✦ Overview
This S.E. Shires TB47 Tenor Trombone Slide was crafted in the original Boston workshop during the early years of the Shires Custom line. Designed for professional players, it features a .547 bore and a bass-style endcrook, a Boston-era custom configuration that produces a noticeably broader and more resonant sound while retaining the feel and balance of a true tenor slide.
The bass endcrook modification provides enhanced depth and warmth, making this TB47 an ideal choice for symphonic, concert band, and chamber applications where projection and tonal richness are desired. This variation is not offered in the current Q-Series production, further adding to its rarity and collector appeal.
This example is pre-owned, single-owner, and exceptionally well maintained. The handslide action is smooth, light, and tension-free, with perfectly straight tubes and no plating defects. Only minimal lacquer wear is visible in contact areas.
Includes three removable leadpipes, offering flexibility across different styles and airflow preferences.
A comparable new Shires Custom Series tenor slide retails for approximately $1,550 in 2025 when purchased factory-direct.
✦ Historical Context
The Boston-era Shires slides were known for their meticulous hand-fitting process. Each component was individually aligned, hand-lapped, and tested for compression using custom-built mandrels. Slides featuring the bass-endcrook configuration, like this one, were built for players seeking a more expansive tonal core and smoother lower response — especially valued in orchestral sections.
Even after production moved under the Eastman umbrella, many professionals continue to prefer these early Boston slides for their handcrafted precision, responsive feel, and distinctive resonance.
✅ FAQ
Q: What makes the TB47 slide unique among Shires tenor slides?
While the TB47 maintains the standard .547 tenor bore, this Boston-made example includes a bass trombone endcrook, which slightly opens the airflow and produces a broader, darker sound without losing tenor focus. It’s a sought-after custom variation rarely seen outside early Boston production.
Q: How does the sound differ from a standard Shires Custom or Q-Series slide?
This TB47 delivers a larger, more symphonic tonal footprint, especially in lower registers, while maintaining excellent clarity. It bridges the tonal gap between a tenor and a dual-bore orchestral setup — a reason many section players still seek this Boston configuration.
Q: Is the TB47 compatible with modern Shires bells and tuning slides?
Yes. All Shires Custom and Q-Series components use the same modular taper system. This slide will fit any current Shires tenor bell and tuning slide combination.
Q: Why are Boston-made Shires slides still so desirable?
Boston-built components were individually crafted by a small team of artisans, ensuring top-tier alignment and response. Many professionals find the feel of these slides unmatched, describing them as more “alive” and flexible compared to modern factory-fitted models.
📌 Archive Reference
This S.E. Shires TB47 Tenor Trombone Slide has been sold and now appears here as part of our Archive of Sold Shires Components, a permanent reference for musicians studying Boston-era craftsmanship and tonal design evolution.
👉 Looking for a similar slide or building a modular Shires setup?
Explore our current Shires inventory 🔎 or contact us ✍️ to discuss trade-ins, component matching, or upcoming arrivals.
