📸 Photography From Our Early Archive
These photos were taken during the earlier years of The Brass Exchange and are preserved here to accurately document the instrument as it originally appeared.
The S.E. Shires Custom Tenor Vintage NY Model is one of the most iconic modular designs in the Shires lineup. This outfit pairs a reconditioned Trubore valve section with all-new components, forming a complete, performance-ready setup for orchestral, commercial, or academic players seeking the classic New York tonal palette.
The Vintage NY build centers around the TII 5VNY yellow brass bell (8.5"), which provides color, breadth, and warmth while maintaining excellent projection. The TYX yellow brass tuning slide and TW47 Tenor-Wide handslide with nickel end crook complete the ensemble, offering both stability and flexibility. Two removable leadpipes are included, allowing further customization of resistance and articulation.
Although the valve section is pre-owned and professionally reconditioned, the bell, tuning slide, and handslide are brand new. The Trubore valve section itself comes fitted with thumb-bar mounting hardware; a thumb bar can be fabricated upon request. This modular package was sold with a Marcus Bonna S.E. Shires logo case with backpack straps. Mouthpiece not included.
As of 2025, new S.E. Shires instruments built to these specifications often require 12–18 months of lead time. This complete outfit offered players access to signature Shires performance without factory wait times and at a significant value compared to new pricing.
🛠️ Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop Since 2012
The Brass Exchange has been an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop for over a decade — dating back to the pre-Eastman era. We offer:
Full custom fitting
Access to factory components
New + pre-owned bells, valves, slides, tuning slides, and leadpipes
Expert guidance for modular setups
Trade-ins and upgrades for current Shires owners
❓ Questions Shires Players Often Ask
What makes the Vintage NY configuration unique?
The Vintage NY bell and tuning slide combination emphasizes warmth, density, and a classic orchestral color. It produces a broad resonance that blends well in section work while retaining enough brilliance for solo passages.
How does the Trubore valve compare to other Shires valve options?
The Trubore is known for its exceptionally open feel and seamless low-register response. It retains clarity and consistency through articulations without the resistance bump that some valve designs introduce.
Can Shires modular components be mixed between eras?
Yes. One of Shires’ greatest strengths is its compatibility across generations. A reconditioned valve section can pair exceptionally well with new bells, slides, or tuning slides — often producing combinations not available directly from the factory.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Every S.E. Shires instrument and component we handle is individually evaluated, serviced, and documented. With decades of professional orchestral and commercial experience, we provide expert guidance for both modular setups and full-instrument builds.
✨ This Vintage NY Shires Custom Tenor has been sold and now appears here as a historical reference for players researching Shires configurations and component compatibility.
Own a Shires trombone and considering a component upgrade, full rebuild, or possibly selling your setup? We’re here to help — feel free to contact us anytime.
👉 Browse available Shires trombones, bells, valves, and components 🔎
