Thinking about playing the flute or the piccolo? Each of these lovely woodwind instruments can make magical melodies, but which one is right for you?
The flute and piccolo are two popular musical instruments that belong to the woodwind family. While they may look similar and produce similar sounds, there are some notable differences between them.
Many wondered, “How do flute and piccolo players produce sound?”.
For starters, the main difference between piccolo vs flute lies in their size and pitch range. The piccolo is smaller and plays one octave higher than the flute. While both instruments are members of the woodwind family and played with similar techniques, the piccolo is known for its shrill and piercing sound, while the flute produces a smoother and mellower tone.
Whether you are a beginner musician or an experienced player, understanding the differences between the flute and piccolo can help you make an informed decision when choosing your perfect match. This article will explore the differences between the two instruments, including their history, size, materials, and playing techniques.
So, let’s dive into the world of flute and piccolo and explore the nuances of each instrument!
The Flute and Its History
The flute is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, dating back to prehistoric times. The earliest flutes were made from bones, such as the femur of a large animal, and were used for hunting and religious rituals.
The modern flute, as we know it today, was developed in the 19th century. It’s a member of the woodwind family and is made of metal or wood. The flute is played by blowing air across a small opening at the top of the instrument, causing the air to vibrate and produce sound.
The flute has been used in many musical genres, from classical to jazz to folk music. It’s known for its clear, sweet sound and ability to play low and high notes. Famous flautists include James Galway, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and Ian Anderson of the band Jethro Tull.
Overall, the flute has a rich history and continues to be an important instrument in the world of music.
COMES WITH: Cleaning swab, Cloth, Gloves, and ABS case
FEATURES: Closed-hole flute - easier for beginner
Stagg FL111 Flute
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offset G for extra ergonomic design
- Split E for easier production of higher notes
- Best for practicing only
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Stagg FL111 is a high-quality flute designed for both beginners and intermediate players.
It features a silver-plated body and headjoint, providing a bright and clear tone. The flute also includes closed hole keys, making it easier for beginners to learn and play.
When you compare it to other flutes out there, this really shines because it gives you top-notch quality without burning a hole in your pocket. It’s like getting the best of both worlds – great performance at a price that won’t make you wince.
When I play this flute, it feels really smooth and responsive, and the tone is clear and bright.
It might not have all the fancy advanced features, but trust me, the Stagg FL111 is still worth buying because it’s built to last and has a great sound.
So, if you’re after a dependable flute that won’t break the bank, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
The Piccolo and Its History
The piccolo is a member of the woodwind family and is essentially a smaller version of the flute. It’s pitched a higher octave than the flute and is known for its bright and piercing sound.
The Piccolo was first developed in the early 18th century and was made of wood. Over time, metal became the preferred material for piccolos, and today, most piccolos are made of silver or a silver alloy. Most piccolos have a conical body with a cylindrical head, like the Baroque flute.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was one of the most famous composers to write for the piccolo. He featured the instrument prominently in his ballets, including “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”, as you can see in this video:
Today, the piccolo is a popular instrument in orchestras, concerts and marching bands and is often featured in solos and as part of ensembles.
COMES WITH: maintenance-free ABS resin body
FEATURES: A split-E mechanism to make your high E notes clearer
Yamaha YPC32 Piccolo
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Silver plated headjoint
- ABS resin body
- A great value Pirc
- Easy to play
- Pretty much indestructible!
- Great for flautists looking to explore the world of piccolo and develop a solid technique.
- Can sound a little ‘plasticy’
- Low register is not as resonant as a wooden model.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Difference Between Flute and Piccolos
When it comes to other woodwind instruments though, the flute and piccolo are often compared and contrasted. While they may look similar, some distinct characteristics set them apart. So, what is the difference between a flute and a piccolo?
Let’s learn more about them.
Materials Used
The materials used in the instrument’s construction can affect the instrument’s sound quality and durability.
The flute is typically made of metal or wood, silver-plated brass, nickel silver, silver, or gold. Professional flutes are often made of solid silver, which produces a warm, rich tone. On the other hand, wooden flutes are often used in folk music and produce a more mellow sound.
Conversely, many metal piccolos are made of silver or nickel. This is because the piccolo is a smaller instrument and needs to withstand the pressure of the player’s breath without cracking or bending. But there are also wooden piccolos, which have a sweeter sound and more dynamic flexibility.
Comparing the Size
The difference in size can affect the amount of air needed to produce sound and the finger placement required to play each instrument. Flutes are generally larger than piccolos, with a standard concert flute around 26 inches long. At the same time, a piccolo looks like a miniature flute, approximately half the size at 13 inches in length.
Additionally, flutes are assembled from three separate pieces: the head joint, body, and foot joint, while piccolos are usually made in one piece.
Sounding Range & Pitch
The flute has a lower pitch than the piccolo and has a range of approximately three octaves. Conversely, the range of piccolo is approximately two octaves and produces a higher pitch because of its smaller size, making it a transposing instrument. A piccolo plays one octave higher than the flute, producing bright and piercing tones that stand out in musical compositions.