Polymath 358

[ralphwalker]

15a Description of instrument taking a similar part to a double base (12)

I have ?o?t??b?s?o Looks like CONTRABASSO but this isn't long enough and it isn't an adjective.

Would appreciate help please

[Elementor]

Contrabasso

[ralphwalker]

Thank you Elementor for your reply. Unfortunately CONTRABASSO has only 11 letters whereas the answer is 12 letters. Any further ideas?

[mazie]

you only have 11 characters though Ralph

[kayakamina]

Can have two B's according to Chambers

[ralphwalker]

Thank you Mazie and kayakamina. I supppose it has to be with two B's, but this would seem to be the Italian way of spelling it.
Not sure if this is quite above board!