String instruments were experimented with in the 17c in an effort to create effective bass. The modern double bass only materialised in about 1800.

Contrary motion in the bass introduced. (Handel: "Largo" from "Xerxes", Albinoni: "Adagio", Pachelbel: "Canon in D", Coolie: "C U when U Get There", The Farm: "Altogether Now", Pet Shop Boys: "Go West", Nina Simone: "My Baby Just Cares for Me").