S.E. Shires Company

New Orleans Jazz Artist / Freelance Trombonist

"The horn feels good in my hands and sounds rich and soulful. In addition to playing great, it looks beautiful. What a wonderful instrument."

Small Bore - S2R 8"-T08
Tenor - 2RVET7-TruBore-T47N
Bass- B I 2RGLW / B62-78N dependent TruBores

Assistant Professor of Trombone-Oberlin Conservatory

“This horn provides the ease and comfort I expect in an instrument I play daily.  The consistency of sound through all registers with the ability to easily project is very attractive to me.  Lastly, articulation is important to me, and with this  horn I feel like I can always find clear and centered attacks."

Tenor Model: TBSCA

NYC Freelance Latin Commercial Trombonist

Small Bore - Michael Davis Model
Small Bore - S1YLW 7.75-T00NLW

NYC Jazz Trombonist

Small Bore - S1YM T7-T08

Hartt School, Associate Professor of Trombone       

Manhattan School of Music, Trombone Faculty 

Tenor: 2YLW T8 / Axial / TG / TW47G 

"Shire's craftsmanship translates into a slick, modern, and elegant instrument. In any language, that's unparalleled quality."

Professor of Trombone, The Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver / Artist/Teacher, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Yale University

Tenor - 2R - Axial - TB47 2SHN
Bass - BIY - Dual Axial - B62YC

Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University 

Tenor: TBRS with TW47G handslide

Bass Trombone, Philadelphia Orchestra 

"I love playing my new Shires Bollinger Model trombone. It's got just the right balance of power and response. It's the most satisfying trombone I've ever played."

Blair Bollinger Signature Model

Composer / Conductor / Trombonist / Educator

"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."

Tenor - 2RVET7 - Rotor - TW47G

Trombonist / Teacher / Clinician 

Tenor: TBQ30GA

"I have been a huge fan of Steve Shires through the years.  It is an honor and pleasure to be playing the S.E. Shires Q Series Model Q30GA.  I particularly enjoy the resonance of the horn and the axial-flow valve allows for a very natural flow of air in changing registers.  The Q-Series horns are an excellent alternative to the custom horns, offering a very reasonable price for the value offered."

Principal Trombone, Rochester Philharmonic 

Alto-A7GLW-A85 hand slide 

Tenor- 7GLW-TW47-TY-Tru bore Valve 

NYC Freelance Low Brass Player / Instructor

"Easier, faster, higher, lower—just flat out better than the best horn I had previously ever been able to find."

Small Bore - S1YM 7.75 - T00
Small Bore - S2GM 8 - T08
Tenor - 2RVE 8" - Trubore - T25
Bass - BI 1Y - Trubore - B62

Co-Principal Trombone, Pittsburgh Symphony

Artist Lecturer in Trombone, Carnegie Mellon Institute

"I have been playing Shires trombones for 30 years ever since I purchased Steve's very first horn.  Steve has the vision and ear of an artist which are essential in creating such fine instruments.  Short of playing themselves, Shires play easily, with focus top to bottom, but most importantly the sound is warm and flexible. I only regret waiting too long to purchase my Shires alto trombone.   Both of my solo CDs are recorded on Shires alto and tenor horns."

Trombonist (bass/tenor) with Novus and Alarm Will Sound /  Professor of Trombone, Dickinson and Messiah Colleges

"Each of my Shires trombones allows me the flexibility to produce timbres that blend with a trombone just as well as a flute or violin. Shires trombones are the backbone of my work."

Small Bore - S7YLW 7.75, T00LW slide
Tenor - 2YM bell, gold brass tuning slide, axial flow
Bass - BI 7YM, gold brass tuning slide, trubore valves, daual bore slide

Bern Symphony Orchestra, Bass Trombonist / Budapest Festival Orchestra, Bass Trombonist / Geneva Conseratory-Switzerland, Professor of Bass Trombone

"Shires makes by far the most versatile and reliable bass trombone I have played. It is an absolute joy to play!"

Shires Model - B II 1Y Bell, Single Bore slide (B 62), B Gold Brass Tuning Slide, 2 Leadpipe, Axial Flow Valves

St. Louis Commercial / Classical Freelancer

Professor of Trombone, Frost School of Music & University of Miami

"I had been looking for a long time for a trombone that helped me find a clear, rich, and warm sound; flexible and not overly cumbersome. I have happily found this is my Shires trombone!"

Tenor - 7YLWTY - DB TW47

Jazz Trombonist

Bass Trombone, New York Philharmonic

Bass - George Curran Model

Utah Symphony, Principal Trombone

Tenor - Model TBSCA

International Jazz Soloist / Educator

"...this trombone is without question, the finest instrument I have ever played."

MD Model
MD + Model

Associate Professor of Music at Concordia College (Moorhead, Minn.), Principal Trombone of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony

Tenor: 2YM bell / Trubore

Playing a Shires allows me to achieve my most vibrant, responsive, colorful sound with a consistency of tone, articulation, and intonation that is unparalleled. 

 

Principal Trombone, Hartford Symphony / Principal Trombone, Springfield Symphony

Tenor - TII 7YMT7-Axial-TW47GLW LP-3, Vintage Elkhart Nickel
Alto - Alto Trombone with Bb Valve

Rhode Island Philharmonic / Orchestra of Indian Hill

Large-Bore Tenor - S.E. Shires Chicago Model

Solotrombone, Bergen Fislharmoniske Orkester

7YGM - Axial - Tru-bore - TB47

Trombone Professor, Arizona State University

"I have been relying on my Shires tenor trombone for both solo and orchestral work since the late 1990's. I played through all the material of my books (Lip Slurs, Trombone Craft, Lip Slur Melodies, etc) on my Shires as I was writing them. In a way, that wonderful instrument contributed to my creative process all along." 

Model: Shires Tru-Bore with a 2YLW T8 Bell

Instrumental Director and Leader, Foundry Big Band

Band Director at Castle High School, Newburgh, Indiana 

TBMD

"After playing and owning all the different trombones in my lifetime, I have truly found my horn.  Michael Davis told me that once I played this horn, I would never go back. Wow was he correct!"

Bass Trombone, San Francisco

BII 7GM, In-line Tru-bore, B62 / 78

Air Force Band, San Antonio

"I've played Shires Trombones since 2000 and they have always met the demands of my job and freelancing career.  These instruments are a true joy to play!" 

Bass - BI 1YHW - Axial - B62.78L
Tenor - 1G - Axial - TB47.62L

Principal Trombone, Alabama Symphony

"The Shires Alto and Tenor Trombones have raised the bar! The expressive qualities, tonal spectrum, and ease of playing has enabled a new level of music making."

Alto - A7GLW, Rotor, A85/95N
Tenor - 5GLW - Tru-bore - TW47

NYC Jazz Trombonist

Small Bore: S1RGLW8 / T08NLW

“My Shires is hands down the most responsive trombone that I have ever played.  The way it is able to retain its full tone throughout the most extreme registers and dynamics is unprecedented.”

Associate Principal Trombone, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Trombone Faculty, University of Toronto

Tenor - 7YM - Axial- TB47

University of Redlands

1Y bell, dual bore rotor, T47 slide

“The Shires trombone is the ideal horn for me to make the sound in my mind a reality in any setting.”

Mariinsky Theater Brass Ensemble

Tenor - 7YGLW - Tru-bore - B62NLW

Bern Symphony Orchestra, Bass Trombone / Formerly Zurich Opera, Bass Trombone

Bass - BII 2YM, Axial Flow Valves, B62 Single Bore Slide

"My Shires trombone sounds the best in the places where I work with the orchestra, whether it be the pit for opera, or onstage for a symphony concert, it just has the right sound that works with the other instruments."

Bass Trombonist-SVK Band, Houston Freelancer

"The quality and craftsmanship of my horn is unparalleled. I have searched for a setup that is versatile in all genres and this horn fits the bill. Every note in every register is responsive and vibrant at any dynamic level. This horn is a real treat to play!!"

Bass - BI 7YLW - Dependent Tru-bore with Nickel Tuning Slide - B62/78 with Brass 2.5 Leadpipe

Trombone Soloist and Educator, Yale University

Associate Principal Trombone - Utah Symphony

Tenor - TBCH Chicago Model

I love the easy, warm, rich sound this horn can produce  as well as the vast array of other colors available. 

Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra

Model: 5GVNY / TB47YC handslide

Professor of Music, Tennessee Tech University

Alto - A7YLW-Rotor-A85/95N
Tenor - 5GMT8 - Tru-bore - TW47
Bass-BII 7GM - Tru-bore - B62

Bass Trombone, Atlanta Symphony

Bass - BII 7YM Bell - In-line Axial Flow Valves - B62-78 Slide - BGB Tuning Slide - B2L Leadpipe

Freelance Trombonist and Educator, Chicago, Illinois

Tenor - 2RVE - Tru-bore - TW47

Principal Trombone, Oulu Symphony

Alto- TBSALTSC-Shires Custom Alto Trombone

Small Bore Tenor-TBMD-Michael Davis Model

Tenor Trombone-TBVNY-Vintage New York

"Let Shires play you"

Principal Trombonist, Spokane Symphony Orchestra

Triton Brass Quintet / International Freelance Musician

Alto - A7YLW - Rotor - A85/95N
Tenor - 7YLW - Tru-bore - TW47
Bass - BII 7YLW

Associate Professor, Georgia College and State University

2YM, Axial Flow, T25-47 Dual Bore, MT2

Assistant Principal Trombone, The Cleveland Orchestra

Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium, East Carolina University

Tenor Trombone: TBCH with dual-bore valve

"My Shires gives me the ability to be at home in any genre with its unparalleled consistency and evenness of sound through the registers. Whether playing in an orchestra, chamber music, or in a solo setting, my horn creates as many tonal colors as I can imagine."

Assistant Professor of Applied Trombone / Director of Jazz Studies - Southeast Missouri State University. 

Alto - A1YM - A85/95N 

Small Bore - TBMD Michael Davis Model

Tenor - 7GM - Tru-bore -Seamed TS - TW47

"By far, Shires Trombones are the best trombones I have ever played! Regardless, if I am playing Classical, Jazz, Commercial, or Funk, the consistency and versatility of these instruments is incomparable." 

Principal Trombone, Oregon Symphony

Tenor: 7YLW / T47

Alto: A8YLW bell / A85-95N

"Having played and heard many other makers of trombones, I've found that no other horns are as colorful and versatile as S. E. Shires'. I feel that Shires trombones can be made to do everything that the orchestral and solo repertoire demands without compromise. I believe that in today's orchestral world flexibility and control are more important than ever, and I feel that Shires horns are best at providing a sense of those two things." -Casey Jones

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Bass Trombone

"Shires can create a variety of colors of sound compared to other instruments, it is the best instrument."

Model: Bollinger with Tru-Bore Valves

Sub-Principal Trombone, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Tenor: Vintage Elkhart

"I’ve spent years looking for a modern instrument of the highest quality, that still retains the warmth and musical range of an Elkhart 88H. My search is now over: this trombone is the one.”

Bass Trombone, Novus Trombone Ensemble

Sub-Principal Trombone, Philharmonia Zurich

"I really like to play this trombone, because it has such a huge and colorful sound throughout all  registers."

Bass Trombone, Rhode Island Philharmonic and Vermont Symphony/Educator, Boston University

Bass - BII 7GM - Tru-bore - BYC - B62

Principal Trombone, San Francisco Symphony (Ret.) / Chairman of Brass, The Colburn School /  Professor of Trombone, Music Academy of the West

Tenor - 5YVNY - STD Rotor - TW47L

Second Trombone, Memphis Symphony

"This instrument is unparalleled in ease of communicating what is in my head in terms of sound concept, articulation, and musical gesture. Beautifully responsive and colorfully resonate."

7YLW, TYS, Axial flow valve, TW47LW

Principal Trombone, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra

Tenor - Chicago Model Bell: T2 5GM Slide: Light weight 562 slide
Bass Trombone Axial Flow Bell: B2 1G Slide: 562-578
Alto: A7YLW Slide: A85 / 96N

Professor of Trombone, Boston University 

7YLW Bell / T47  / TruBore / TYS / 2SS

“The Shires for me, is the best trombone. The sound is amazing, having enough core that blends evenly into a resonance and presence like no other!”

Mark L. Lusk

Professor of Trombone, Penn State University

"I have always believed in trying to set the best example possible for my students on the instrument they are playing, whether it be their large or small bore tenor, or their bass. The quality and consistency of the Shires Trombones makes this more possible than ever before."

Solo trombone Orquestra Amazonas Filarmônica, Manaus Brazil

Alto: TBALTSC

Tenor: TBSCA with detachable flare

Bass: TBBSCA with detachable flare 

Assistant Professor of Trombone- University of North Carolina at Charlotte

“I knew instantly that this horn was different than anything I have ever tried before. Immediate response, resonant tone, and ease in all registers with great balance. This instrument is perfect for all my performing needs.”

Tenor - TII7YLWA5 Screwbell, Axial, TW47G

Bass - TBQ36

Professor of Trombone, The University of Southern Mississippi

"I have been playing my S.E. Shires trombone since 1999.  It has been my companion throughout my college years and into my professional life-and it is still as easy and fun to play now as it was nearly 20 years ago!  Evenness of sound and a plethora of colors at my disposal continue to make this horn my primary vehicle for musical expression."   

Tenor- 1G / Axial Flow / TB47 / TY

Trombonist, U.S. Coast Guard Band 

Tenor - 1GMT7 - Tru-bore - TW47G

Freelance Trombone, NYC

Trombonist, The United States Air Force Band, Washington, DC 

"I love playing my Shires trombone. The quality of its design and craftsmanship allows me to focus on the music. Kudos to the whole S.E. Shires team for producing such a wonderful instrument."

Shires Custom — 7YGLW bell, rotor valve, TYS tuning slide, T47 slide

Bass Trombone-Chicago Lyric Opera

Bass Trombone-Grant Park Music Festival

Associate Professor of Trombone - Central Washington University
Principal Trombone - Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Oregon East Symphony
Trombone Instructor - Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Tenor: Model TBSCA 

"I have never loved a trombone in quite the same way that I love this instrument.  I have found astounding ease in both production of sound and response of articulation, which has allowed me the artistic freedom to get to the business of making music.  From heavy orchestra programs and concerti performances, to solo recital programs . . . from chamber orchestra concerts to brass quintet tours, this instrument simply responds effortlessly to the demands of the jobs I am regularly asked to do."

Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra

George Curran Model Bass Trombone

Trombone, Pittsburgh Symphony

“When I first tried Shires trombones, I was looking for warmth, color, resonance and ease of play as well as power and projection. I found this in a Shires trombone and decades later continue to be happy with its seemingly limitless spectrum of possibilities in all walks of music.”

Alto - A7YLW - A85/95
Tenor - TII 7YM A5 - Axial Flow- TB47L
Tenor - 7YLW 8" - T25NLW
Bass - BII 7YM - Axial Flow - B62L

Professor of Trombone, Columbus State University

"I find the ease of tone production, resonance and purity of sound to be ideal. The instrument is great for me in solo settings, in the orchestra, the faculty brass quintet and all of my other performing outlets."

Tenor - 7YLW - Rotor - TW47

Principal Trombone, Principal Trombone Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra

Tenor - 7YLW - TW47 - Rotary Valve - TG Tuning Slide
"Power, easier and fast response. The best option for my work. When I play my Shires Tenor Trombone, I feel like the sound is projecting all around the hall. It is great."

Bass Trombone, Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Model: Bass - BII 7YA5, B62-78YC, B2.5 Leadpipe, Light-Weight Axial-flow Valves, 

Bass Trombone Suzhou Symphony Orchestra

BII 1G, Bass Axial Flow Valves, B62.78 slide, BYB tuning

Trombone Teacher, Merit School of Music, Chicago, IL

TBVNY

"I love Shires because when one of my students goes to try out a custom Shires, they are able to try out many different options with specific and consistent results that will allow them to find their new sound.  Plus, everyone at the company has been awesome to work with!"

Principal Trombone, Medellin Philharmonic Orchestra

Tenor - 7GM - Tru-bore - T47L
Alto - A7YW - A85

Principal Trombonist, Milan Verdi Symphonic Orchestra

Assistant Principal Trombone, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

7GYM Bell, TW47, Axial Flow Valve, TG

"When I first played a Shires trombone, it felt like striking gold. Years later, I still love my horn. The consistency of sound is balanced very nicely with ease of color-change. Whatever I want to do, the horn works with me, rather than against me."

Jazz Trombonist

Tenor - 7YGM - Gooseneck - TW47LW

"The flexibility and energy of Steve's designs have challenged & encouraged me towards a more expansive approach towards brass playing and sound generation as a whole. A very deep and formidable range of instruments."

Instructor of Trombone, University of Connecticut (UConn) Trombone Faculty, The Hartt School Community Division

TW47 Slide, X Tuning Crook, Trubore Valve, 7G Bell

“Whether I’m playing a show tune or a Mahler Symphony, my Shires trombone gives me the versatility to play with a variety of colors, appropriate for any style or situation.”

Title - Assistant Professor of Trombone and Euphonium, Texas Lutheran University

Model: 1G / TB 47YC / Axial Valve

The quality and craftsmanship that goes into a Shires trombone is unparalleled. I love how effortless it is for me to get the exact sound that I want in any register and at any volume. It truly is a wonderful instrument, and I never leave home without it!

Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic (Ret.) / Clinician

"I have finally found an instrument that plays better than my old Elkhart 8H!"

Tenor - Ralph Sauer Signature Model
Alto - A7RLW - A85/95 - B-Flat Valve

Artist Teacher of Trombone, University of Utah School of Music 

"This trombone does everything I ask it to do. The sound is always lively, vibrant and exciting and the color opens up to the widest range of musical possibilities."

Bass Trombone - BI 1G, Rotary Valve, BYC, B62/78
Straight Tenor - 7YLW 7.75 , SY1.5, T00NLW

Gachon University in South Korea, Professor

"The Shires Trombone is a profound and warm instrument that can fit in everwhere such as ensembles, solos, and orchestras with its charming and lovely sound."

Model: Tru-Bore Valve, 7Ym-bell, TB47-Slide.

Assistant Professor, West Texas A&M University / Principal Trombone, Amarillo Symphony Orchestra

"These instruments are so flexible that they seem to disappear in my hands. Whatever sound I want to create just appears in the room."

Alto - A7YLW - A85/95
Tenor - 7GYMT7 - Axial - TW47GYC

Trombone, The Specials / Lead Trombone, The Heritage Orchestra 

"Simply, and by far and away, the best Trombones on the planet. Nothing else even comes close. Beautiful sound, impeccable workmanship, completely brilliant."

Medium Tenor - 1GMT7 - Gooseneck - TW25NLW
Tenor - 1GM - Axial Flow - TB47NLW
Tenor - 2RVE - Axial Flow - T47
Bass - BI 7YM, Axial Flow - B62/78

Trombone, Rickey Minor & The Tonight Show Band

2nd Trombone, Buffalo Philharmonic

"My Shires trombones are a real joy to play, and are masterpieces in sound and craftsmanship."

Tenor - TII 5YLW - Axial - TW47 Chicago Bell - Axial - TB47
Bass - BII 7YLW - Tru-bore - B62

Trombone-Empire Brass

Principal Trombone-Albany Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic

Second Trombone-Portland Symphony

Associate Professor of Trombone-University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Tenor - TII 7GTS8 - Axial - TB47GL

Second Solo Trombone of South Denmark Philharmonic, Music Director of Japanese Trombone Orchestra “WA!!”, member of Trombone Octet "Slide Japan”

Tenor: Colin Williams Model

“Shires Trombone brings my inner voice to reality.” 

Adjunct Professor of Trombone, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Bass: Model TBGC, George Curran Model

Tenor: Model VNY, Vintage New York Model

Shires trombones are by far the most responsive and versatile trombones I have ever played.  Immediate response and evenness of sound in all registers provide me with a first-class vehicle for musical expression.  Whether performing in an orchestra, chamber ensemble, or big band, I have confidence that my Shires will play with ease in any setting. 

Bass Trombone, Tonhalle-Orchestra Zurich

Principal Trombone, Detroit Symphony

7YLW A4 Bell / TW47 / Tru-bore Valve

2RVE 8 Bell TW25 Slide

"S.E. Shires trombones are among the finest horns made in the world.  Whatever your performance needs are S.E. Shires has an instrument that will help you accomplish your goals.  The outstanding quality of the instruments and the great personal service by the staff of S.E. Shires make purchasing a horn a rewarding experience."

www.kenneththompkins.com   

Euphonium and Trombone Soloist 

Tenor - 7Y - Axial - TW47

"I have been on the search for almost 15 years for a trombone that has a fast response, big but focused sound and consistent timbre throughout the instrument. Well, my Shires is it! I feel completely in control in all registers and dynamic levels. I've never made a better sound on any trombone! "

Associate Professor of Trombone, University of Delaware

Principal Trombone, Johnstown Symphony                              

2nd Trombone. Lancaster Symphony

Ralph Sauer bell / TB47-62 / TY / Axial Valve 

"I've been playing Shires trombones since 2002 and I love the richness of sound and centered intonation that elevate my performance.  The continued innovations in design and options have allowed me to change equipment to adapt with my performance needs and preferences.  Simply the best instruments I've ever played."

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/brucetychinski

Bass Trombone, Memphis Symphony

Bass-BI Sterling Leadpipe. Tru-bore BII 7GM-TruBore-B62/78NYC

Assistant Professor of Trombone, Ball State University   

Principal Trombone Muncie Symphony Orchestra

TBCH-Chicago Model with Dual Bore Valve

"The Shires Chicago Model is the trombone I have been searching for for quite some time. It allows me to play ensemble, chamber, and solo settings with a great variety of color, consistency of intonation, and ease of use. I could not be more happy with my Shires considering all the variety of settings in which I perform."

Bass Trombone, The Florida Orchestra

Bass - BII 5YMT8 - Axial - B62/78
Bass - BI 2RLWT7 - Rotor - B62

2nd Trombone, New York Philharmonic

Tenor: Colin Williams Model

"I love this instrument, I know that I can rely on my Shires for everything I need to do. It has let me take risks and find my voice, and I’ve never been happier playing!"

Trombone, Greenville Symphony / Director of Jazz Studies, Brevard College 

Tenor - 7YLW - Tru-bore - TW47

Principal Trombone, Toronto Symphony / Royal Conservatory of Music / University of Toronto, Professor of Trombone

Tenor Trombone: 7Y Bell, TB47 Slide, Axial Flow Valve
Alto Trombone: A1GM Bell, A85/95 Slide

Educator & Clinician

Principal Trombone, Capital Wind Symphony

Trombone and Bass Trombone, Copper Street Brass

"Without a doubt, the most versatile bass I have ever played. The sound and resonance is unparalleled and it allows me to be comfortable and confident no matter the situation."

Model: TBBSCA

Principal Trombone, U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" 

Alto - A2YRM - A85/95N
Tenor - 7Y - Tru-bore - TB47L
Bass - BI 1Y, Axial Flow, B62

Trombone, Earth, Wind & Fire

MD + Model

Trombone, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Tenor - 7YLW bell - Axial Flow Valve - TB47 Slide - TYS Tuning Slide - 2SS Leadpipe

Assistant Principal Trombone, New Japan philharmonic Orchestra

7Y/Rotor/TW47

Colin Williams/Rotor with gold brass section/TW47

2RVE-DF /Rotor/TB47

Solo Trombonist, Philharmonia Zurich 

S.E, Shires Tenor Trombone with Lightweight Axial Flow Valve Bell: 7YLW Slide: TW47 Tuning Slide: TYS Mouthpipe: 1
S.E. Shires Small Bore Tenor Trombone Bell: S7YM 7.5 Slide: T00 Tuning Slide: SY1.0