Tootler: you've got one of those F subcontras. Where are you? If we're ever likely to be in the same place at the same time I could bring my greatbass.

[pedant mode]
Strictly speaking an F Contrabass. The Subcontra is lower though I believe the Germans call the F Contra a Sub bass.
[/pedant mode]

Mine is a square one by Paetzold. You can see one here

Mine is the larger one on the right. The smaller one is their great bass. They look odd but they make a great sound. They have the full 2 octave range of a recorder with a strong first octave which is what you need with an instrument like that. It is possible to play tunes on them though it is not something you would do everyday. I have taken it to sessions on occasions and basically play oompahs on it.

There is an mp3 of mine here. I'm playing a couple of Northumbrian tunes, Derwentwater's Farewell and Johnny Armstrong.

I live about 200 miles south of you, Jack, in Middlesbrough.