Slides Slide models are specified by bore size and crook design. All of the slide tubing is drawn in house to precision tolerances. The slide is then carefully assembled, aligned, and stress relieved to assure a smooth, trouble-free action. Single bore slides: clear sound, can be more articulate than dual bore. B62 = .562 bore bass slide T47 = .547 bore tenor slide with tenor crook: centered sound and feel TW47 = .547 bore tenor slide with wider crook: wider sound and open feel TB47 = .547 bore tenor slide with bass crook: much wider sound and more open feel. Can also be used for a small bass trombone T25 = .525 bore tenor slide TW25 = .525 bore tenor slide with wider crook T08 = .508 bore tenor slide T00 = .500 bore tenor slide T85 = .485 bore tenor slide Dual bore slides: open, somewhat conical sound and feel, require more air, produce larger sound. The first number indicates the bore of the upper leg of the slide; the second number the lower leg. B62·78 = .562-.578 bore bass slide TB47·62 = .547-.562 bore tenor or small bass slide T25·47 = .525-.547 bore tenor slide TW25·47 = .525-.547 bore tenor slide with wider crook T08·25 = .508-.525 bore tenor slide T00·08 = .500-.508 bore tenor slide T85·95 = .485-.495 bore tenor slide Slides with no other markings are standard weight, with a nickel crook, yellow brass tubes, and nickel sleeves. Other options are available, described below: LW = Light Weight: no sleeves, quicker response, more brilliant sound N = Nickel Tubes: brilliant, articulate sound G = Gold Brass Tubes: warmer sound YC = Yellow Crook: warmer, rounder sound and articulations Example: a slide marked TB47GLW (on the left-hand grip) is a single .547 bore slide, with no sleeves, gold brass tubes, and a wide nickel crook in the larger bass trombone bore.

“After the initial purchase, I returned several times to Steve’s shop to try different set-ups. Steve was very patient and methodical in helping me with my selection. At no time did I feel like I was being forced to make a final decision. When I did make a final choice, I knew I could return again if I wasn’t completely satisfied. My slide and valve have been working flawlessly. I haven’t had to return for service yet—my final choice was made in August 2001. The overall workmanship is outstanding. To compare my Shires with the Bach I was playing previously, I’d like to focus on a couple of aspects. First, my Shires is very evenly responsive throughout the range of the instrument, whereas the Bach has certain notes that are stuffy and others that are hyper-responsive. Second, is the great sound of the Shires. It is warmer and darker than my Bach but can still get bright-ish when needed. The sound blends so well with the rest of the Rhode Island Philharmonic section—I play second between two other Shires!” - Joel Gates