Double contrabass flute

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The double contrabass flute (sometimes also called octobass flute or subcontrabass flute) is one of the largest and lowest pitched flutes in the world. It is pitched in the key of C, three octaves below the concert flute (two octaves below the bass flute, and one octave below the contrabass flute). Its lowest note is C1, one octave below the cello's lowest C. Despite the tendency of the larger sizes of flute to be quiet, the double contrabass flute has a surprisingly powerful tone.

The Japanese firm of Kotato & Fukushima has produced only four such instruments, which sell for US$38,000.[1]

A double contrabass flute constructed of PVC is made by the Dutch flute maker Jelle Hogenhuis.[2] Although the flute was designed to be an ensemble instrument it was soon discovered by various solo artists who saw the merits of the instrument for their musical purposes. The bore is wider than what one usually finds in a metal double contrabass flute. The instrument is comparatively light (weighing only 8 or 9 kg) and can be produced relatively quickly and inexpensively. In addition, the PVC appears to produce quite a large tone. On this instrument, low C (as low as a double bass with a C attachment) is surprisingly easy to play in comparison to most other large flutes.

[edit] External links

• Photo of double contrabass flute
• Photo of Maria Ramey playing double contrabass flute
• Jelle Hogenhuis Web Site

Members of the Western concert flute family
Piccolo • Treble flute • Soprano flute • Concert flute • Flûte d'amour • Alto flute • Bass flute • Contra-alto flute • Contrabass flute • Subcontrabass flute • Double contrabass flute • Hyperbass flute