How the contrabass flute makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the contrabass flute belongs to the flutes (edge-blown): an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating – flutes, recorders, whistles and panpipes.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The contrabass flute is one of the rarer members of the flute family. Typically seen in flute ensembles, it is sometimes also used in solo and chamber music situations. Its range is similar to the regular concert flute, except it is pitched two octaves lower; the lowest performable note is two octaves below middle C (the lowest C on the cello). Many contrabass flutes in C are also equipped with a low B (in the same manner as many modern standard-sized flutes are). Contrabass flutes are only available from select flute makers.
Other flutes
Frequently asked questions
What does a contrabass flute sound like?
As one of the flutes, its sound comes from the way an air jet is split on a sharp edge, setting the air column vibrating.
What type of instrument is the contrabass flute?
It is classified as flutes (edge-blown) (Hornbostel–Sachs 421.121.12-71).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q587246 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Contrabass flute – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Maria Ramey – CC BY 3.0