Flutes are the earliest known identifiable musical
instruments,  early flutes tended to be made from wood whereas modern instruments tend to be made from either nickel that has been silver plated or solid silver.  Some professional models even incorporate other precious metals including gold and even platinum. 

Like all woodwinds, flutes are aerophones, meaning they make sound by vibrating
a column of air. However, unlike woodwind instruments with reeds (e.g. clarinet
or sax), a flute is a reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the
flow of air across an opening.

The flute family extends from the highest piccolo down to the lowest instrument,
the subcontrabass. Most players start on the most popular Concert C flute which
is melodic with a bright and clean sound and is a key instrument within wind
bands and orchestras.

Common manufacturers include Yamaha, Pearl, Trevor James, Azumi, Miyazawa and JP.