How big is a contrabassoon?

A contrabassoon typically measures about 16 to 18 feet in length when fully extended, making it one of the largest woodwind instruments. It is essentially a larger version of the bassoon, designed to play an octave lower. The instrument is usually coiled to make it more manageable, resembling a long, twisted tube. Its size contributes to its deep, rich sound, which is distinctive in orchestral settings.