S.E. Shires Dual Bore Tenor Valve Section, slightly used and in super mint condition. This is a Boston, MA custom-made component, showcasing the high-level craftsmanship and innovation that S.E. Shires is known for worldwide.
This valve section was only lightly played and shows minimal signs of use. It has no dents, dings, or prior repairs, and the lacquer and finish remain outstanding. Playability is excellent, offering a smooth, even response and great connection in the low register when engaged.
The dual bore design helps maintain consistent airflow and tonal balance across all ranges, making it a top choice for players seeking maximum flexibility without sacrificing projection or core sound.
At The Brass Exchange in St. Louis, MO, we specialize in used and pre-owned S.E. Shires parts and components, including valve sections, bell sections, handslides, and complete modular trombones. We welcome trade-ins of other Shires parts and full instruments, helping players build or refine their dream setup. To learn more or submit your gear, please fill out our trade-in form here.
A new Shires Dual Bore Tenor Valve Section today sells for over $2,250 and often involves long wait times.
This valve section is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, featured here as a reference for musicians and collectors researching S.E. Shires modular components and historical values. If you're looking for similar parts or components, please see our current inventory here.
What types of valve sections are available for S.E. Shires custom tenor trombones?
S.E. Shires offers a range of tenor trombone valve sections to suit different playing styles and preferences:
Standard rotor valve section — provides a traditional feel with reliable resistance and a centered sound.
Dual bore rotor valve section — slightly smaller than the standard rotor, plays more compact, and maintains smooth airflow with even tonal balance; popular for players seeking less resistance and a focused feel.
Joe Alessi rotor valve section — designed in collaboration with Joseph Alessi to achieve a specific balance of openness and control.
Twin rotor valve section — designed with two rotors that engage simultaneously to provide an F attachment only. Although it looks similar to bass trombone valve systems, it remains a single F attachment and offers a very open, smooth feel.
Trubore valve section — an innovative design offering minimal resistance and a very open, free-blowing feel. It features the shortest throw of all Shires valves, and its extra weight translates into more energy out front, adding power and presence.
Axial flow valve section — known for exceptionally free-blowing characteristics and smooth valve transitions, minimizing airflow disruption. The Axial is Shires' name for the classic design originally developed by O.E. Thayer. Shires improved this design with superior mini ball linkage, and it remains one of the most popular valve choices today.
These options allow players to tailor resistance, airflow, and tonal response to match their ideal playing style and sound concept.




