Distinguishing the Cimbasso's Voice from the Tuba
Often mistaken for a highly specialised tuba or a dramatically bent trombone, Cimbasso musical instruments hold a truly unique place in the history of brass.
Prized for its distinctive voice that bridges the gap between the trombone section and the lowest brass register. The Cimbasso is a powerful instrument that has found a modern resurgence in film scores and professional orchestras in recent years.
At Wessex Tubas, we're passionate about reintroducing these historical instruments to the modern musician with our signature commitment to exceptional quality and value.
Here, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Cimbasso.
The Cimbasso’s Fascinating History
The origins of the Cimbasso are found in 19th-century Italian opera houses.
The term itself is believed to be a contraction of corno in basso (meaning ‘bass horn’), and was initially used as a generic description for the deepest brass voice available, which evolved from the upright serpent to the ophicleide.
The key turning point came with composers like Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.
Verdi famously expressed dissatisfaction with the wider, conical tone of the early tuba (or bombardon) of the time, feeling its sound didn't blend well with the rest of the trombone choir.
This artistic need led to the development of the trombone basso Verdi; the direct ancestor of the modern Cimbasso.
This new instrument was a valved contrabass trombone with a predominantly cylindrical bore, designed to seamlessly complete the sound of the trombone section while maintaining a powerful, low voice.
Cimbasso VS Tuba
A common question for musicians is how the Cimbasso differs from the Tuba, or ‘Cimbasso vs Tuba’.
Both are essential to the low brass section, yet they offer unique voices and are selected to create specific textures within an ensemble.
The key differences boil down to design and sound profile:
Bore Profile: The Cimbasso has a cylindrical bore (like a trombone), giving it a more focused, bright, and cutting tone. The tuba has a conical bore (like a euphonium), producing a softer, rounder, and broader sound.
Tone & Blend: The Cimbasso’s tone is pungent, clear, and focused, allowing it to blend seamlessly and complete the trombone section. The tuba’s tone is mellow and round, tending to stand out as an individual voice.
Bell Direction: Cimbassos typically feature a forward-facing bell to project the sound directly toward the audience or microphones.
Mechanism: Cimbassos most often employ rotary valves (typically four or five) for greater technical agility in the challenging lower register.
The difference in bore is the most critical: the Cimbasso’s cylindrical tubing provides that unmistakable, dark, and focused 'trombone' sound, allowing it to complete the brass texture precisely as the Italian composers intended.
Key Features & Modern Usage
The modern Cimbasso is most often pitched in F or BBb and has found a new life outside of the opera pit.
Valves, Not Slides: It is differentiated from the contrabass slide trombone by its use of valves, which allow for greater technical agility when playing the challenging, fast-moving bass lines found in operatic and modern scores.
Modern Scores: Its focused, powerful low end makes it a favorite in Hollywood film scores and video game soundtracks, where a heavy, impactful low-brass texture is essential. Tuba players often double on the Cimbasso to cover these demanding parts.
The Wessex Advantage
Our Wessex Cimbassos are built to meet the rigorous demands of professional doubling artists, offering exceptional quality that plays alongside the most expensive models on the market.
Our F/Eb Cimbasso (CB90P) is based on classic German designs but includes key improvements engineered by Wessex, such as:
5 Rotary Valves with a Tuning Trigger: This provides maximum flexibility and intonation control across the instrument's entire range.
Extra Bracing: Added reinforcement to the frame, ensuring the instrument's longevity and robustness, a crucial feature for any working musician.
Detachable Bell Section: Facilitates easier transport in a hard, wheeled case.
We make these unique instruments accessible and offer a comprehensive 3-year warranty for your peace of mind. Check the Cimbasso price and specifications on our site to add this indispensable instrument to your collection.
The Cimbasso is more than a low brass instrument; it is a vital historical voice that continues to shape the sound of modern music.
Discover the unique quality and value of the Wessex Cimbasso range today.