S.E. Shires Q35 Alto Trombone – Shop Certified Open Box

Overview

This S.E. Shires Q35 Alto Trombone is offered here as a Shop-Certified Open Box instrument through The Brass Exchange, an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since 2012.

The instrument originated directly from our own new dealer inventory and was briefly displayed at a recent one-day brass band championship event before returning to our shop. It was not used in active demo rotation and remains in exceptionally clean condition.

Following its return, the instrument was fully inspected, professionally play tested, and prepared for immediate use while retaining full factory warranty coverage through an authorized S.E. Shires dealer.

The Q35 has become one of the most respected modern alto trombones in the Shires Q Series lineup, valued for its nimble response, colorful alto voice, and highly approachable bell-tuned design. Many tenor trombonists transitioning into alto appreciate how compact and balanced the Q35 feels compared with more traditional slide-tuned alto designs.

Key features include:

• 7" two-piece yellow brass bell
• Bell-tuned design for improved balance and resonance
• Lightweight .485 dual-bore slide
• Yellow brass outer tubes
• Nickel silver end crook

The bell-tuning system shifts the balance closer to the player while allowing the bell section to resonate more freely. Many players notice that the instrument feels more agile, more centered, and easier to manage physically during longer rehearsals and performances.

The Q35 is especially popular among tenor trombonists looking for a professional alto trombone that feels natural and efficient in the hands. Rather than feeling like a specialty instrument reserved only for occasional excerpts, the Q35 responds more like a modern professional tool designed for regular performance use.

Each instrument includes:

• S.E. Shires 11C mouthpiece
• Removable leadpipe
• Care kit
• Factory case

This Q35 is fully inspected, shop-certified, and ready for immediate shipment.

Player Perspective

The Q35 offers a highly responsive and refined alto trombone playing experience with quick articulation, centered pitch, secure slotting, and a bright alto voice that still retains depth and warmth.

Compared with more traditional slide-tuned altos, the Q35 feels more compact, balanced, and efficient in the hands. The bell-tuned layout brings the center of gravity closer to the player, something many tenor trombonists immediately notice and appreciate when doubling on alto.

Players often notice:

• immediate response across the register
• clear articulations at soft and loud dynamics
• secure pitch center and slotting
• a lively, colorful alto sound without excessive brightness
• a lightweight feel that remains stable and comfortable during longer sessions

This model works particularly well for:

• solo repertoire
• Baroque and Classical literature
• chamber music
• orchestral alto doubling
• advanced tenor trombonists adding alto to their setup

For many players, the Q35 feels less like a novelty alto and more like a serious professional instrument with modern ergonomics and highly approachable response characteristics.

Alto trombones remain a specialized category within the professional brass world, and clean dealer-certified examples with full factory warranty support do not appear frequently.

Condition Summary

This instrument is offered as Shop-Certified Open Box from our own dealer inventory.

• New instrument with only minimal handling
• Briefly displayed at a recent one-day brass band championship event
• Not played at the event
• Not used in active shop demo rotation
• Fully inspected and professionally play tested
• Clean finish and excellent presentation
• Includes full factory warranty through an authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop

This represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a current-production Shires Q35 alto trombone with the confidence of dealer inspection, professional setup, and full manufacturer support.

Questions Trombone Players Often Ask

What does “Shop-Certified Open Box” mean?

It means the instrument originated from new dealer inventory but may have been opened for inspection, photography, display, or limited handling. This Q35 was briefly displayed at a one-day brass band championship event before returning directly to our shop. It has since been carefully inspected and confirmed to meet full performance standards.

How does the bell-tuning system affect playing?

Bell tuning shifts the balance of the instrument closer to the player while allowing freer bell vibration. Many players notice a more lively response, improved comfort, and a more connected feel throughout the instrument.

Who is the Q35 best suited for?

The Q35 works especially well for advanced students, professional players, orchestral musicians, and tenor trombonists adding alto to their setup. Its compact balance and approachable response make the transition into alto trombone feel much more natural for many players.

Is this instrument ready to play immediately?

Yes. The instrument includes the mouthpiece, leadpipe, care kit, and factory case, and has been professionally inspected and play tested to ensure it is fully performance-ready upon arrival.

Does this instrument include full Shires factory warranty?

Yes. This Q35 includes full factory warranty coverage through an authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop.

Ordering & Fulfillment

Use Add to Cart and secure checkout to complete your purchase.

Orders are typically processed and shipped the same or next business day via FedEx, professionally packed for safe delivery and fully insured during transit.

International buyers are welcome, though we recommend contacting us first for an exact shipping quote so we can arrange the safest and most economical delivery options for your location.

Questions about alto setup, doubling, mouthpieces, or integrating alto into your current playing setup? We are always happy to help players transition into alto trombone with confidence.

Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange

Since 2012, The Brass Exchange has been an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop, helping players select, evaluate, and configure professional trombones with confidence.

Our shop specializes in professional brass instruments with a strong emphasis on player fit, careful inspection, accurate condition representation, and long-term customer support.