Key Difference – Flute vs Recorder
Flutes belong to the woodwind family of reedless instruments. The term “flute” is used to describe various instruments that produce sound from the flow of air across an opening. However, in modern usage, the term mainly refers to the western concert flute. The main difference between flutes and recorders is that recorders have a fipple to direct air across the edge of the tone hole, while standard flutes do not.
What is a Flute?
The term “flute” is applied to several reedless wind instruments that produce sound from the flow of air across an opening. Flutes are made from a tube with holes that can be stopped with fingers or keys. Numerous instruments such as piccolo, clarinet, recorder, fife, and bansuri are generally considered types of flutes. Flutes are one of the oldest musical instruments in the world and are used in both western and eastern music. Flutes can be categorized into broad groups such as side-blown and end-blown, as well as fipple flutes and non-fipple flutes.
Side-blown flutes, also known as transverse flutes, are held horizontally and played by blowing across the embouchure hole in the flute, perpendicular to the flute’s body length. End-blown flutes are played by blowing on one end of the flute and are held vertically when played. Examples of this type of flute include the Xiao, kaval, danso, and Anasazi flute.
Fipple flutes have a constricted mouthpiece and are held vertically when played. Recorders and tin whistles are examples of fipple flutes. Non-fipple flutes are those without a constricted mouthpiece, and most instruments in the flute family fall into this category.
In modern usage, the term “flute” mainly refers to the western classical flute, a transverse instrument made of wood or metal. These flutes are pitched in C and have a variety of three and a half octaves, starting from the musical note C4. C7 is considered the highest pitch in western flutes, but experienced players may be able to reach even higher notes.
What is a Recorder?
A recorder is a flute-like or whistle-like musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. Recorders produce a clear and sweet sound. The documented history of recorders dates back to the Middle Ages, and they were also very popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. However, from the second half of the 17th century, flutes and clarinets, which could play a wide range of notes, began to replace recorders. It was only at the beginning of the twentieth century that recorders began to regain their popularity.
The recorder is played vertically, rather than horizontally, and has an internal duct to direct the airflow across the edge of the tone hole. Recorders have seven finger holes (four for the lower hand and three for the upper hand) and a thumb hole. Recorders are categorized as fipple flutes or duct flutes since they have a constricted mouthpiece, called a fipple.
Recorders are made in various sizes today. Although traditionally made from wood or ivory, recorders are also made of plastic. The lowest note that can be played on most recorders is C or F.
What is the difference between Flute and Recorder?
The western concert flute is the most common variant of the flute, while the recorder is a flute-like woodwind instrument. The sound in a western concert flute is produced by blowing across the embouchure hole, while the sound in a recorder is produced by blowing air into a duct that directs it onto the edge. The western concert flute is a side-blown flute, whereas the recorder is a fipple flute. Western concert flutes are held horizontally, while recorders are held vertically. Finally, western concert flutes are typically made of wood or metal, while recorders are made of wood, ivory, or plastic.
Summary – Flute vs Recorder
The flute is a type of instrument in the woodwind family. There are many types of flutes, with the western concert flute being the most common variant. Flutes can be categorized into different groups, such as side-blown vs end-blown, and fipple vs non-fipple. The western concert flute is a side-blown, non-fipple flute, while the recorder is a fipple flute. This is the key difference between flutes and recorders.
