The S.E. Shires Custom Medium Bore Tenor Trombone featured here is a rare pre-owned setup from the 1990s, built during the early days of Steve Shires’ workshop. Known for meticulous craftsmanship and modular flexibility, Shires instruments quickly became some of the most respected professional trombones in the world.
This particular trombone included a 2Y 8.5" yellow brass bell with old-style hand engraving, built in the original Shires shop. The bell was standard weight with an unsoldered rim wire, giving it a vibrant resonance comparable to a Conn 88H, but with the unique tonal character of Shires brass. The setup also included a removable modular neckpipe, allowing for compatibility with any current Shires valve section, and a like-new tuning slide and balance weight.
The T25NLW lightweight nickel-silver handslide featured a .525 bore with standard width and one removable leadpipe, designed for a large shank mouthpiece. At only a few years old, the slide was barely broken in, offering smooth, precise action. When tested with a Bach 5G, the horn produced a surprisingly big, open sound, difficult for listeners to distinguish from a true large-bore tenor.
In performance terms, this instrument excelled in first-orchestra, pops, and film score settings, as well as large jazz ensemble work. It bridged the gap between a responsive medium bore and a powerful large bore, offering exceptional flexibility for versatile players. With new Shires configurations like this retailing for $3,500–$3,800 today, this pre-owned setup represented a tremendous value.
FAQ 🤔
Q: What makes early Steve Shires instruments unique?
The earliest Shires builds, like this 1990s example, were handmade in small batches by Steve Shires himself. Collectors and professionals prize them for their engraving style, craftsmanship, and tonal character.
Q: How does a .525 bore compare to .547 large bore?
The .525 bore offers a balance of agility and depth. It plays larger than expected with the right mouthpiece, but retains quicker response and flexibility compared to a full large-bore symphonic horn.
Q: Can this Shires bell and slide pair with other components?
Yes. Thanks to the modular Shires system, this bell, neckpipe, and slide remain compatible with modern Shires valve sections and components, making it a versatile setup for future customization.
This S.E. Shires Custom Medium Bore Trombone has been sold and is now preserved here as a historical archive reference for musicians and collectors. Looking for a similar Shires setup or component? 🔎 Browse available trombones
