This S.E. Shires TB47 Custom Series handslide was built for large bore tenor trombones (.547). Featuring yellow brass standard-weight outer tubes and a nickel silver bass end crook, it combines stability, depth, and projection with the smooth playability that has made Shires handslides a benchmark among professionals. A removable leadpipe is included, allowing players to fine-tune response and feel.
The slide itself is in excellent condition: super straight, smooth, and free of mechanical defects. Only minor lacquer wear on the grip areas is visible, reflecting normal use by its single owner. Performance-wise, it delivers the clean, responsive action Shires is known for.
Historical Note: The Evolution of S.E. Shires
Founded in 1995 by trombonist-technician Steve Shires in Hopedale, Massachusetts, the S.E. Shires Company quickly became recognized as one of the world’s premier hand-crafted brass instrument makers. From the start, Shires emphasized modularity, giving players the ability to mix and match bells, handslides, tuning slides, and valve sections to create their ideal setup.
In 2014, Shires was acquired by the Eastman Music Company, which expanded the operation into a larger Holliston, MA facility while preserving the handcrafted process. Rather than diluting the brand, Eastman supported its growth, allowing Shires to serve more musicians while maintaining its elite standards. Founder Steve Shires remained closely involved during this period, ensuring the company’s hallmark tonal excellence and build quality endured.
Today, S.E. Shires remains a cornerstone of Eastman’s consortium of world-class instrument makers (including Haynes Flutes, Bourgeois Guitars, and Willson Band Instruments). The introduction of the Q Series extended Shires quality to a broader market, but the Custom Series components—like this TB47 handslide—remain the choice of professionals worldwide.
At The Brass Exchange, we have proudly been an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since before the Eastman acquisition. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds of players refine their sound concept with both new and pre-owned Shires components.
This TB47 slide has since been sold and is preserved here in our Archive of Sold Instruments & Components as a reference for players exploring Shires setups.
FAQ 🤔
Q: What does the TB47 designation mean?
A: TB47 refers to a .547 large bore tenor handslide, built in the Custom Series with yellow brass outer tubes and a nickel silver bass end crook.
Q: What is the advantage of a nickel silver crook?
A: Nickel silver provides added stability and projection in the lower register, giving the slide a balanced feel with extra core in the sound.
Q: What condition was this handslide in?
A: Excellent. It was smooth, straight, and free of defects, with only minor cosmetic lacquer wear in the grip areas.
Q: How has S.E. Shires evolved since its founding?
A: Founded in 1995 as an independent shop, Shires joined the Eastman Music Company in 2014, expanding into a larger facility while preserving its modular, handcrafted approach.
Q: Can I trade in or sell Shires components?
A: Yes. The Brass Exchange regularly accepts trade-ins and consignments of Shires parts, helping players upgrade while keeping quality components available to others.
🎯 Thinking about upgrading your Shires setup? Trade in your component here for credit toward your next configuration.
Prefer to sell or consign outright? Learn how ✍️.
Or, explore our current listings of S.E. Shires parts and trombones 🔎.
