In the current study the historical instrumental method of speech analysis using tuning forks is considered from a new point of view. The set of tuning forks for French oral vowels with the engraved frequency values described by Rousselot in the early 20th century is used in a number of experiments. Firstly, the frequencies of the tuning forks were measured with the use of the modern methods of acoustic analysis. The accuracy of their values was proved, which allowed their comparison with modern data on French vowel formant frequencies. Eventually, the perception experiment was conducted to find out modern native speakers' perception strategies.