The cimbasso (say "chim-boss-oh") is a valve contrabass trombone traditionally used in the operas of Verdi and other Italian composers.  They may be pitched in BBb, CC, Eb, or F and may be played by a tuba or bass trombone player.  Cimbassos are now often heard in large orchestras used for movie soundtracks.  They can produce a light sound that is less overpowering than the tuba, or they can produce a monstrous sound that is offensive to many.  This large instrument requires some forethought to keep it out of harm's way when not in use.  We recommend traffic cones.