Historical Overview
The Shires Custom Series TB47 .547 tenor trombone handslide has become one of the most popular large-bore handslides produced by S.E. Shires. Featuring a standard-weight .547-inch bore, yellow-brass outer tubes, nickel-silver oversleeves, and Shires’ larger bass-style nickel-silver end crook, the TB47 is known for its broad sound, excellent response, and versatility.
This pre-owned example was mechanically excellent and performed exactly as a Shires handslide should. The slide action was smooth, fast, quiet, and properly aligned. The inner tubes remained clean with no plating loss, while the outer tubes showed normal cosmetic lacquer wear from professional use. There were no dents, dings, or signs of previous repair work.
One new factory Shires all-brass leadpipe was included with the handslide at the time of sale. The original buyer was offered a choice of a #2, #2L, or #2.5 leadpipe.
This handslide has been sold and is preserved here as part of The Brass Exchange Archive of Sold Instruments.
Features & Specifications
- Manufacturer: S.E. Shires
- Series: Custom Series
- Model: TB47
- Component Type: Large-bore tenor trombone handslide
- Bore: .547 inch
- Construction: Standard weight
- Outer Tubes: Yellow brass
- Oversleeves: Nickel silver
- End Crook: Bass-style nickel silver
- Compatibility: Shires large-bore tenor valve sections
- Included at Time of Sale: One new factory Shires all-brass leadpipe
- Leadpipe Options Offered: #2, #2L, or #2.5
Condition at Time of Sale
This Shires TB47 was in very good pre-owned condition.
Mechanically, the handslide was excellent. Slide action was exceptionally smooth, fast, quiet, and properly aligned. The inner tubes were clean and showed no plating loss.
Cosmetically, the outer tubes, braces, and cork barrels displayed normal lacquer wear and light surface oxidation consistent with professional use. These cosmetic signs of use did not affect slide performance, alignment, response, or compression.
This was an honest professional handslide that had been well cared for and was fully player-ready at the time of sale.
Inspection & Playing Condition
This TB47 arrived at The Brass Exchange in player-ready condition and required no additional shop work before it was offered for sale.
Following inspection and play testing, the handslide was confirmed to be mechanically sound, properly aligned, and performing as intended.
Not every pre-owned instrument or component requires restoration. When a professional component arrives in excellent playing condition, preserving and accurately documenting that condition is often the appropriate approach. This TB47 was an excellent example of a well-maintained Shires handslide.
Playing Characteristics
The TB47 has earned a strong reputation among professional players for its combination of quick response, broad sound, and excellent projection. The larger bass-style nickel-silver end crook contributes additional warmth and depth while retaining the flexibility expected from a professional .547-inch tenor handslide.
Used in orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber, and commercial settings, or as part of a modular Shires setup, the TB47 offers the balanced response and tonal versatility that have made it one of the company’s best-known handslide designs.
Historical Notes
What leadpipe was included?
One new factory Shires all-brass leadpipe was included at the time of sale. The original buyer was offered a choice of a #2, #2L, or #2.5 leadpipe.
Why does the TB47 use a bass-style end crook?
The larger nickel-silver end crook contributes to a broader and warmer tenor sound that many players prefer for orchestral and large-ensemble playing. The additional depth and tonal breadth are defining characteristics of the TB47 design.
What Shires trombones accept the TB47?
The TB47 was designed for compatibility with Shires large-bore tenor valve sections and may be used as a replacement or alternate handslide within many Shires modular setups.
Had this handslide been repaired?
No evidence of previous repair work was observed. The inner tubes remained clean with no plating loss, and the handslide was properly aligned at the time of sale.
Historical Archive Notice
This component has been sold and is no longer available for purchase. This page is maintained as a historical reference for musicians, collectors, researchers, and owners comparing Shires trombone components.
Specifications, condition observations, included accessories, and playing impressions describe this individual handslide at the time it was offered by The Brass Exchange. They should not be assumed to apply to every Shires TB47 handslide.
Shires Trombone Owners & Component Research
Are you researching Shires trombones, handslides, or other modular components? We would like to hear from you. Contact The Brass Exchange or explore additional instruments and components in our Historical Archive of Sold Instruments.
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