The Shires Q36GR Bass Trombone shown here is an early Q-Series model, featuring the original-style plain engraving. This instrument has a 9.5" gold brass bell paired with traditional independent rotary valves and a gold brass tuning slide, offering slightly darker tonal warmth than standard yellow brass but not as mellow as rose brass.
It includes a .562" straight bore bass trombone handslide in standard weight, with one removable leadpipe.
This horn underwent full shop service, including a professional chemical bath, internal cleaning, slide adjustment, and careful overall inspection to ensure top playability. There are no dents, dings, or trauma, and it has never been damaged. The slide is excellent, with no inner plating loss or wear. While there is some lacquer wear on the bell and a few imperfections on the outer slide, these are minor and purely cosmetic.
One standout feature of this listing is the Marco Magi SR Series Artist Line case in a red/black textured pattern — a premium upgrade from the standard factory case. This case is in gorgeous, like-new condition and includes the shoulder strap, leadpipe pouch, and key for the latches (note: this is not a backpack-style case).
Additional details include a factory silver-soldered thumb rest bar on the valve section receiver, which can be removed if preferred.
A new Shires Q36GR today retails around $4,875 (including case, mouthpiece, and three leadpipes). This pre-owned example included one leadpipe and no mouthpiece.
Previously owned by a professional orchestral player, this Q36GR has a proven performance history and would have made an outstanding first pro-level bass trombone for any advancing musician.
What is the difference between a Shires Q36 bass trombone and a Custom Series bass trombone?
The Shires Q36 bass trombone is part of the Q-Series line, designed to offer professional-level performance at a more accessible price point. Q-Series instruments use standardized components and factory assembly, making them more affordable while still delivering excellent playability and Shires’ signature sound.
By contrast, Shires Custom Series bass trombones are fully modular and made to order in Boston, allowing players to choose from a wide variety of bells, tuning slides, valve sections, handslides, and finishes. Custom Series instruments are hand-assembled and tailored for musicians who want to fine-tune every aspect of their setup to match personal playing style and preferences.
A key advantage is that Q-Series modular components are completely compatible with Custom Series components made in Boston. This means that players have the flexibility to further customize their setup over time, mixing and matching Q-Series parts with Custom Series parts as their needs evolve.
While both lines share Shires’ high standards for build quality and tone, the Custom Series offers maximum flexibility and personalization, whereas the Q-Series focuses on providing a high-value, pro-level horn in a streamlined configuration.
This instrument has now been sold and is featured here in our Archive of Sold Instruments for reference and historical interest. If you’re looking for a similar Shires bass trombone or another pre-owned professional model, contact us. You can also see our current list of all pre-owned trombones in stock here.
