Trumpet marine (Tromba marina)

The Trumpet marine (Tromba marina, Nonnentrompete, Marientrompete, Trompetengeige, Nonnengeige or Trumscheit, tubmaryna) is a bowed string instrument. Its name is very confusing, as it is not a trumpet, or even related to a trumpet. One possible origin of its trumpet-related name is due to its shape being similar to that of the speaking trumpets (predecessor of the megaphone) of earlier times.

It is a typical bowed string instrument with a large soundbox. Some samples have holes in the soundboard, but generally the outlet hole is at the bottom, which was not closed. The instrument is generally longer than 2.0m. It might thus be regared as a type of cello or double bass.

The bridge is loose on one side, which then also vibrates and act as modifying resonator. The number of strings range from one to several.

The instrument has been around since at least the 1400s.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tromba_marina

Source:
http://www.trombamarina.com/instruments/tromba-marina/

Soundclip

http://www.trombamarina.com/instruments/tromba-marina/