Product Reviews: Aulos AF3 Baroque Flute

This was bought for a Grade 8 player who wanted to try the baroque flute without the commitment to maintenance required for a wooden instrument.

The AF3 is a very nice flute. It makes a really good sound, not at all "plasticky". We were hoping that it wouldn't sound like the plastic recorders, and it doesn't.

It's easy to play, once the difference of embouchure is sorted out. Moving from a lip plate and to a smaller hole requires a bit of practice. The third finger holes on each joint are a bit of stretch for smaller hands; traversos are not held like the modern flute, which again needs time to get used to. The key is not a problem once the right hand is positioned correctly.

The baroque tuning of the AF3 makes it semi-tone flat compared to standard tuning, which needs to be considered if transposing will be a problem. A "properly" tuned harpsichord would be ideal, or an adjustable electronic keyboard.

The only negatives are in the accessories. The vinyl pouch is only adequate protection, so it will be treated to a hard case very soon! The cleaning rod is very flimsy; the cloth is quite thick and could do with something more substantial to push it through the bore.

The flute itself it is very good, and worth five stars despite the minor negative points above. The AF3 provides a low-risk introduction to the baroque flute, with the correct tuning, great sound, low maintenance and reasonable price.