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Another word on that Linton Contra Instrument

Author: jim lande
Date: 2000-10-04 03:16

Matthew Hanson posted the following information on the contra-list (a list dedicated to low pitch instruments.) He has given permission to re-post and offers to answer any questions re the Linton. [If you want to subscribe to the contra-list, contact gdgreen@contrabass.com ]

From: Slvrkys76@aol.com
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 14:45:21 EDT
Subject: Re: [CB] Non-Boehm Contra

"The metal contra on ebay was definitely a BBb instrument,
made by Orsi,
imported by Linton. It is a modified Boehm system,
without the alternate
pinky keys (like an Albert). It feels a LOT like a
saxophone, as it has
mother of pearl keys, three instead of four RH palm
(trill) keys like a sax,
no LH F/C, no RH E/B or F#/C# . I have an EEb instrument
like this and while
these are quite different, perhaps even awkward, the tone
quality and
intonation is actually pretty good. Overall, a very big,
powerful sound.
The bore is just over that of the Leblancs, the same on
both the EEb and BBb,
like Leblanc. The mouthpieces are decent, with large
tenons. I recorked one
of my Leblanc mouthpieces to fit and it plays well, with
better response than
the ones by Orsi.

These instruments decend to low E, and their construction
makes it possible
to actually march with them. The BBb is much more
comfortable to play, as
the hand position of the EEb is a bit more awkward and the
instrument doesn't
balance well. "

Matthew Hanson

In his followup posting to me, he added
"I have seen (in the past) EEb Linton contras in playable
condition for sale
for between $900-1500. The BBb contras seem to be a bit
more rare, and
usually go for closer to $2,000."

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RE: Another word on that Linton Contra Instrument

Author: Nate Zeien
Date: 2000-10-04 05:06

Jim, thanks for finding the info for us. I was wondering what exactly it turned out to be. I guess I was wrong in thinking it to be a sax. Oh well, nothing like a friendly debate every now and then. -- Nate Zeien

PS - In response to the recent Klarinet, I wish all debates could be friendly.

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