What primarily causes the different sounds of instruments within the same family?

Different instruments within the same family produce unique sounds primarily due to the materials used in their construction and the methods employed to create them. The specific combinations of materials contribute to the timbre or tone quality of the instrument, which is crucial for distinguishing between two instruments, even if they are of similar design. For instance, a wooden flute will have a different sound quality compared to a metal flute because of the density and acoustical properties of wood versus metal.

Moreover, the construction techniques, such as thickness of the material and the design of the instrument (e.g., how the sound holes are positioned or shaped), can also play a significant role in how sound waves resonate, further impacting the overall sound produced.

While factors such as the musician's technique, size and shape of the instrument, and the presence of partial frequencies and overtones contribute to the final sound, the core influence on the distinct sounds between instruments of the same family fundamentally lies in their materials and construction methods.