What is the lowest sounding instrument in the woodwind family?

The contrabassoon is indeed the lowest sounding instrument in the woodwind family. It is a larger and deeper version of the bassoon, designed to play two octaves lower than the bassoon itself. The contrabassoon often has a range that extends down to low B♭, making it unique among woodwind instruments. Its tone is rich and dark, contributing to the overall depth of the woodwind section in orchestral settings.

In contrast, the bassoon, while also a low instrument, registers higher than the contrabassoon. The clarinet and oboe are higher-pitched instruments, with the clarinet typically playing in a range that is more versatile but still above the bassoon. The oboe has a distinctive, bright sound that is significantly higher than both the bassoon and contrabassoon. The identification of the contrabassoon as the lowest woodwind is crucial for understanding the full spectrum of sound within orchestral compositions.