[Trombone-l] Contra-Basses for sale?

[John Burton]

Just got back home from a weekend up in DC.  Went to visit the ETW
display Friday afternoon looking for a BBb contra.  Yea, I know there
have been a few folks telling me how hard they are to play, and that
they're not worth the effort, get an "F" instead.
 
There were two contras on display at ETW, a Thein that nearly every high
school trombonist was trying to "blow hard" thru; only to comment "that
thing takes too much air".  Then Mic Rath had his "F" on display.  I
played 'em both, and following the advice of one lister I tried them
with a Bach 1 1/2G first.  Tried them each with my Schilke 59 as well.
I felt like I was playing my 50B3 with the trigger pulled full time.
Didn't hear a *great* difference, tho let's be fair, I was in a hall
with 200 other guys each playing more "Bb's" and the opening lines to
"IGSOY" ... O yes, and LOTS of pedal notes, loud and farty.
 
I've pretty much decided it's the BBb for me.  Now, I gotta find one.  I
keep hearing that there are two kinds of contra owners.  Them that plays
'em, and them that put's 'em up for sale.  So I'm trolling, anyone
willing to part with their Miraphone MI57F?  or one of the other BBbs
around? (I know there aren't many, but ... )
 
If there are folks who do or have owned contras that have a war story to
pass on to me, either pro or con, I'd like to hear that too!  But I'm
pretty much ready to go all the way down and be a real bottom-feeder..
 
Thanks all!  Looking forward to hearing from someone...
 
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john burton
Bach 50B3
Bass Trombone, Charleston NeoPhonic Orchestra
South Charleston, West Virginia