The maker of this piccolo needs no introduction… Jean-Louis TULOU, born in Paris in 1786 was a flute virtuoso, professor and head of the flute department of the Paris Conservatoire, principal flutist of the Paris Opera and a composer who was also heavily involved in the finest flute-making.

He initially began working together with the flute makers Bellissent, Godfroy Aîné and Godfroy jeune. He set up his own workshop and eventually joined forces with Jacques NONON (1802-1867). They shared them same address in Paris and worked on producing superb flutes that would win many awards. As official supplier to the Paris Conservatoire and amazing reputation, they must certainly have had their order books and wallets quite full. Tulou opposed the Boehm flute and wanted to continue with ‘improved’ versions of the existing conical bore wooden flute. He brought out several new ‘improved’ or ‘perfected’ instruments with novel inventions.  He split with Jacques Nonon after 22 years of collaboration and instead turned to working with Pierre Louis GAUTROT (1812-1881). Tulou retired to Nantes where he died in 1865.

A Tulou piccolo is certainly a very rare item. This particular one was made perhaps around 1850 and could even be by Jacques Nonon. It is elegantly crafted in luscious cocuswood. It features five delicately made solid silver keys and solid silver rings.

Its condition is excellent. The embouchure is nicely cut too. New tenon cork has been fitted and the piccolo is supplied in a case, where it fits very snuggly, although it is not original. Only pad changes are needed for it to be played professionally again.

Overall, this Tulou piccolo is in very nice playing condition. It is well in tune in the second and third octaves where you need a piccolo! Its pitch is around a=435 Hz.

This is the first time we’ve seen a Tulou piccolo… and probably won’t see one again! A rare, exquisite instrument which has now found a new home.