The S.E. Shires Custom Series Dual Bore Tenor Valve Section is one of the most compact and efficient valves ever produced by Shires, designed for responsiveness, clarity, and balance. Featuring a rotary rotor in a dual bore configuration, this valve section is prized for its quick action and easy airflow, making it a personal favorite among professional players.
This particular valve section was identical to the model supplied on the Ralph Sauer Detachable Flare Custom Trombone, one of Shires’ flagship artist designs. Built with precision in the Boston-area workshop, it represents the level of craftsmanship and modular innovation that has made Shires instruments a top choice worldwide.
Fully modular, this valve section is compatible with all Shires 8.0" and 8.5" tenor bells, past and present. It was designed to integrate seamlessly into a custom Shires setup, allowing players to swap components without sacrificing fit or performance.
Condition-wise, this was a single-owner valve in near-new shape, requiring only a chemical bath and basic inspection at the time of arrival. Once serviced, it was as good as new, with action that was smooth, quiet, and airtight. Considering that new Shires rotors retail for over $2,000, this example offered outstanding value to the discerning player seeking a professional upgrade.
FAQ 🤔
Q: What makes the dual bore rotor different from standard Shires valves?
The dual bore rotor design maintains a more open, free-blowing response while still offering the compact feel of a rotary system. Many players describe it as quicker and more efficient than traditional single bore valves.
Q: Is this valve section compatible with modern Shires components?
Yes. All Shires valve sections, including this dual bore model, are fully modular and can be used with both legacy and current production tenor bells and slides.
Q: Why is this valve featured on the Ralph Sauer model?
Ralph Sauer, former principal trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, collaborated with Shires on a detachable flare model. This compact dual bore valve was chosen for its efficiency and balance, reflecting Sauer’s tonal and performance requirements.
This S.E. Shires Custom Dual Bore Tenor Valve Section has been sold and is now preserved here as a historical archive reference for collectors and performers. Looking for current Shires modular valves, bells, or slides? 🔎 Browse available trombones
