Overview
This S.E. Shires TB47CR tenor trombone slide represents a rare factory-built configuration originally custom ordered by a professional player. The CR designation indicates a Conn receiver, allowing the slide to fit Conn-style bell sections such as the Conn 88H rather than a standard Shires receiver.
Most examples of Shires handslides were built around the company's own receiver system, making this Conn-compatible version considerably less common. Based on the period of production, this slide was most likely built when Steve Shires still owned the company.
Because of its design, the slide is ideally suited for Conn 88H players seeking a professional-level replacement or upgrade while maintaining compatibility with their existing bell section.
The slide follows the TB47 design, which incorporates a wider slide profile and bass-style end crook. This configuration allows greater airflow through the instrument and produces a broader tonal character than many standard Conn handslides.
For players seeking a unique upgrade path for a Conn 88H, this rare Shires factory configuration offered both exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding performance.
✦ Historical Perspective
One of the strengths of the S.E. Shires Custom Series has always been the ability to create specialized configurations tailored to the needs of individual professional players.
While most Shires slides were designed to fit Shires bell sections, custom-order variations occasionally appeared that allowed compatibility with instruments from other manufacturers. The TB47CR is an example of that philosophy in practice.
By pairing a Conn receiver with the TB47 handslide design, Shires created a slide that offered modern build quality and expanded airflow characteristics while maintaining compatibility with one of the most popular large-bore tenor trombones ever produced—the Conn 88H.
Configurations like this remain uncommon on the secondary market and are seldom encountered compared with standard production Shires slides.
✦ Player Perspective
From a playing standpoint, the TB47CR slide delivered a noticeably larger and more open feel than many traditional Conn slides.
The TB47 bass-style end crook increased airflow through the slide and helped produce a broader tonal center, particularly in the middle and low registers. At the same time, the slide maintained excellent clarity, articulation, and response throughout the instrument's range.
Because the slide profile is slightly wider than a traditional Conn handslide, many players describe the feel as more modern while still preserving compatibility with Conn-style bell sections.
For Conn 88H players looking for a meaningful upgrade, this type of slide can significantly alter response, projection, and overall playing feel while retaining the familiar characteristics of the original instrument.
🏅 Since 2012 — Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop
The Brass Exchange has been an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since before the Eastman acquisition and has worked with professional players, educators, orchestral musicians, and collectors throughout the United States and internationally.
Over the years we have handled a wide range of Shires Custom Series and Q Series instruments, modular bell sections, handslides, valve sections, leadpipes, and specialty components. This experience allows us to evaluate unusual configurations such as this TB47CR slide and explain how they differ from standard production models.
Our Archive of Sold collection serves as a long-term resource for players researching historical Shires configurations, rare components, and professional-level customization options.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
Will this slide fit a standard Shires bell section?
No. This slide uses a Conn receiver (CR) and was designed specifically for Conn-style bell sections such as the Conn 88H. It will not fit a standard Shires receiver.
Was this a factory Shires configuration?
Yes. This TB47CR slide was originally built by S.E. Shires as a custom factory configuration for a professional player.
How does the TB47 design differ from a standard Conn slide?
The TB47 incorporates a wider slide profile and a bass-style end crook, allowing greater airflow and producing a broader tonal center while maintaining excellent response.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This S.E. Shires TB47CR tenor trombone slide has been sold and is no longer available. Archive of Sold pages are maintained as historical references for players researching rare components, custom configurations, and professional-level upgrades.
Similar Shires components occasionally become available, although custom Conn-compatible slides such as this are encountered infrequently.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This S.E. Shires TB47CR trombone slide is now part of our Archive of Sold collection and remains an interesting example of a rare factory-built custom configuration designed specifically for Conn 88H compatibility.
Looking for Shires trombones, components, or replacement parts? 🔎 Browse our current trombone inventory and explore available Shires parts and accessories currently in stock.
Own a Shires bell, slide, valve section, leadpipe, or complete instrument you may be considering selling? ✍️ Contact us for a valuation and explore your options.
