S.E. Shires Mike Davis Plus Trombone – Exceptional .508 Jazz Model

Overview

This S.E. Shires Mike Davis Plus was a standout example of the company’s .508-bore professional jazz trombone. It had seen almost no use beyond play-testing in our shop and remained in flawless factory-new condition.

More importantly, this individual horn played exceptionally well. The handslide was perfect—possibly the best Mike Davis Plus slide we had received up to that point. The instrument spoke immediately, centered easily, and had a beautiful sound with plenty of color and projection.

There is a difference between a model that should be good and an individual instrument that truly stands out. This one stood out.

The Mike Davis Plus Concept

The Mike Davis Plus was designed for players who wanted the quick response and precision of a professional small-bore trombone with a little more breadth and room in the sound. Its .508-inch bore places it directly in the range preferred by many jazz, commercial, studio, and lead players.

This model uses a dedicated Mike Davis leadpipe developed specifically for the instrument. The leadpipe is an important part of the setup, helping the horn respond easily while maintaining a strong and consistent center.

The result is a trombone that feels nimble without becoming lightweight in sound. It can play with warmth and depth, but it also has the clarity and brilliance needed to project through a commercial ensemble.

Exceptional Nickel-Silver Handslide

The handslide is made from nickel silver with a yellow brass end crook, a combination somewhat similar in concept to the classic King 3B. Nickel-silver construction gives the slide a quick, clean response, while the yellow brass crook helps maintain warmth and tonal color.

The narrow right-hand cross brace is reminiscent of the Urbie Green style. It feels comfortable in the hand and contributes to the compact, agile character of the complete instrument.

This particular slide had exceptional alignment and action. It was fast, smooth, and effortless—exactly what a serious jazz player wants from a professional small-bore handslide.

Playing Characteristics

This Mike Davis Plus played easily from the first note. The articulation was clean, the partials centered naturally, and the instrument responded without feeling tight or restrictive.

It had enough body for section playing and melodic solo work, but it could also brighten and project when pushed. The .508 bore gives the player room to shape the sound while retaining the immediacy expected from a serious jazz trombone.

For a player moving between lead, section, commercial, and solo work, this was an especially versatile setup. It did not force the player into one narrow type of sound.

Condition

This instrument was recently produced and had seen very little use other than play-testing in our shop. It remained in flawless factory-new condition with no damage, repair history, or meaningful cosmetic wear.

As an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop, The Brass Exchange inspected and play-tested the complete instrument before it was offered. No service or adjustment was required to improve its performance.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: S.E. Shires
• Model: Mike Davis Plus
• Instrument type: Professional jazz and commercial tenor trombone
• Bore: .508 inch
• Leadpipe: Dedicated Shires Mike Davis model
• Handslide material: Lightweight nickel silver
• End crook: Yellow brass
• Right-hand brace: Narrow-profile design
• Condition when offered: Factory new with minimal play-testing
• Damage history: No damage or repair
• Mouthpiece: Not included

Upgraded Marco Magi Leather Case

Instead of the standard factory case, this instrument included an upgraded black and red Marco Magi leather trombone case handmade in Italy.

The case included removable backpack straps for easier transport and provided excellent protection without giving up the compact profile appropriate for a professional jazz trombone. The black and red color combination also made an attractive match for the instrument.

A Mike Davis Plus That Stood Out

We have handled many S.E. Shires trombones, and not every example of the same model feels identical. This Mike Davis Plus had one of those rare handslides that immediately made the entire instrument feel special.

It combined effortless response, a centered and colorful sound, flawless new condition, and a substantial Marco Magi case upgrade. For a jazz or commercial player looking for a premium .508-bore trombone, this was an exceptional complete package.