Created in the 19th century by the French luthier Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, this colossal double bass stands out for its impressive height, exceeding three meters, and its deep tonal range, capable of producing notes that approach the lower limits of human hearing.
Due to its enormous size, the octobass cannot be played like a conventional double bass; instead, the musician must use a system of pedals and levers to press the strings and modulate the sound. Although its use has been limited throughout musical history, some orchestras and composers have explored its potential to add a unique and resonant depth to certain symphonic compositions.
This rare instrument, which was a true feat of lutherie in its time, continues to fascinate classical music enthusiasts and organologists, remaining a remarkable achievement in musical engineering.
Oh. My. God… Becky, look at her [bass]…
Honestly, though, this is super cool. Original bass heads, for sure.
Edit: comma added
Thank you for that. Amazing, but entirely the wrong type of music. I wonder if pieces have been written for it + other instruments. I see a lot of potential as soon as you move away from classical classic.
octobass go BRRRRRRR
I tried to learn this but it was taking me 3 days to get to and from school.
I saw some dude on the Subway with one of these. And he was sitting down!
How rude!
Thanks, I’ll crosspost!
Now we’re just being silly. Cool find.
I wanna hear Apocolytica incorporate one of these.
(Better not) drop the bass!
drops the bass, losing tends of thousands of dollars probably
The dude with the bitch ass cello in front is gonna have some PTSD with LOW vibration in his nape.
Better not play the brown note…
Mythbusters have entered the chat.
The party pooping SOB is looking for a one way ticket to El Salvador. Right away.
The original Super Bass
I saw one of these on display at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix AZ, but never heard one played. It’s so huge you can’t reach those frets at the top there, so the inventor had to come up with a keyed mechanism you see the guy working in the photo.
I’ve always wanted to go to the MIM but have yet to get the opportunity. Worth the cost? Are there a lot of interactive exhibits? I want to play with unique and rare instruments.
If this can’t produce the brown note, nothing will!
The brown noise!
I would love to try playing that