Aulos Auloi Tibia

The reed is the heart of the aulos. Only a good reed ensures that a good instrument also sounds good.
My reeds are made from Phragmites australis. I work according to the traditions of Theophrastus of Eresus. They are harvested by hand, carefully aged, and carefully processed in pairs. This is the only way to ensure that they sound perfect together.
My reeds are available exclusively to customers of my instruments.

The Louvre Aulos likely originates from Greco-Roman Egypt and is now in the collection of the Louvre in Paris. Its design reflects a harmonious model that was well established already in the 4th century BC.

The finger hole dimensions and the pattern of my reconstruction are identical to the original. This results in an ergonomic shape for playing with five fingers each pipe.

The upper five holes are the playing holes. The holes below are used to adjust the fundamental notes. This way, the two reeds are a fouth apart.

It is a good instrument for getting started in the world of the Auloi.

I offer a one-piece version and also version with removable reed seats and a brass reinforcement.

The wood is available in boxwood or grenadilla.

Prices upon request

The Poseidonia Aulos, also called the Paestum Aulos after its discovery site, dates back to classical antiquity. The original is housed in the Museum of Paestum.

It is older than the Louvre Aulos and, like other older auloi, was played in the microtonal classical enharmonic tetrachord scales.

I offer the reconstruction either in wood made of grenadilla or boxwood, or in the version like the original, in several segments made of deer bone.

Prices upon request

The Akanthos Aulos was found near Ierrissos on the east coast of the Chalcidian Peninsula. It is very similar to the Poseidonia Aulos and dates back to the Archaic-Classical period. Like other older auloi, it is also played in the microtonal classical enharmonic tetrachord scales.
It is slightly larger and sounds louder and fuller than the Poseidonia Aulos. It is therefore also somewhat harder to play.
I build it, just like the original, in several segments from deer bone.

Prices upon request

The Pydna Aulos was discovered south of Thessaloniki during excavations in ancient Pydna.
The original is housed in the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum.
It is likely somewhat younger than the Poseidonia Aulos. Like other older auloi, this one is played in the microtonal classical enharmonic tetrachord scales.

I offer the reconstruction either in wood made of grenadilla or boxwood, or in the version made of deer bone, like the original, in several segments.

Prices upon request

The Elgin Aulos is another well-preserved wooden instrument available for reconstruction. The find is believed to have been made in Athens, but unfortunately, no further information about the find is available. The original is in the British Museum in London (No. 1816,0610.502)
It is likely somewhat younger than the Poseidonia Aulos. Like other older auloi, this one is played in the microtonal classical enharmonic tetrachord scales.

It is relatively large and requires some practice to finger, as the tone holes are widely spaced.

I offer the reconstruction in wood, either grenadilla or boxwood.

Prices upon request

The Megara Auloi were discovered during various excavations in Megara and are now on display in the museum. Two of them have metal sliders that cover tone holes similar to flute keys. Along with the Oxos Temple Auloi, they are the most complex surviving auloi. The instruments are spectacular and truly worth a visit.

Three of them are relatively large and require some practice to play, as the tone holes are widely spaced.

I have built several wooden prototypes. They have already proven to be well-functioning instruments in concerts by Callum Armstrong. I'm still working on the metal sliders and hope to soon be able to offer these instruments in grenadilla and deer bone.

More details will follow in the near future.

Prices upon request

The phorbeia is an important tool for the aulet. It facilitates prolonged playing of the instrument and helps the musician maintain muscle tension. It ensures a more powerful and clear, focused sound.

As can be seen in many iconographic works, the aulet wears it at musical events where they have to demonstrate their talents.

It really simplifies playing the aulos, and I highly recommend it, especially for beginners and even more so for players of the classical auloi.

I make it from leather and adjust it to the player's size.

Prices upon request