Topmusicanswers
Flutes are made of substances such as copper-nickel, silver, gold, and grenadilla (a type of wood). Each of these materials produce different sound characteristics. Even among flutes made of the same material, sound quality and timbre vary according to the thickness of the material.
- Are flutes made of wood?
- What is the best material for a flute?
- What material was the first flute made of?
- Are flutes made out of silver?
Are flutes made of wood?
Flutes and Piccolos
Nowadays flutes are generally made of silver or silverplated nickel. But originally they were made of wood. A wooden flute has a distinctly different sound from a metal one. The natural plant fibers in the cellulose give it a "reedy" sound somewhat like a recorder.
What is the best material for a flute?
Body Materials
Silver – The most commonly used material in flute making, silver flutes are known for its pure tone and light, fluid sound. Its heavier weight makes it the metal of choice among intermediate and professional musicians.
What material was the first flute made of?
The flutes, made from bird bone and mammoth ivory, come from a cave in southern Germany which contains early evidence for the occupation of Europe by modern humans - Homo sapiens. Scientists used carbon dating to show that the flutes were between 42,000 and 43,000 years old.
Are flutes made out of silver?
The word 'flute' comes from the Latin word 'flare' which means to flow. Most student flutes are made of silver-plated metal such as yellow brass, which is 70% copper and 30% zinc. Silver-plating gives the flute a more mellow sound.
