Carnatic flutes
For South Indian classical music.
Four beginner scales from ₹2,800Sets of three from ₹8,500
- For absolute beginners
- Right-handed players
- Delivered anywhere in India
Start on a flute that is actually in tune.
It is hard to pick a good first flute, and a badly tuned one makes every note sound wrong. I source each flute from makers I trust, test every swara in my studio, and courier it to your door.
Chosen and tested by Sriharsha Ramkumar, a Carnatic flautist who has played more than 1,500 concerts over 30 years and teaches students in over 20 countries.
Why a first flute so often goes wrong
A flute can look perfect and still be out of tune. As a beginner you can’t hear that yet, so you practise on wrong notes without knowing it.
From a music store
Stores order flutes in bulk, and bulk orders don’t get a maker’s full attention. The price is lower, but in a stock of 200 or 300 flutes it takes me a few hours to find one good one. A beginner has no way to tell them apart.
Straight from a maker
Makers do their most careful work for musicians who can judge it. A first-time buyer can’t check what arrives, and can end up paying more for a flute made with less care.
Through a performing flautist
The makers I work with know I will test every flute. They choose seasoned bamboo, tune it with care, and take back anything I reject. Then I check it again in my studio before it goes to you.
Choose the style you are learning
Carnatic flutes have eight finger holes. Bansuris have six. If you have a teacher or a course, ask which one they teach on.
Hindustani flutes
Bansuris for Hindustani classical, film and light music.
Three beginner scales from ₹3,400Set of three at ₹11,000
SRK’s personal collectionComing soon
A separate selection, chosen personally by Sriharsha Ramkumar.
From your order to your door
You order
Your flute is sourced for your order. I don’t keep stock.
The maker prepares it
Seasoned bamboo, tuned with care by an experienced maker.
I test it in my studio
Tuning, every swara and the bamboo, checked by me.
Packed and couriered
Sent with tracking, anywhere in India.
Allow 12–15 working days.
See how each flute is tested
The person choosing your flute
I started learning the flute at six and played my first concert at ten. In the 30 years since, I have played more than 1,500 concerts and taught students in over 20 countries.
I don’t make flutes. I work with a couple of experienced makers in India and put every flute through my own studio before it reaches a student.
Sriharsha RamkumarCarnatic flautist, Bengaluru
Questions beginners ask
I have never played. Which flute should I buy?
For Carnatic music, Scale 4 / F suits most beginners aged 10 and above, and Scale 5 / G suits younger children. For Hindustani music, I recommend the G Natural Base for adults. If you are still unsure, message me before you order.
Why does it take 12–15 working days?
I don’t hold stock. Your flute is sourced from the maker after you order, then I test it in my studio and fine-tune it if needed. I do this alongside concerts and recordings, and I won’t rush it.
What if my flute arrives damaged?
Each flute is wrapped securely, so damage is rare. If it happens, record an unboxing video that clearly shows the damage and send it to me. Refund requests need that video.
Begin with a flute you can trust.
Sourced from experienced makers, tested note by note, and sent to you in 12–15 working days.
Or write to sriharsha.ramkumar@gmail.com