[Trombone-l] Of Contra-Bass Trombones

[John Burton]

I'm toying around with the thought of buying a contra-bass to supplement
my Bach Strad.  
 
As I've looked around, it seems the only contra one can find is the
Miraphone MI57F Contrabass Trombone; yet I have heard and read that
playing this particular horn is "like blowing into a trashcan"
<yikes!!>...  I've heard as well it would be better advised to find an
"F" contra ...
 
I'm wanting the horn mainly "because", plus playing in a trombone
ensemble, I've found a bass trombone is doubling, or playing the Tuba
part.  If I'm going to play the Tuba part, why not a "slide tuba", and
move to the contra.  This would make the jump to a BBb the most likely,
but I'm somewhat hesitant to buy one just to find I don't like it.
 
So I come to this group of folks whose collective experience and
judgment I respect.  
 
Whatcha think?  If I'm out to buy a contra, what should I look for and
where should I look for it?
 
Thanks, group!
 
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john burton
Bach 50B3
Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
South Charleston, West Virginia