The S.E. Shires TII 5VNY bell is one of the most coveted components in the Shires lineup, designed for players who want the broad taper and tonal color of the Vintage New York-style Bach 42 combined with the precision and consistency of modern Shires manufacturing.
This bell is one-piece yellow brass with an 8.5″ flare and is fully compatible with all Shires Custom-Series and Q-Series .547-bore tenor trombone valve sections.
This particular bell was originally purchased new by a Shires artist at the factory and later traded in at The Brass Exchange as a separate component.
It was not B-stock or factory-second, and it remained in excellent condition.
Only a few tiny stand or mute dings — barely visible and not photographable — were present.
The lacquer finish was outstanding, and the bell retained the supple, vibrant response for which Shires is renowned.
The TII bell taper is broader through the throat than the Shires Type I, producing a richer core with more warmth and color while maintaining excellent projection.
Combined with the Vintage New York alloy and tempering, it delivers a tone that many players describe as supple and colorful, yet stable and focused — a blend highly prized by orchestral players and also appreciated for solo, chamber, and crossover work.
As of 2025, a new Shires Custom-Series Vintage New York tenor trombone sells for over $5,800, while the TII 5VNY bell alone retails for about $1,550.
Finding a pre-owned example in this condition represents a significant savings for players seeking a top-tier upgrade.
This S.E. Shires TII 5VNY bell has been sold and is now presented here in our Historical Archive as a reference for players, collectors, and anyone researching Shires component values and characteristics.
🟩 Research-Style FAQs
Q: What does “TII 5VNY” mean?
A: TII denotes Shires’ Type II bell taper, broader at the throat than Type I. 5 refers to the bell-mandrel profile similar to classic New York-era Bachs. VNY specifies the Vintage New York alloy and tempering, chosen to emulate the warmth and color of mid-20th-century Bach 42 bells.
Q: How does the TII 5VNY compare to a standard Type I Shires bell?
A: Type II bells offer a richer, more colorful core with a slightly rounder response, while Type I bells have a leaner, more direct sound. Many orchestral players favor the TII 5VNY for its breadth and tonal depth.
Q: Which tuning slide pairs best with the TII 5VNY bell?
A: While it works well with the standard TY-taper slide, many players prefer the X-taper for its quicker transition and enhanced color. Both yellow- and gold-brass X-slides complement this bell’s tonal profile.
Q: Is this bell compatible with my current Shires trombone?
A: Yes — it fits any Shires Custom-Series or Q-Series valve section designed for .547-bore tenor trombones.
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