this post was submitted on 18 Apr 2025
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Obscure Instruments

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/28400774

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.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 week ago (5 children)

cmon no link to hear it? here is one: https://youtu.be/12X-i9YHzmE?t=52 it honestly doesn't sound as cool as i expected or this person doesn't know how to play it. interesting information regardless

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 week ago (3 children)
[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 week ago (1 children)

oh that's pretty cool, and sounds better than the link i provided, thanks!

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I think that deep of bass is also one of those things that you really need a subwoofer to emulate anyway. You feel it in your chest as much as your ears.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

Yeah that's good added context that I didn't think about.

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