Straight or Side — which one should you buy?
The commonest question we get, answered before you look at prices
Straight Flute
The gentle start
Held upright and blown into, not across. The note arrives on day one, which is exactly why it suits young children and anyone who wants to be sure they enjoy the instrument before committing to it.
On a side flute the sound itself has to be made first, and that can take a beginner several days of trying — the stage where most people give up. A straight flute carries you past it. Treat it as a stepping stone, not a destination.
Side Flute (Bansuri)
The real thing
Blown across the mouth hole, the way the classical bansuri has always been played. If the traditional flute is what you actually want to learn, begin here — the first fortnight is slower, but nothing has to be undone afterwards.
Order an A-scale to begin with: it is the shortest, and the easiest on new breath and small hands. Add a G, then an F, then an E as your playing grows into them.
Bansuri Price List
Choose your perfect bansuri from 8 available keys
Key: Second Black / Kali 2
Size: 17 inches approx.
Best for: Children & Girls
Key: Second White
Size: 17 inches approx.
Best for: Children & Girls
Key: First Black / Kali 1
Size: 18.5 inches approx.
Best for: Beginner Level
Key: First White / Safed 1
Size: 19 inches approx.
Best for: Beginner Level
Key: Seventh White
Size: 20.5 inches approx.
Best for: Intermediate
Key: Fifth Black / Kali 5
Size: 21.5 inches approx.
Best for: Intermediate
Key: 6th White / Safed 6
Size: 23 inches approx.
Best for: Advanced
Key: 5th White / Safed 5
Size: 25.5 inches approx.
Best for: Professional
Why Aalaap Flutes?
Tested by Dr. Anurag Mishra
Each flute is meticulously tested by Dr. Anurag Mishra (PhD, BHU) to ensure excellent sound quality, perfect pitch, and precise tuning.
Handcrafted Bamboo Bansuri
Designed in the traditional North Indian style with 7 holes — 6 for playing and the 7th for fine-tuning, as played by legends like Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Perfect Pitch & Tuning
The flute produces the "SA" note when the first three holes are closed, ensuring accurate pitch and tonal balance for serious learners and performers.
Hard-Cover Carry Bag Included
A durable hard-cover carry bag is provided with every order for extra protection during shipping and storage — keeping your flute safe and secure.