Instrument: 11-key cylindrical simple system flute (normal 8-keys, plus low B, Tulou F#, and high E/D trill), metal, cylindrical bore
Maker: Kessels, Tilbourg, Netherlands, c.1880-1939. Kessels was a large company working under Dutch Royal appointment. They made pianos and other instruments.
Pitch: A=440
Sounding Length:
Total Length:
Embouchure size:
Restorer: Matt Slausen
Notes: Though not a French flute, this is a style that was very popular in France and the design most probably originated there. These flutes were produced to be a cheaper competitor to the Boehm flute. Boehm style head joint, cylindrical bore, use of rods and axels, but using the old simple system fingerings. These flutes were also popular in Italy. The C and Tulou F# keys are designed to be played with the side of the first joint of the finger rather than the tip. This is quite difficult when the next note involves the F hole.
Demonstration recordings:
