this post was submitted on 18 Apr 2025
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Mildly Interesting

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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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[–] backscatter@lemm.ee 2 points 6 months ago

If a string breaks, everyone in that photo is gonna have a bad day.

[–] Blaster_M@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

octobass go BRRRRRRR

[–] iltoroargento@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

Oh. My. God... Becky, look at her [bass]...

Honestly, though, this is super cool. Original bass heads, for sure.

Link to a demonstration.

Edit: comma added

[–] FoxFairline@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 6 months ago

(Better not) drop the bass!

[–] spirinolas@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

If this can't produce the brown note, nothing will!

[–] tunetardis@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 months ago

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.

[–] HowAbt2morrow@futurology.today 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

The dude with the bitch ass cello in front is gonna have some PTSD with LOW vibration in his nape.

[–] BedSharkPal@lemmy.ca 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Better not play the brown note....

[–] SPRUNT@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)
[–] HowAbt2morrow@futurology.today 0 points 6 months ago

The party pooping SOB is looking for a one way ticket to El Salvador. Right away.

[–] RevolverSly@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago