Double contrabass flute

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, though it benefits from amplification in ensembles. The Japanese firm of Kotato & Fukushima has produced only four such instruments, which sell for US$38,000.[1]. Their main use has been in large flute choirs, although at least one work has been written specifically for it, "Genesis I:I" for narrator and orchestra by the American composer Adam Gilberti. A double contrabass flute constructed of PVC (called "subcontrabass flute") 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 (about 18 lbs), 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.

External links

• Photo of double contrabass flute
• Photo of Maria Ramey playing double contrabass flute
• Subcontrabass flute page from Jelle Hogenhuis site