Craftspeople shape wood into flutes, typically with a cylindrical bore and a headjoint that has a hole for the player to blow into. Blowing air across this hole sets the air column inside the flute vibrating. The player controls these vibrations by opening and closing keys or holes along the body of the flute, creating different pitches.

Wooden flutes boast a rich history, existing for hundreds of years across numerous cultures worldwide. They’re renowned for their warm, rich tones, a stark contrast to the brighter sounds of metal flutes. Here are some of the most common types of wooden flutes:

The concert flute: The most common Western flute, consists of grenadilla wood and boasts the Boehm system. This clever keyword unlocks a vast array of notes, making it a versatile instrument for various musical styles.

The Irish flute: This flute, smaller and easier to handle than live performance ones, is usually made of wood or PVC. Its simple keyword system makes it perfect for playing traditional Irish tunes.