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Flutes & Piccolos

What is a flute?

The flute is one of the most popular woodwind instruments, found in orchestras and concert bands around the world. Unlike woodwinds that rely on a vibrating reed, the flute produces sound as players blow a steady airstream across an embouchure hole in the headjoint. Pitch is controlled by opening and closing keys along the instrument’s body.

What’s the range of a flute?

A professional concert flute in experienced hands has a typical range of C4 to C7, or roughly three octaves beginning at middle C.

What are the main types of flutes?

Beyond the standard concert flute, the flute family also includes the half-sized piccolo, which shares basic fingerings with its larger sibling but produces pitches an octave higher. There’s also the mellow-toned alto flute (range G3–G6), the octave-lower bass flute (C3–C6), and the granddaddy of them all, the contrabass flute (range C2–C5), which sits two octaves below the C flute.

What's a good beginner flute?

Here are some top picks for new flutists of any age:

  • Yamaha YFL-222
  • Wm. S. Haynes AF480 Amadeus
  • Jupiter JFL700A
  • Tromana FL300

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Why shop Flutes & Piccolos at Sweetwater.com?


With a massive selection of Flutes & Piccolos, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Flutes & Piccolos, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.