A contrabass violin? Yes, you heard it - Carleen Hutchins' violins

[Ciel_Rouge]

So this is what it looks like, and here is the detailed decription of this family of instruments based on the violin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violin_octet

I have one question though. Has anybody heard them play? I can't find anything on YouTube. Are there any recordings made with this family of instruments?

[Szykneij]

I've never heard about these instruments before.

Regarding the Contrabass Violin:

Contrabass Violin E-A-D-G, tuned the same as a double bass or C-G-D-A, tuned an octave below a cello. Larger than a conventional double bass

I can't imagine playing it tuned in fifths (C-G-D-A). Especially since the instrument is bigger than the traditional bass viol, fingerings must be a real challenge.