This is a S.E. Shires Custom Alto Trombone, model TBALTGM, built at the Shires Boston-area factory. It is a recent make and was in near-new condition at the time of sale—barely played, with no cosmetic or mechanical issues.
The horn features the A1GMT8 gold brass bell, known for its warmth, clarity, and rich upper overtones. Alto trombones can vary widely in timbre and projection, and this particular bell strikes a superb balance between agility and tonal depth. It speaks easily in all registers and feels immediately responsive under the ear.
The hand slide is the dual bore A85–95 nickel silver model, featuring T.I.S. (tuning-in-slide) configuration and three interchangeable leadpipes. The nickel construction adds brilliance and articulation clarity—ideal for solo, chamber, and orchestral alto work. This setup is highly versatile and well-suited for both experienced alto players and tenor trombonists transitioning to alto for auditions or doubling.
Also included was the factory S.E. Shires-branded Marcus Bonna alto case, offering form-fitted protection, backpack straps, and storage for all included accessories: leadpipes, tuning bits, and a mouthpiece. The entire package was ready for serious performance use straight out of the box.
This is the type of alto that professional players quickly warm up to—responsive, colorful, and easy to center. It’s also a strong choice for college-level trombonists preparing for orchestral auditions where alto is required, or for anyone building a complete professional trombone setup.
This instrument has been sold and is now preserved here in our Archive of Sold Instruments to assist players researching high-end alto trombone options or exploring the S.E. Shires custom lineup.
