The kontra can be constructed new, but is most often a classical viola which has undergone several organological changes, for example, thinning ("regraduating") the top, back, and sides to increase the amplitude, and flattening the bridge, which allows the player to sound all three strings at once in order to produce chords.

The kontra is tuned like a viola, though lacking its low C string: G3-D4-A4.

The kontra has a defined role within dance band music.

Its range lies between that of the fiddle or Vioara cu goarnă on the high-end and the double bass on the low-end.

Many Hungarian and Romanian bands also feature the cimbalom or citera, clarinet, accordion, and Ütőgardon or cello.