This early S.E. Shires tenor bell is a true collectible — a #2G model from the original Massachusetts era, featuring the older style hand engraving. These bells were among the first made by Steve Shires himself, prior to the factory transition and Eastman acquisition.
The bell has an 8.5" flare, Conn-like #2 taper, and an unsoldered rim, giving it the broad, warm tone that made this style a favorite among orchestral and solo players alike. It is a standard weight gold brass bell, freshly overhauled with new lacquer. The bell was never damaged and shows beautifully after being professionally freshened up — both in appearance and playability.
Tonally, this bell offers incredible color, versatility, and projection. It excels in both section and solo settings, especially when paired with a lightweight .547 bore slide or vintage Conn-style handslide.
A Story from the Early Days of Shires Bells
This bell comes from an era when Steve Shires himself was crafting and engraving each bell. The following story was shared with me by the late Newell Sheridan, a respected pro player and longtime Shires dealer:
“I was at a trade show working the Shires booth when a player walked up to Steve and said, ‘I just bought a new bell for my trombone — it’s the exact same model you made for me 10 years ago, but it doesn’t play nearly as well.’
Steve asked, ‘Do you have it with you?’ The guy said, ‘Yeah, right here,’ and handed it to him. Steve looked it over and said, ‘Why, this bell is brand new.’ The player replied, ‘Yeah, I told you — I just got it.’
Steve handed it back and said: *‘You need to play it. You have to train it. The brass has memory and it will play better the more you break it in.’”
That idea — that brass “remembers” and develops through playing — is part of what makes this early bell so special. It has already begun its musical life and is ready to offer decades more.
This item is now part of our Archive of Sold Instruments, shown here as a reference for musicians, collectors, and Shires enthusiasts researching early bells and vintage modular setups.
Want to see what’s currently in stock? Browse available trombones here. 🔎
