Octobass

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The octobass is a massive and rare bowed string instrument first built in 1850 by French luthier Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It stands at an impressive height of 3.48 meters (11 ft 5 in), making it significantly larger than the traditional double bass, which measures around 2 meters. The octobass has three strings and is often described as the “larger older brother” of the double bass, with the capacity to produce incredibly low pitches, including notes that are an octave below those of the standard double bass.

History and Construction

The octobass was invented in Paris by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, a renowned luthier known for his innovative approach to string instrument construction. Created with the intention of adding greater depth to orchestral music, the octobass was so large that it required special mechanisms to be played. The musician uses a system of hand and foot-activated levers and pedals to press metal clamps down on the strings, acting like frets to change pitch. Because of its size, the octobass was initially envisioned as an instrument requiring two musicians: one to operate the bow and the other to manage the fingering.

Usage and Legacy

Despite its impressive range and deep resonant tones, the octobass was never mass-produced or widely adopted in orchestral compositions. Notable composer Hector Berlioz praised the instrument and suggested its use, but only a limited number of works, such as Charles Gounod’s “Messe solennelle de Sainte-Cécile”, specifically called for the octobass. In this piece, it was tuned B♭0, E♭1, and B♭1, providing a profoundly low harmonic foundation.

Today, few octobasses exist. The original instrument can be found in the Musée de la Musique in Paris, while other specimens are housed in the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. In 2016, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra became the only orchestra to own an octobass, thanks to a donation from Canimex. There are also two privately owned octobasses, one belonging to Italian musician Nicola Moneta and another to experimental musician Guro Moe.

Range and Tuning

The octobass has three strings, and its tuning varies slightly depending on the instrument. Historically, Hector Berlioz noted that the strings were tuned to C1, G1, and C2, providing a range an octave below the cello. The version in the Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum is tuned C0, G0, D1, with the lowest notes reaching fundamental frequencies below 20 Hz, which are often below the threshold of human hearing. Instead, these ultra-low frequencies are perceived due to their overtones. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra’s octobass is tuned A0, E1, B1, extending its unique sonic range.

Sound and Characteristics

The octobass produces a rich, deep resonance that adds an extraordinary layer of depth to the orchestra. Due to its very low frequencies, the sound is often felt as much as heard, with vibrations that resonate throughout the concert hall. This makes the octobass a distinctive addition to any ensemble, especially when used to create atmospheric effects or dramatic bass foundations.

FAQ

What is an octobass?

The octobass is an extremely large bowed string instrument invented in 1850 by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume. It is similar to the double bass but is much larger, standing at 3.48 meters in height, and has three strings.

How is the octobass played?

Due to its large size, the octobass is played using a system of hand and foot-operated levers and pedals that control metal clamps to press the strings, which act as frets. This mechanism allows the musician to change pitch without directly pressing down on the strings.

Where can you find an octobass today?

Octobasses can be found in the Musée de la Musique in Paris, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra also owns an octobass, making it the only orchestra with one in its collection.

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