The flute and the piccolo are generally made of silver, though older instruments were made of wood, and gold is occasionally used.

The timbre of the flute varies considerably at different ranges, the lowest tones being thick and breathy, the higher ones becoming brighter and more penetrating. The modern flute embodies the revolutionary constructive principles introduced by Theobald Bohm (1794-1881) in the middle of the 19th century.

The piccolo is half the size of the flute, and the notes sound an 8ve higher. It is one of the highest and most penetrating instruments of the orchestra, and is effective in highlighting orchestral tutti and strengthening the upper partials of the harmony.