Overview
This S.E. Shires BII 2G bass trombone bell section featured a 9.5″ gold brass flare with an unsoldered wire rim. It was in beautiful condition when sold, with no prior damage or repairs and excellent playing response. Clean used Shires bass bells like this are highly sought after, especially as new examples often exceed $1,500.
The BII 2G is one of the most common and versatile Shires bass bell configurations, pairing easily with a wide range of Shires valve and slide combinations in the modular system.
Understanding the BII 2G Model Code
Shires bell designations tell you a great deal about how the bell is built and how it will play.
BII means a Type 2 bell taper.
Type 2 bells have a slightly deeper profile and a faster rate of transition in diameter from the bell stem to the flare. Many players find this taper closer to a Bach-style bell feel, compared with Type 1 bells that have a more gradual transition similar to classic Conn geometry.
2G means:
• 2 → Unsoldered wire rim
• G → Gold brass alloy
Unsoldered rims allow freer vibration and broader resonance, while gold brass adds warmth and tonal depth. Because no LW or M marking appears, this bell is standard weight.
Together, the BII 2G designation describes a centered, warm, versatile orchestral bass bell with strong projection and flexibility.
Player Perspective
The BII 2G sits in a sweet spot for many bass trombonists. It has enough mass for stability but still speaks easily, with the gold brass adding breadth and color without becoming too dark.
Players often choose the BII 2G as an all-around orchestral bass bell. It pairs beautifully with both standard and TruBore valve sections and works equally well in symphonic, wind ensemble, and chamber settings.
The Brass Exchange has been an authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since before the Eastman acquisition, and we’ve helped hundreds of players match Shires bells, slides, valves, and leadpipes into balanced professional setups.
✦ Comparison – BII 2G vs BII 7YM vs B2 1Y
For players researching Shires bass bell options:
• BII 2G: Gold brass warmth with unsoldered rim resonance
• BII 7YM: Medium-weight yellow brass with soldered rim, more focused projection
• B2 1Y: Standard-weight Type 2 yellow brass with soldered rim, classic orchestral stability
Each uses the same basic taper mandrel but varies rim style, alloy, and weight to shape response and tone.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This S.E. Shires BII 2G bass trombone bell has been sold and is shown here as part of our Archive of Sold instruments, preserved as a historical reference for trombonists researching Shires modular components.
👉 Browse our current trombone inventory 🔎
https://thebrass-exchange.com/trombones
Thinking About Selling a Shires Bell or Modular Setup?
Have a Shires bell, slide, or complete modular trombone you’re considering selling, trading, or consigning?
👉 Contact The Brass Exchange for an appraisal or consignment discussion 📌
We regularly help players evaluate Shires components, explain value ranges, and match modular parts with the right next owner.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Our Archive of Sold pages are built from decades of hands-on experience buying, selling, and configuring professional brass instruments. They serve as a verified historical record while helping players understand value, compatibility, and musical feel.
