[Trombone-l] Of Contra-Bass Trombones

[Eric & Candice Swanson]

John Burton wrote:

>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?
> 
>  
>

John,

My opinion is that it is a lot of money for something you probably won't 
end up playing that much.  BUT, if you have the money and really want 
one, go for it.  You might find some interesting reading at 
http://www.hornguys.com/contrabasstbn.htm

I have played a couple of the Mirafones, and like everyone else, wasn't 
impressed with them.  I played one of the Theins.  It played pretty 
well, but it is the same bore as your bass trombone and I thought it 
pretty much sounded like a bass trombone (Is it worth the effort to 
learn to play it if it sounds the same?)  The Kanstul looks 
interesting...maybe get on the waiting list for one while you work on 
saving the money to pay for it.

Or, for less money you could buy a nice tuba if you don't already have one.

Eric Swanson