Archive Overview
This S.E. Shires Marshall Gilkes Custom .500 tenor trombone represents one of the most sought-after modern small-bore professional designs. Built with a 7.75″ detachable yellow-brass bell flare and threaded screw-bell stem with bronze collar, the MG model combines Shires modular flexibility with Marshall Gilkes’ powerful lead-jazz sound concept.
Despite its .500 bore, this instrument is not lightweight in feel. The threaded collar and standard-weight slide create a centered, energetic response that translates into strong projection and tonal core out front. Players familiar with larger-bore Shires setups often adapt quickly to the MG model because it keeps depth and stability while adding agility and brilliance.
This example featured a two-piece hand-hammered MG taper bell in lightweight yellow brass with traditionally brazed seam and soldered bead, paired with a standard-weight yellow-brass handslide and MG 3.0 leadpipe. In performance, the MG model bridges small-bore jazz flexibility with the tonal authority of a larger tenor, making it ideal for big band lead work, solo performance, studio recording, and modern commercial styles.
Demand for Marshall Gilkes Shires trombones remains consistently high, and new instruments are frequently sold directly through the manufacturer or limited dealer channels. Pre-owned MG models appear rarely and are actively sought by players worldwide.
Detachable Flare / Screw Bell Reference
Many Shires Marshall Gilkes and Custom Series trombones use a detachable flare (screw bell) design. Players often search for both terms, but they describe the same threaded-collar system where the bell flare unscrews from the bell stem. This allows easier airline travel, compact storage in cases like Marcus Bonna detachable-bell models, and the option to swap bell flares while keeping your familiar slide and valve setup.
Detachable-flare trombones are especially popular with touring professionals because the case size is dramatically smaller while still protecting the instrument. Shires modular engineering keeps alignment consistent, so the horn feels the same every time the bell is reattached.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What is a screw bell or detachable-flare trombone?
A screw-bell trombone has a threaded collar allowing the bell flare to be removed for travel or swapping flares while keeping the same setup.
Is a detachable flare the same as a screw bell?
Yes. “Screw bell” refers to the threaded collar; “detachable flare” describes the removable bell section.
Why are Marshall Gilkes Shires trombones so popular?
They combine small-bore agility with strong projection and tonal core, making them ideal for lead jazz, commercial playing, and modern ensemble work.
Why choose a detachable-flare trombone?
It allows compact airline cases, safer travel, and modular flexibility without changing your main instrument feel.
Have a Shires Screw-Bell Trombone to Sell or Trade?
We regularly help players value and sell Shires Marshall Gilkes models, detachable-flare bells, and modular components.
Contact us for a valuation and explore your options ✍️
Many MG owners reach out when upgrading their setup or downsizing a collection, and we’re happy to guide the process from appraisal through consignment or trade-in.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
We’ve been an authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since before the Eastman acquisition, assisting well over 1,000 players in selecting Shires bells, slides, and valve setups. Our archive of photographed Shires components has become a trusted research resource for musicians comparing models and configurations.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This Shires Marshall Gilkes Custom .500 tenor trombone has been sold and is now shown here as a historical reference for collectors and players researching detachable-flare Shires models.
Looking for a similar Shires MG trombone?
👉 Browse our current trombone inventory 🔎
Thinking about selling or trading your Shires trombone or components?
Contact us for a valuation and explore your options ✍️
