Contrabass saxophone

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Contrabass saxophone

Orsi contrabass saxophone (1999)
Woodwind instrument
Classification	Single-reed
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	422.212-71 (Single-reed aerophone with keys)
Inventor(s)	Adolphe Sax
Developed	1840s
Playing range
Contrabass saxophone in E♭ sounds two octaves and a major sixth lower than written.
Related instruments
Sizes: Soprillo Sopranino Soprano Alto Tenor Baritone Bass Contrabass Subcontrabass Orchestral saxophones: C soprano Mezzo-soprano C melody Specialty saxophones: Aulochrome Tubax
Musicians
See list of saxophonists
Builders
Benedikt Eppelsheim J’Élle Stainer Orsi Historical: Evette & Schaeffer (c. 1900–1930)

The contrabass saxophone is the second-lowest-pitched extant member of the saxophone family proper. It is pitched in E♭ one octave below the baritone saxophone, which requires twice the length of tubing and bore width. This renders a very large and heavy instrument, standing approximately 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall and weighing around 20 kilograms (44 lb). Despite this, it was used in marching bands in the early 20th century.