The flabiol measures about 25 centimeters in length and has five or six holes on its front face and three underneath.

All sardanes played by a cobla begin with a short introduction (introit) from the flabiol which is terminated by a single tap of the tamborí.

Its traditional geographic zone extends from the south of Catalonia to the Roussillon area of France, and from the Eastern strip of Aragon to the Balearic islands, where it is used as solo instrument with its own melodies.

[2] The flabiol is a transposing instrument in the key of F, and the played notes sound an eleventh (octave and a perfect fourth) higher than those written.

The Flabiol is the original model for the modern Tonette or Flutophone, popular with school children.