Contrabass saxophone

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.

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