Overview
This complete S.E. Shires Ralph Sauer Artist Model tenor trombone was assembled with a detachable rose brass bell flare, dual-bore valve section, yellow brass tuning slide, and TW47LW lightweight nickel-silver handslide. It was a recent-production instrument when offered and included the Shires factory warranty.
The Ralph Sauer model was inspired by the classic Conn 88H that Mr. Sauer played for many years in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Shires design preserves the broad tonal color and familiar response associated with that instrument while adding the precision and modular flexibility of a modern Custom Series trombone.
Looking for a Professional Shires Trombone?
Inventory changes regularly at The Brass Exchange. Explore our current selection of professional, modular, new, and pre-owned trombones available now.
Ralph Sauer Detachable Rose Brass Bell
The signature Ralph Sauer bell flare is made from rose brass and uses a detachable bell connection. Rose brass contributes warmth, depth, and a wide range of tonal color, while the detachable design makes the instrument substantially easier to transport.
The bell was paired with a flat Marco Magi travel case designed specifically for a detachable-bell trombone. This created a practical professional setup for air travel, touring, and players who prefer a more compact case.
Valve and Tuning Slide Configuration
The Ralph Sauer valve section uses a dual-bore design intended to support an open, even response through the F attachment. It was paired with a yellow brass tuning slide for a balanced combination of clarity, warmth, and projection.
This configuration retains the character of the traditional large-bore orchestral tenor while providing the consistency and refined mechanical design expected from a Shires Custom Series instrument.
TW47LW Lightweight Handslide
We especially liked the Ralph Sauer model with the TW47LW handslide. This is a lightweight nickel-silver .547-inch tenor slide that gives the instrument a quick and easy response.
The lighter slide helps the sound speak immediately without making the instrument feel thin or overly bright. With this setup, the trombone played with plenty of color and projection while remaining comfortable and responsive throughout the register.
The TW47LW was new factory stock when included with this instrument.
Playing Characteristics
The complete setup had the broad, colorful character associated with a great Conn-style orchestral tenor, but with the additional clarity and consistency of a modern Shires instrument.
The rose brass bell supplied warmth and tonal complexity, while the lightweight nickel-silver slide made articulation easy and kept the response lively. It could produce a full orchestral sound without requiring the player to work unnecessarily hard.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: S.E. Shires
- Model: Ralph Sauer Artist Model
- Instrument type: Professional large-bore tenor trombone
- Bell: Signature Ralph Sauer rose brass bell flare
- Bell configuration: Detachable
- Valve section: Dual bore
- Tuning slide: Yellow brass
- Handslide: Shires TW47LW
- Handslide material: Lightweight nickel silver
- Handslide bore: .547 inch
- Production era: 2019
- Condition when offered: New stock
- Warranty: Shires factory warranty
Included Equipment
- Case: Marco Magi flat detachable-bell travel case
- Mouthpiece: Included
- Accessories: Included
A Complete Professional Travel Setup
This was more than an individual Shires component combination. It was a carefully assembled complete instrument with a practical detachable-bell travel system.
The Ralph Sauer rose brass bell, dual-bore valve section, yellow brass tuning slide, and TW47LW lightweight handslide worked especially well together. For a professional player seeking an 88H-inspired sound with modern response and easier travel, this was an excellent complete setup.
Explore More Historical Brass Instruments
The Brass Exchange archive documents S.E. Shires Artist Models, Custom Series instruments, modular components, and previously sold professional trombones inspected and play-tested in our shop.