Vintage Louis Lot Cocus Flute with Silver Keys

Our Description

This flute is a later example of a ring-keyed Böhm flute, with rings on the A, F, E, and D touches. The body tube is conical and the flute overall is made of cocus wood with silver keywork. It has a very soft and delicate sound owing to the rather small and very elliptical embouchure (~11mm longitudinal and ~9.4mm transverse). A gentler airstream than one might use on many modern flutes was found to give better tone and response on this instrument. 

Records for wooden Louis Lot flutes are sadly not forthcoming: thanks to the work of researchers, particularly David Shorey, we have records of the production dates of wooden Louis Lots up to 1891 (serial no. 4175). The best estimate for the production date of this flute by extrapolating from the data available would be circa 1897, but may be somewhat later (as late as ~1905) due to the declining demand for wooden flutes going into the 20th century. 

General Condition

This flute is in good condition throughout. The pads seal well. There is no obvious sign of cracking or repair on the tube. The silver keys are in good condition.

About Louis Lot

As the choice of Altès, Taffanel, Hennebains and Gaubert, the Louis Lot flute was instrumental in the formation of the French concept of sound. Indeed, Louis Lot flute have been intimately associated with the development and spread of the French school of flute playing.

Because of their unique sound and feel, Louis Lot flutes have been much sought after by exponents of the French School). Roughly 10,400 flutes were numbered during the ninety-seven year period of the company's activity; the combination of the distinctive quality of metals at that time, the techniques used to make them and the individual handmade characteristcs of each of these instruments make them a desirable instrument for both players and collectors.

We have in-house specialists in French flutes and are happy to guide you to choosing the right Louis Lot instrument for you.

Item Details