Open Hole vs Closed Hole Flutes: Which Is Better? | London Flutes

Open Hole or Closed Hole Flutes? Which Is Right for You?

 

When buying or upgrading a flute, one of the choices you may come across is open holes or closed holes. But what is the actual difference, and does an open-hole flute really make you a better player?

The short answer is no. Both open-hole and closed-hole flutes can be excellent instruments, and the right choice depends on the player, their technique and personal preference.

At London Flutes, we regularly stock both open-hole and closed-hole used flutes, from student and intermediate instruments through to handmade professional models. In this guide, we explain the differences and help you decide which is right for you.

 

What Is a Closed-Hole Flute?

 

 

A closed-hole flute, sometimes called a plateau-key flute, has solid key cups. When you press a key, the pad underneath closes the tone hole without your finger having to cover an opening in the key itself.

Most beginner flutes use closed holes because they are straightforward and comfortable to play. Closed holes are not restricted to beginner instruments, however. There are also high-quality intermediate and professional closed-hole flutes.

 

What Is an Open-Hole Flute?

 

 

An open-hole flute, also known as a French-model flute, has openings in the centre of five of its keys. The player has to position the fingers accurately enough to completely cover these holes while playing.

Open-hole keywork is extremely common on intermediate, advanced and professional flutes.

 

Are Open-Hole Flutes Better?

 

This is probably the biggest misconception surrounding open-hole flutes.

An open-hole flute is not automatically a better flute.

Many higher-level flutes happen to have open holes, which has helped create the impression that open holes themselves make an instrument superior. In reality, the headjoint, materials, mechanism, scale, pad condition, regulation and overall build quality have a much greater influence on the performance of a flute.

When buying a flute, how the instrument plays should always be more important than whether you can see holes in the keys.

 

What Are the Advantages of Open Holes?

 

1. They Encourage Accurate Finger Position

Because each hole must be properly covered, an open-hole flute encourages the fingers to sit centrally on the keys. If a finger is badly positioned and doesn’t completely cover a hole, air escapes and the note may not speak properly.

2. They Allow Some Extended Techniques

Open holes allow advanced players to use techniques including quarter tones, pitch bending, glissando-type effects, alternative fingerings and some contemporary flute techniques. For most players working through standard classical repertoire, however, these techniques are rarely essential.

3. They Are Common on Professional Flutes

Many modern professional flutes are produced with open holes as standard. As a result, students upgrading their flute will often naturally make the transition to open holes.

Do Open Holes Improve the Sound?

 

You will sometimes hear that open-hole flutes produce a more open, resonant or projecting sound. However, you shouldn’t choose a flute on this basis alone.

The headjoint, materials, construction, scale and—most importantly—the individual player have a much greater influence on the sound. If you compare an inexpensive closed-hole student flute with an expensive handmade open-hole flute, the professional flute will almost certainly sound and respond differently, but that doesn’t mean the open holes are responsible for the difference.

 

Can You Plug the Holes in an Open-Hole Flute?

Yes. Small removable plugs can be inserted into the holes, effectively turning the keys into closed keys. This means you don’t have to make the transition all at once.

A player might initially plug all five holes and then gradually remove them one at a time as their hand position becomes more comfortable. Some advanced players even leave one or more plugs in permanently. There is no rule saying that all the plugs have to come out.

 

TYPES OF HOLE PLUGS:

 

• Silicone hole plugs – Sit flush within the open hole and so are not felt when playing. Please note that these ‘can’ sometimes push out the grommet holding the pad in place when pushed out in to the body. Be careful when taking out.

• Yamaha hole plugs – These have a cap that sits on top of the key and allows the player to take them out by using a fingernail

• Silver/Gold plugs with cork – As with silicone, these sit flush and make the flute look closed hole with the metal top. These should also be taken out upwards and carefully.

 

 

 

When Should a Student Move to Open Holes?

 

There is no particular grade at which a student must change to an open-hole flute. Some teachers introduce them when a pupil buys their first intermediate flute. Others are perfectly happy for a student to continue with closed holes.

If a student is progressing well on a good-quality closed-hole instrument, there is no need to upgrade simply because somebody has told them that “serious players use open holes”. The more important question is whether the current flute is limiting the player’s tone, response, dynamic range or musical development.

 

Are Closed Holes Better for Small Hands?

 

They can be. Players with smaller hands, limited finger mobility or hand problems may find closed holes considerably more comfortable. This is particularly important because forcing the fingers into an unnatural position simply to cover open holes can create unnecessary tension.

The best flute isn’t the one with the longest specification list. It is the one that allows you to play freely and comfortably.

 

Can You Play Professionally on a Closed-Hole Flute?

 

Absolutely. Open holes are common on professional instruments, but they are not a requirement for professional flute playing.

Some excellent handmade and professional flutes have been produced with closed holes, and a player should never reject an otherwise superb instrument simply because it has plateau keys. This is particularly relevant when buying a second-hand flute, where you may find an outstanding older professional instrument with a specification that differs from today’s fashionable configuration.

 

Open Hole vs Closed Hole Flute – Quick Comparison

 

Closed-hole flute: ideal for beginners, players who prefer maximum comfort, players with smaller hands or limited finger mobility, and anyone who simply prefers closed keys.

Open-hole flute: commonly found on intermediate and professional instruments, encourages accurate finger placement and allows access to some extended techniques.

Remember: open holes can be plugged, so choosing an open-hole flute doesn’t mean you have to play it fully open from day one.

 

What Should You Look for When Buying a Flute?

 

Open or closed holes should only be one part of your decision. Consider headjoint response, tone quality, materials, mechanical condition, offset or inline G, split E mechanism, C foot or B foot, overall comfort, service history, pad condition and—above all—how the flute actually feels and sounds when you play it.

At London Flutes we specialise in carefully selected used, second-hand and pre-owned flutes and piccolos, from beginner instruments through to handmade professional flutes. Here is a guide on buying a Second-Hand Flute

 

So, Should I Buy an Open-Hole or Closed-Hole Flute?

 

For a complete beginner, a closed-hole flute is normally the simplest choice.

For an improving student buying an intermediate flute, either can work extremely well. An open-hole flute with plugs provides the option of gradually moving towards fully open keys.

For an advanced or professional player, the decision should be based primarily on the individual instrument, its headjoint, response, mechanism and how it feels to play—not simply whether the keys are open or closed.

Ultimately, don’t buy a flute because somebody tells you that open holes are “better”. Buy the flute that plays best for you.

 

Visit London Flutes to browse our current selection of used flutes or contact us for advice on choosing your next instrument.