Best Pan Flute Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide
Whether you’re new to pan flute playing or you’re already a seasoned musician, using the best pan flute money can get you will surely take your performance one step further. If you’re on the lookout for such a product, you might find this paragraph to be of help. The market now offers many such instruments, and we’ve examined the features of the most popular products. The unit that we would place at the top of our priority list is the Peru Treasure 15 Pipes Bamboo. The product is an ideal choice for beginners but even more advanced players appreciate its sonic capacities and durability. Since mastering this instrument might involve lots of practice hours, the item is made from bamboo, which means you will get to use it for a long time. What’s more, the pan flute is coupled with a colorful carrying case. Should you be unable to find this model, another option worth considering is the Alii of Hawaii Handmade Pan Flute.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
If you haven’t played the pan flute before or you have little experience and you need a model to help you get started, this unit might be cut out for you. It comes with 15 pipes to ensure versatility and a wider spectrum of sounds, a solid bamboo build that will last as well as a slightly-curved body. Moreover, it is paired with a protective case for safe and comfortable transportation.
The unit is smaller than other models in this line, so check out its dimensions before buying.
Built with quality bamboo, this product promises to create beautiful sounds for a long time. It is ideal for beginners but can make a nice addition to an advanced player’s collection as well.
2nd Best
Designed with children in mind, this pan flute has gained its popularity thanks to the durable build and enhanced playability ensured. It can also be employed by adult players with small hands. The instrument is handmade, which enhances its value and durability and features 8 pipes. The beautiful design makes it a great souvenir as well.
This model is suitable for children as it is more of a toy than a professional instrument.
Boasting a captivating design and a solid bamboo body, this lightweight and small unit is a model children will feel comfortable using. The handmade item makes a great souvenir as well.
Also To Consider
Committed to ensuring durability and high sound quality, this product should not be ignored before you make your final decision. The unit features a solid yet stylish bamboo build that promises to stand the test of time as well as 15 pipes that promise to deliver versatility. Given its features, the instrument is ideal for both beginners and advanced players.
The pan flute is designed for left-handed players but it also comes in a left-hand version.
You might want to give this product a try if you intend to advance your skills. The instrument was built to perform and last and, thus, comes with a quality bamboo body and 15 pipes for versatility.
9 Best Pan Flutes (Updated Reviews) in 2021
In case you’ve decided to play the pan flute, yet you don’t what model to go for, this list of pan flutes reviews might be of interest. Check it out to learn more about the features offered by some of the most popular models in this line and thus make a more informed decision.
- 1. Peru Treasure 15 Pipes Bamboo
- 2. Alii of Hawaii Handmade Pan Flute
- 3. MoonAngel Chinese Pan Flute
- 4. MoonAngel Brown Pan Flute With Bag
- 5. MoonAngel Right Hand 25 Pipes
- 6. Woodstock Chimes WOODKPANL
- 7. Jive Tribal Design Bamboo Pan Flute
- 8. MoonAngel G Key Chinese Musical Instrument
- 9. Sutila 22 Pipes C Key Pan Flute
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Peru Treasure 15 Pipes Bamboo
Great for beginners, this pan flute instrument features a solid build that will make it possible for you to engage in many practice sessions as well as materials that will express your musical mind beautifully. The unit is made from bamboo, which ensures durability and contributes to the high sound quality ensured.
Moreover, the product is handmade, which adds to its quality. To make it easier for beginners to play, the pan flute is slightly curved. It boasts 15 pipes for enhanced versatility and it comes with a colorful carrying case, so you can protect the item while not in use as well as when traveling.
The instrument won’t just help you recreate the famous and relaxing Inca sounds but will also add a nice visual touch to your performance, given its design and the natural bamboo used for its construction.
Pros
If you’re new to this musical instrument and you need a model that will help you learn to play it easily and engage in countless practice sessions, this unit should not be ignored.
To make sure durability is not a problem and you can use it for a long time, the pan flute is made from natural bamboo; what’s more, the fact that it is handmade also enhances its durability.
Featuring 15 pipes, the product is bound to deliver versatility, which makes it a great choice even for more advanced musicians.
The quality material used to make this instrument and the way it was designed are bound to produce beautiful sounds and help you play old Inca tunes.
The pack includes a colorful carrying case for safe and comfortable transportation and storage.
Cons
Make sure you check the product’s dimensions carefully before buying it as it might be a bit small.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($49.99)
2. Alii of Hawaii Handmade Pan Flute
In case you take pan flute lightly and you don’t intend to get serious about it, this is a model you might want to add to your list of options. Given its dimensions, it makes a great choice for young players or adult musicians with small hands.
The unit measures only 5.9 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches and weighs 0.32 ounces. However, its small body renders it ideal for on-the-road practice as it can be easily added to your travel gear. You could also purchase it as a souvenir or gift.
This is a straight pan flute with 8 pipes, another reason why it might be a better choice for children. The bamboo used for its construction promises to keep up even with a child’s playful way of using it. Moreover, it is a handmade unit, which adds to its durability.
Pros
Boasting excellent craftsmanship and quality bamboo, this unit is worth adding to your list of options if you don’t intend to become a professional or you want an easy-to-use instrument for your kid.
The unit is small as it measures only 5.9 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches, so it is an ideal option for young musicians or adult players with small hands; its dimensions also make it comfortable and easy to add the pan flute to your travel gear.
The product is handmade, which means that durability won’t be a problem even if your kid engages in more lively playing.
The item can also be purchased as a souvenir, given its beautiful design and the bamboo used for its construction.
Cons
The instrument is not designed for professional use, but more as a toy, souvenir, or a pan flute that you use just now and then to unwind.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($29)
3. MoonAngel Chinese Pan Flute
Whether you’re an adult or young player, this traditional Chinese pan flute is a model you might want to take into account as it comes with features that ensure playability as well as remarkable sound quality. Although this particular model is for left-hand use, the unit is also available for right-handed players.
What makes this item stand out is the quality of its construction. Considering the bamboo used and the attention paid by the manufacturer during the building process, this product promises to withstand the test of time.
The unit is slightly curved, a feature that enhances the playability ensured by this instrument and renders it ideal for musicians of all ages. The product comes with 15 pipes, so you will also get to enjoy versatility. What’s more, the attractive finish is bound to complement your performance from a visual point of view.
Pros
Boasting a quality build and a beautiful finish, this model should not be left unchecked before you make your final decision.
The bamboo used and the carefully-built body promise to stand the test of time and help you create beautiful sounds; therefore, rest assured that this unit won’t break anytime soon.
The slightly-curved unit makes it easy for musicians of different levels to play this instrument and versatility is ensured by the 15 pipes featured.
The beautiful finish will make a nice addition to your performance from an aesthetical point of view.
Considering the material used and its features, the product can be employed even by more advanced players.
Cons
The unit measures 10.4 x 10.2 x 2.6 inches, which might make it a bit too big for very young players.
The product is designed for left-handed players; however, you can also find a right-hand model.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($48)
4. MoonAngel Brown Pan Flute With Bag
This model from MoonAngel is not only easy to play but also ideal for professional musicians or aspiring artists who want to master this instrument. Thanks to its design and 22 pipes, versatility, playability, and high sound quality are the benefits you will get to enjoy when employing this unit.
The high-quality bamboo used is committed to standing the test of time and delivering excellent tone whereas the exquisite brown color and beautiful finish pair its remarkable sonic performance with nice visuals. The unit is a bit curved, a feature that many players appreciate for making it easier to handle this unit while performing.
The pan flute is available in models with 22 or 25 pipes as well as for left or right-hand use. This particular model is paired with a black leather bag for easy transportation and storage and is made for right-hand use.
Pros
Built with durability and high sonic performance in mind, this pan flute is great for beginners and advanced musicians alike.
It features 22 pipes to ensure versatility and is available even in units that boast 25 pipes; also, it comes in designs for both left- and right-hand use.
The quality bamboo employed to build this unit ensures an impressive sound and a beautiful tone; moreover, it makes it a safe option for frequent practice sessions and gigs.
The color choice and finish featured will make your performance appeal from an aesthetic point of view as well.
The pack includes a black leather bag that will help you carry the unit easily from one place to another and do so safely.
Cons
Beginners and musicians with little experience might still find it a bit difficult to play and tune this pan flute model, at least at first.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($145)
5. MoonAngel Right Hand 25 Pipes
If you’re serious about playing the pan flute and you’re on the lookout for a right-handed model that will help you reach your goals, this unit is worth taking into account. It comes with all the features needed to keep up with extended use and produce beautiful sounds.
The quality bamboo used is not only a guarantee that the instrument won’t break anytime soon but also that the sounds ensured will translate your creativity pleasantly. It promises to create a nice tone and high sound quality. The unit features a slight curve, which makes it a good choice for both beginners and advanced players.
The pan flute has 25 pipes and is designed with right-handed players in mind, yet it is also available in models for left-handed musicians and with fewer pipes. The nice finish and color option make a nice visual addition to your performance.
Pros
Boasting a quality build and ensuring playability, this pan flute is an option both beginners and more advanced musicians will appreciate.
Thanks to the bamboo employed to make this instrument, the item is bound to provide you with beautiful sounds for a long time.
The item is ideal if you want to advance your skills or play more complex songs as it has 25 pipes, which ensures versatility.
The slightly curved body makes it easier for beginners to play whereas the stylish finish and choice of color translate into a nice visual touch.
The product is available even with fewer pipes and in models for both right and left-handed players.
Cons
This pan flute model is designed for right-handed musicians and does not come with a case or box; however, you can find the same instrument in models to suit a left-handed player’s needs as well.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($190)
6. Woodstock Chimes WOODKPANL
Featuring 8 pipes and a stylish blue body, this unit makes a great option for kids and beginners. Even if it has a small number of pipes, it can still provide musicians with enough versatility to explore their creativity.
Given its design, the instrument can be a starting point for those with little to zero experience in this field. You can thus consider it for your child since it promises to ensure playability. It measures only 5.5 x 5.5 x 6.8 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces. Considering the product dimensions, the item can be easily added to one’s travel gear for on-the-road practice.
Moreover, the beautiful color appeals even to little ones and can thus motivate your child to explore the sonic capacities of this instrument. The unit features a sturdy build to keep up with more lively playing.
Pros
If you have a child interested in playing this musical instrument or you’re looking for an item you can also play for your entertainment, this model should not be ignored.
The product is ideal for young players and even adult musicians with little experience as it features an easy-to-play body and dimensions that further enhance playability.
The item has 8 pipes, which will sparkle your little one’s curiosity and help your child explore the sonic properties of this instrument without requiring complicated steps.
The plastic build promises to withstand countless practice sessions and the lively playing style of young musicians.
The stylish blue design will complement your little one’s gigs and even motivate children to try the instrument more often.
Cons
Considering the build, dimensions, and number of pipes, this product might be more suitable for children than adult players interested in playing professionally.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
7. Jive Tribal Design Bamboo Pan Flute
Whether you’ve played this instrument before or you’re completely new to it, this model from Jive might be a good addition to your collection and a nice unit to get you started. The product is handmade, which ensures enhanced durability as well as melodious sounds, and comes with a solid body that will help you explore new sonic realms with ease.
To make it comfortable and easier for musicians of all levels to play it, the instrument is slightly curved. Moreover, it measures 11 x 9 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces, so you can easily handle it or add it to your gear.
What’s more, the product features a tribal design that will complement your performance from an aesthetic point of view. The bamboo used to build this pan flute promises to deliver durability and add to the quality of the sounds created.
Pros
You might want to consider this unit if you intend to advance your skills and you’re looking for a product that will keep up with such goals.
This bamboo pan flute is committed to withstanding the test of time and producing beautiful sounds.
To make sure that you will get to explore its sonic capacities easily and comfortably, the item is slightly curved, weighs 6.4 ounces, and measures 11 x 9 inches; you can also add it to your travel gear.
The unit is handmade, so you can rest assured that it will serve your needs for a long time and won’t break anytime soon.
The quality build is paired with a beautiful tribal design that will surely add a nice visual touch to your gigs.
Cons
Not all units come painted; therefore, you may receive a painted or plain instrument depending on the manufacturer’s inventory.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($24.99)
8. MoonAngel G Key Chinese Musical Instrument
This model is worth adding to your list of options if you’re a left-handed player interested in a durable instrument that will help you express your creativity and personality beautifully. The unit features 15 pipes, so you can play even more complex songs and a slightly curved body, a characteristic that has often been appreciated for enhancing playability.
To produce beautiful sounds and ensure durability, the item features quality bamboo, a common choice among pan flute manufacturers. Given the number of pipes featured, the item is a bit heavier than other models in this line as it weighs 1.35 pounds and measures 12 x 10 x 2.1 inches.
Still, it can easily be added to your travel gear if you intend to practice on the road or you have different gig locations. What’s more, the pack includes a protective case to ensure safe and comfortable transportation.
Pros
With a solid and stylish build, this Chinese musical instrument is bound to help you discover its musical capacities and do extensively.
Just like many models in this line, this one is made from bamboo, a choice of material that ensures not only durability but high sound quality; it also features a beautiful natural color and stylish finish.
This model comes with 15 pipes, which renders it ideal even for more experienced players who are interested in advancing their skills and getting more creative.
To make sure you reach your practice or gig location safely, the instrument is paired with a quality protective case; this accessory also makes it easier for you to carry the unit from one place to another.
Cons
This version is designed for left-handed players, yet the product is also available in models that can be used by right-handed musicians.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($42)
9. Sutila 22 Pipes C Key Pan Flute
This product is designed to meet the needs of both beginners and advanced players and do so for a long time. It comes with a sturdy build that will make sure frequent practice sessions and gigs won’t break it anytime soon. The instrument also boasts a slightly curved body that some musicians might appreciate for making it easier to play the pan flute.
Thanks to the 22 pipes, you can employ the unit for more complex songs and explore your creativity even more. Even if this particular model is built for right-handed players, the item is also available in versions addressed to left-handed musicians.
Although this item does not come with a box, you can choose a pack that includes one for a more affordable pan flute bundle. The bamboo construction promises to stand the test of time whereas the simple yet stylish design will appeal from a visual point of view as well.
Pros
Taking your pan flute skills one level higher is easier with this product as it was built to ensure playability and produce beautiful sounds.
Due to the 22 pipes featured, you can use this instrument to play even more complex songs and explore your creativity.
The slightly-curved body features quality bamboo, so you can rest assured that using this unit for a long time won’t be a problem and that the sounds produced will enchant everybody listening to them.
The product is available in both right and left-hand models as well as packs that include a box to protect during transportation.
Cons
This model is designed for right-handed users, but you can also find units to meet the needs of left-handed musicians.
Considering the quality construction and features of this musical instrument, it might be pricier than other models in this category.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($180)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Pan flutes have gained great popularity in the last years and one of the reasons why that has happened is because they are relatively easy-to-play instruments. The market offers models designed for beginners and advanced players alike. However, finding the best pan flutes for your needs might not be an easy task since there are various models available for sale.
Reading a pan flute review is always recommended but may not be enough to help you make an informed decision. To simplify your shopping process, we have highlighted below some of the most important features when looking for quality pan flutes.
Types of pan flutes
Before filtering the many pan flutes available for sale, you might want to check the various types of this musical instrument and see what each one of them features and how can those specs help you achieve your goals. The simplest and most straightforward pan flutes are the Antara and Siku types.
The first one comes with 13 pipes and is slightly curved. While the second type features the same number of pipes, it stands out through the fact that it can be played by two people at the same time.
Of course, you will find pan flute types that feature up to 25 pipes. Such units produce a wider spectrum of sounds and are usually the ones professionals use. Thankfully, there are many models out there including Peruvian pan flutes, Peru pan flutes, and even Chinese models. Consider your skill level and how far you want to go with this instrument before buying.
Materials used and durability
Even if you’re interested in playing this instrument as a spare-time fun, you might still want to get a model that will last. The materials used for the construction of the instrument and the way it was built have a lot to say as far as durability is concerned. Most pan flutes are made from bamboo.
Even cheap pan flutes feature such materials, yet the difference between such units and pricier models resides in the way they were built and how well the bamboo parts used were put together.
In case you want to become a professional, it is recommended to go for a more expensive unit that will withstand your practice sessions and gigs.
Dimensions and number of pipes
Pan flutes are generally small instruments, yet there are a few features to pay attention to as far as their dimensions are concerned before buying. For example, the bore diameter affects the sounds produced.
If it is too wide, the tone might not be well defined whereas if it is too narrow, the tone might lose its strength. It is, therefore, best to go for a model that is somewhere in the middle. Consider the wall thickness as well since this feature affects both the sound produced and the instrument’s response.
Too thin walls will reduce tonal stability while too thick walls will affect dynamics. Don’t overlook the pipe length as it affects the harmonic balance of the pan flute if it is even slightly miscalculated. It is always best to try out a product before you buy it, besides reading a few pan flute reviews.
Also, the number of pipes plays a crucial role as far as the versatility delivered is concerned. If you’re a beginner interested in playing just now and then, a flute with 8 pipes might be ideal. However, if you’re more advanced, you can go even for a model with 22 or 25 pipes for enhanced versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is a pan flute made of?
Pan flutes come in various types and are made with different materials. However, most pan flutes available these days are made of bamboo. Even some cheap pan flute models feature this material thanks to its durability and sonic properties. The market offers pan flutes featuring pipes made from local reeds or giant cane as well.
You can even find pan flutes made from plastic, wood, and metal. The plastic ones are usually intended for beginners or young players but are not limited to this category of users. Besides the materials used for the construction of pan flutes, the way the pipes are put together and the entire unit is built also holds great importance as far as durability and performance are concerned.
If you intend to advance your skills, it is better to go for a premium and thus more durable unit. Bamboo models are preferred by musicians worldwide.
Q: What are the different types of pan flutes?
The market offers various types of pan flutes, each of them featuring unique characteristics that set them apart from the other ones. The most commonly used pan flutes though are the Siku, Antara, Nai, and Paixiao.
Siku, for example, is mainly used by the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains and has 13 pipes that are made of bamboo. This pan flute type is similar to the Antara type, yet what makes it different from other pan flutes is that it can be played by two people at the same time.
One of the oldest pan flute models is the Paixiao, a Chinese version of this instrument that comes with 16 curved pipes. The Romanian Nai is also popular among pan flute players and stands out through its swiveling design and the great number of pipes. Some of them can have even up to 22 pipes, a feature that ensures a remarkable spectrum of sounds.
Q: How do I play the pan flute?
Pan flutes are considered to be relatively easy to play, hence their popularity. However, learning a few basic playing techniques is required if you don’t want to produce odd sounds. Make sure you hold the instrument with both of your hands and you do so vertically, that is, with the tubes of the pan flute parallel to your body.
Plus, make sure the curve of the instrument is positioned toward your body and that the flute remains horizontally aligned with your head as you play. Also, learn to position and shape your mouth and lips correctly.
The instrument should be positioned against your bottom lip. Once you have done all that, you can start playing by blowing air into the pipes. You can then adjust your mouth and lip shape and position as well as the instrument’s positioning to produce the desired sound. This is just the basic technique of pan flute playing but it should get you started.
