flute and My Choices
• How to Find the Best Bass Flute