The most striking feature of the cimbasso is the front-facing bell, which points slightly downward when the instrument is in the correct playing position. The cimbasso is about 120 cm high and is played in the sitting position, resting on the floor on a tail-pin or spike the length of which is adjustable. The five rotary valves are operated by the right hand, the 5th valve by the right thumb; the triggers of the first two valves are activated by the left hand.

The cimbasso is usually played by a tuba player because its mouthpiece is the same as the tuba’s.

Today the instrument is made in two keys, F and Eb (four valves) and is of the valved contrabass trombone type.