Contrabass
Lenght
Type
Character
Division
Example
Description
16'
Strings / Streicher
tief, donnernd, majestätisch
Pedal
The Contrabass register in a pipe organ is a deep and resonant stop that produces extremely low pitches, adding a foundation of rich and powerful bass notes to the instrument's tonal range. It is characterized by its robust and sonorous timbre, often resembling the deep tones of a double bass or a large pipe organ pedal division. The pipes of the Contrabass are constructed with a wide scale and typically made of wood or metal, allowing them to produce the lowest frequencies in the organ. The Contrabass register is used to provide a solid and impactful bass foundation, adding depth, gravity, and a sense of grandeur to organ music. Its low, rumbling tones can create a sense of richness and fullness, and it is often employed to underscore the harmonic structure and add weight to the overall sound of the instrument.