S.E. Shires Company

Because an airtight valve is essential to quick response and centered feel in all registers—and many valve options on the market do not meet our pressure-test standards—S.E. Shires chooses to produce all of our valves in house. We thoroughly test for tight fit and perfect action at every stage of manufacture.

All S.E. Shires bells are handcrafted in our factory using traditional techniques. Shires bells—known for their rich sound, easy response, and incredible projection—benefit from Steve’s decades of experience as a bell spinner and designer.

Our slide tubing is drawn in house to precise tolerances. Our slides are then carefully assembled, aligned, and stress relieved to assure the smooth, trouble-free action that has become the hallmark of S.E. Shires trombones.

S.E. Shires trombone tuning slides are engineered with a unique, smooth, double-radius design. They combine the best characteristics of single- and double-radius tuning slides in terms of timbre, response, and intonation. Tuning slide models are specified by letters indicating instrument type, material, taper, and whether the slide crook is seamed or unseamed.

The leadpipe is the first point of contact with the player after the mouthpiece. It plays an important role in determining the overall feel and sound of the instrument. The diameter of the venturi, the material of the pipe and its length all have a significant effect on the instrument's playing characteristics.