Overview
This S.E. Shires Custom Series bass trombone featured a 1G gold brass 9.5-inch bell, TruBore independent valve section pitched Bb/F/Gb/D, dual bore handslide (.562–.578), and a Marco Magi Italian hard case bearing the Shires logo.
The instrument was approximately eight years old and remained in excellent playing condition at the time it passed through our shop.
This configuration represented a fully professional modular Shires setup. The instrument included a factory-installed adjustable thumb rest bar, allowing players to reposition or remove it according to personal preference. Also included were a standard taper gold brass tuning slide and three removable Shires leadpipes, providing flexibility for players seeking to fine-tune response and resistance.
This was a serious Custom Series orchestral bass trombone built around one of the most respected valve systems Shires has produced.
✦ Historical Perspective
Since its founding, S.E. Shires has built its reputation around modular instrument design, allowing professional players to customize nearly every aspect of their trombone setup.
The Custom Series lineup represents the highest level of that philosophy, giving players the ability to select bell alloys, handslides, tuning slides, leadpipes, and valve systems according to their individual preferences.
This example incorporated Shires' TruBore independent valve system, a design developed to maximize airflow and maintain a natural playing feel throughout the valve register. Combined with a 1G gold brass bell and dual bore slide, the configuration reflected the type of setup often favored by orchestral bass trombonists seeking maximum breadth, resonance, and flexibility.
As an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since before the Eastman acquisition, The Brass Exchange has worked extensively with both new and pre-owned Shires instruments and modular components.
✦ Player Perspective
From a playing standpoint, this setup delivered exactly what many professional bass trombonists seek in a modern orchestral instrument.
The dual bore handslide (.562–.578) paired with the TruBore valve system created an exceptionally open feel with very little resistance throughout the valve register. The result was a broad, dark orchestral sound that remained stable and centered across the full range of the instrument.
When pushed, the horn produced the kind of massive wall of sound that great bass trombones are known for—powerful, resonant, and capable of anchoring an entire ensemble.
The 1G gold brass bell contributed warmth and tonal depth. Compared with yellow brass bells, gold brass tends to produce a broader and more complex tonal color with slightly reduced high-frequency overtones.
The slide on this instrument was exceptional: fast, well aligned, and highly responsive. For players performing in orchestra, wind ensemble, studio work, or large jazz ensemble settings, this setup provided the type of foundation sound many professionals strive to achieve.
✦ Understanding Shires TruBore Valves
This instrument featured Shires' TruBore valve system, available exclusively in the Custom Series lineup.
Unlike traditional rotor valves, the TruBore design maintains a straighter airflow path through the instrument, resulting in:
• Extremely open airflow
• Seamless transitions between open and valve notes
• Consistent tone and response throughout the instrument
• Excellent resonance in the low register
Many professional players favor TruBore valves because they preserve the natural resonance of the instrument while maintaining excellent mechanical reliability.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
Since 2012, The Brass Exchange has been an Authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop, specializing in professional trombones, modular components, and player-focused instrument evaluation.
Over the years, we have worked with a wide range of Shires configurations and have helped countless players navigate the differences between Custom Series and Q Series instruments, valve systems, bell alloys, and modular component combinations.
Our Archive of Sold collection serves as a long-term resource for players researching previous Shires configurations and comparing historical setups.
Questions Trombone Players Often Ask
What makes the Shires Custom Series different from the Q Series?
Custom Series instruments are fully modular and built around individual component selection, allowing players to choose bell alloys, valve systems, tuning slides, leadpipes, and handslides according to their preferences.
What are TruBore valves known for?
TruBore valves create a straighter airflow path with very low resistance, producing an open response and smooth transitions throughout the valve register.
Is a dual bore handslide common on bass trombone?
Yes. The .562–.578 dual bore design provides stability and power while maintaining responsive articulation and flexibility.
🔧 Availability & Archive Status
This S.E. Shires Custom Series bass trombone has been sold and is no longer available. Archive of Sold pages are maintained as historical references for players researching professional bass trombone configurations and modular Shires setups.
Inventory changes regularly, and similar Shires bass trombones occasionally become available through The Brass Exchange.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This S.E. Shires Custom Series bass trombone is now part of our Archive of Sold collection and remains an excellent example of a professional modular orchestral setup built around the TruBore valve platform.
Looking for a similar Shires bass trombone? 🔎 Browse our current trombone inventory to view available professional, vintage, and pre-owned instruments.
