The Enigmatic Octobass: A Giant Among Instruments
2025-06-20
The octobass, a rare and unusual instrument, is known for its immense size and incredibly low register. Invented in 1850 by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, this giant instrument requires a complex system of pedals and levers to play. Its deep sound is so low that some notes fall below the range of human hearing; the vibrations can only be felt. Today, only a handful of octobasses exist, mostly in museums. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra uniquely owns one and occasionally incorporates it into their performances.