Overview
This pre-owned S.E. Shires Custom Series Jazz Trombone represents the type of professional-level instrument that serious players seek when looking for a versatile small-bore trombone capable of handling a wide variety of musical situations.
Built during the original independent Shires period prior to the Eastman acquisition, serial number 3997 dates to an era when Steve Shires still owned and actively worked within the company. Many players specifically seek out these earlier instruments for their connection to the formative years of the Shires Custom Series and the attention to detail that helped establish the company's reputation among professional musicians.
This instrument features a 1YM 7.75" yellow brass bell, yellow brass tuning slide, and TOONLW .500 bore lightweight nickel silver handslide. The result is a responsive professional jazz trombone offering excellent projection, flexibility, and clarity while retaining the craftsmanship and refinement that have made S.E. Shires one of the most respected names in modern trombone manufacturing.
Included with the instrument is one removable leadpipe and a newer Gator ABS-style protective case.
Approximately ten years old, this trombone has been professionally used, properly maintained, and carefully cared for throughout its life. Prior to listing, it received a thorough inspection and play test to confirm proper mechanical function and playing condition. Everything checks out exactly as it should, and the instrument is ready for immediate use.
Condition Summary
Condition is excellent overall and reflects careful ownership and maintenance.
The bell has never been damaged and shows no evidence of prior trauma, creases, significant dents, or major repair work. Original lacquer remains present throughout most of the instrument, with only minor areas of expected lacquer wear in typical contact points such as the hand grip areas and portions of the bell section.
The lightweight nickel silver handslide has been professionally aligned and performs exceptionally well. Inner slide tubes are clean with no plating loss, corrosion, or defects. Slide action is smooth, responsive, and exactly what players expect from a professional Shires instrument.
Mechanically and cosmetically, this trombone presents very well and remains an excellent example of an early pre-Eastman Shires Custom Series jazz model.
Player Perspective
One of the strengths of the Shires system is consistency across the product line.
Players who perform on larger bore Shires tenor or bass trombones often find the transition to a Shires .500 bore jazz model remarkably natural. Slide positions, pitch tendencies, response characteristics, and overall feel share similar design DNA, allowing musicians to move between instruments with minimal adjustment.
Professional players frequently comment on the accuracy of pitch placement throughout the slide positions. Notes tend to center naturally, allowing the player to focus on music rather than constantly making adjustments. This characteristic becomes especially valuable for musicians who regularly move between orchestral, commercial, and jazz settings.
The lightweight slide and compact 7.75" bell provide quick response, excellent articulation, and impressive flexibility. This is not simply a lead trombone. It is a versatile professional instrument capable of handling small group jazz, solo work, big band section playing, lead trombone duties, commercial work, pit orchestra performance, and general freelance use.
Whether used as a primary jazz instrument or as a companion to a larger Shires tenor, this model offers the type of consistency, precision, and musical flexibility that professional players appreciate.
Value Perspective
A new custom-configured S.E. Shires professional small-bore trombone in 2026 can easily approach or exceed the $3,600–$4,000 range depending upon specifications and case options.
This pre-owned Custom Series example delivers the performance characteristics, craftsmanship, and professional pedigree that players expect from the Shires name while representing substantial savings compared to purchasing new.
For advancing students, serious amateurs, educators, and working professionals alike, opportunities to purchase a clean, player-ready pre-Eastman Shires jazz trombone at a significant discount to current replacement cost do not appear every day.
Includes
- S.E. Shires Custom Series Jazz Trombone
- 1YM 7.75" Yellow Brass Bell
- Yellow Brass Tuning Slide
- TOONLW .500 Lightweight Nickel Silver Handslide
- One Removable Leadpipe
- Gator ABS Style Case
Questions Players Often Ask
Is this a professional-level trombone?
Yes. This is a genuine S.E. Shires Custom Series instrument built during the original independent Shires ownership period and designed for serious advancing students, educators, and professional performers.
How does it compare to a new Shires?
The playing characteristics remain very much in line with what players expect from modern Shires instruments. This example offers significant savings compared to a new custom-built instrument while retaining the craftsmanship of the earlier independent Shires years.
What styles of music is it suited for?
Jazz ensemble, lead trombone, section work, solo performance, commercial playing, pit orchestra, church work, recording sessions, and general freelance performance.
Has the slide been serviced?
Yes. The handslide has been professionally aligned and performs exceptionally well with clean inner tubes and smooth action throughout all positions.
🏅 Why Players Trust The Brass Exchange
The Brass Exchange has been an authorized S.E. Shires Pro Shop since 2012, including the pre-Eastman era. We regularly work with Shires Custom small-bore and large-bore instruments, ensuring accurate evaluation, honest representation, and real-world insight into performance characteristics and compatibility.
🛡️ Authorized Shires Dealer • Established 2010
📦 Fulfillment & Availability
This S.E. Shires Custom Series Jazz Trombone is currently available for immediate purchase subject to prior sale.
Orders are professionally packed and shipped via Federal Express with full insurance and tracking provided. Most customers complete their purchase directly through our secure online checkout system for the fastest processing.
Prefer to speak with someone first? We are always happy to discuss the instrument, answer questions, and assist with ordering by telephone.
International shipping may be available depending upon destination and current carrier requirements.
Next Steps
If you have been searching for a professional-level small bore trombone capable of handling jazz ensemble work, lead playing, solo performance, commercial music, and general freelance use, this pre-Eastman S.E. Shires Custom Series deserves serious consideration.
Interested in a trade? The Brass Exchange accepts select trade-ins. ✍️ Simply use the Trade-In Form located next to the Add to Cart section to tell us about your current instrument.
📚Would you like to explore historical S.E. Shires trombones that have passed through our shop over the years? Visit our Archive of Sold Instruments to review previous examples, specifications, photos, and configurations.
Questions about this instrument, configuration, shipping, or trade values? We are always happy to assist.
