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New for 2007! Type 7 and 8 bells are two-piece bells constructed
in a thoroughly innovative manner that follows closely the graduations
of metal thicknesses found in one-piece bells. Our exclusive construction
process for these bells results in the even response associated with
two-piece bells, combined with the articulation and sound characteristics
of one-piece bells.
At this time, type 7 and 8 bells are available only on tenor trombones.
All S.E. Shires bells are made by hand in our factory. They are labeled
(underneath the tuning slide receiver facing inside) beginning with
a number and a letter, indicating the bead (rolled end of the bell)
construction and alloy:
- 1 or 7 = soldered bead: favors pointed articulations and
centered sound.
- 2 or 8 = unsoldered bead: favors broad, somewhat diffuse
sound and softer, more covered articulations.
- R = Red Brass: 90% Copper, 10% Zinc. Warm, rich sound with
complex overtones, allows for a wide range of colors at different
dynamics.
- Y = Yellow Brass: 70% Copper, 30% Zinc. Clear, pure sound
with strong fundamental, keeps a very consistent tone color and overtone
structure throughout the range of dynamics.
- G = Gold Brass: 85% Copper, 15% Zinc. Combines many of the
characteristics of yellow and red brass for a very balanced and flexible
sound.
Other numbers and letters after the first two signify a variety of options
and are sometimes combined.
- LW = Light Weight: Very resonant and brilliant with quick, easy response.
- M = Medium Weight: Slightly lighter than standard.
- HW= Heavy Weight: Holds together very well at loud dynamics, can require more effort to play.
- T7 = Treatment 7: Thinned in flare, for some players provides easier response than standard.
- T3 = Treatment 3: Work hardened, for slightly quicker response and brighter sound.
- A1, A2 = Annealing (heat) treatments, soften the metal, for a warmer, somewhat less centered sound.
Markings specific to tenor trombone bells:
The standard diameter at the tenor trombone bell bead is 8½ inches. Other diameters are indicated after the other markings. 7½, 7¾ and 8 inch bells are available. Small bore bells are marked with an S.
- VE = Vintage Elkhart. The 2RVE and 2RVET7 are two of our most popular bells, based on the classic Elkhart models of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.
Markings specific to bass trombone bells:
S.E. Shires bass trombone bells are available in two flare dimensions, indicated before the other markings. If nothing is indicated, it is a BI flare.
- BI = compact flare: strong core and easy projection.
- BII = wide flare: very broad sound.
Bass trombone bell flares have a standard bead diameter of 9½ inches. 10 and 10½ inch diameters are also available and are indicated by a number at the end of the other markings.
Examples:
- 2RLWT7 is a red brass, lightweight tenor bell with an unsoldered bead that has been thinned further in the flare, in the standard 8½ inch diameter.
- BII 1Y 10 is a yellow brass bass bell with a soldered bead, a wide flare and a 10 inch diameter.
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“It’s rare that a trombone at first try feels totally great, and if it does, that feeling usually wears off. The Shires trombone has always, from the very first moment, given me great satisfaction in all types of playing, whether it be orchestra, chamber music or solos, and still does. It is a wonderful instrument.” - Norman Bolter
“I’m thrilled because this is one of those rare instruments that actually exceeds expectations! I hadn’t planned to buy a new horn, but this played so much better that the decision was easy. After playing it for a couple of weeks I went back and tried my old horns and it was a revelation at how easier it is to produce the results I want.” - David Carter
“I’ve have owned my Shires symphonic tenor for three years now and I’m proud to say that this instrument is by far the most outstanding trombone I have ever played. The versitiliy, even response in all registers, and the options given to change my sound for different environments, makes Shires a world class trombone worth the investment.” - Dean Dukes
"I just wanted to let you know that I just finished up a big recording project for a Latin artist and used both the .500 bore tenor and the stacked bass. This is about my 11th project with this producer and he (a guitarist) asked what I've been taking to make my sound so much more "fat" on the bass. Then on the tenor overdubs he was blown away. Thanks again for a great product." - Dean McCarty |
