Product Reviews: Pearl PFA-201E Alto Flute

Beautiful in the mid range, not *too* demanding on the low notes, not too heavy, seems to be well-made and reliable. The 'default' sound is very mellow, although it's possible to add a little bit of buzz and focus.

I also tried a JustFlutes own brand flute (JFA-111) and it's an interesting comparison; the JFA is louder and VERY VERY easy to play, with a sound that some people called 'focused' and some called 'metallic'. The Pearl has a more soft and classical sound and is a little harder to play than the JFA.

This is pretty much one of the standard basic alto flutes; if you want to go cheaper than this, the JFA is a viable option but beyond that you're really going to be playing a scaffolding pole.

Best thing about it: It works and sounds nice and isn't expensive (for an alto flute).

Less good things: It's not as easy for the beginner to play as the JFA, and it's not as nice sounding as an expensive flute.