Ross Ahlhorn
Assistant Professor of Trumpet, University of Central Arkansas
Second Trumpet, Arkansas Symphony
Bb: TRAZ
C: TR4F
“My S.E. Shires, Co. trumpets have proven to be incredibly versatile while maintaining a brilliant tone quality, easy response, and a beautiful balance between a trustworthy slot and effortless flexibility.”
Javier Arevalo
Freelancing Artist, Recording Artist
Trumpet-Isabel Pantoja
Model Q10RS
” My Shires trumpet is easy to play. Very versatile with an incredible sound, fast response and precise tuning. I am delighted with her!”
Neil Balm
Co-Principal Trumpet, New York City Ballet
Bb: TRA
C: Custom 4SE
"The Shires Bb is truly a great trumpet! It’s a versatile instrument that I can play any style of music on and excel. The quick response, sound and ease of playing this trumpet are unparalleled."
Stephen Banzaert
Triton Brass Quintet
Boston Freelancer
"My Shires trumpet is the cleanest, most brilliant, most in-tune trumpet I've every played. The response I can get from the instrument is phenomenal, and the pitch is so even and consistent that it's actually a little unnerving how easy it is after a lifetime of playing other horns."
Madison Barton
Instructor of Trumpet at Western Carolina University
B-flat: TRCMW
C: Model 4S8
E-flat Trumpet: TRQ15S
“I was drawn to the S.E. Shires trumpets for their effortless playability, rich and resonant sound, and the elegance of their design. There's a true sense of artistry and craftsmanship in every detail, and I feel that care and intention each time I pick up my Shires.”
Julia Bell
Visiting Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Texas Tech University
Bb: AZ
”I am thrilled with my Shires trumpet. From the moment I picked it up, I knew I had found a truly special instrument. Its ease of response, consistent intonation, efficiency, and beautiful sound allow me to focus on what’s most important—making music!”
Brianne Borden
Visiting Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam
“My shires trumpets feel like home. They stand out to me because of how resonant and easy to play they are. They have proven to be the best and most efficient vehicle for musical expression I can find!”
Jon Burgess
Professor of Trumpet, Texas Christian University
Bb: TRAF
Mark Clodfelter
International Performing Artist and Clinician
"With a wide range of musical demands, I need instruments that are extremely versatile. I have never played a trumpet with as much potential for expressive color and depth of tone as the Shires. The sound is deeply personal, it's like adding another dimension to your timbral palette. Steve, as well as everyone I encountered at the factory, exhibits an unyielding attitude towards excellence."
Mark DeGoti
Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Auburn University
"Shires Trumpets offer more depth and variety in color than any other trumpet I have played in my career. The response and ease this instrument plays with has a great balance and makes for an extremely competitive alternative to the mainstream trumpet brands. Thank you for raising the bar of what a trumpet can and should sound like!"
Steve Dunn
Associate Professor of Trumpet, Northern Arizona University
Bb: TRAZ
Terry Everson
Professor, Boston University
International Soloist
“I needed a C trumpet that would allow me to play the most challenging solo repertoire with the greatest physical ease so I could just make music. The staff at Shires wouldn’t rest until we’d found the best solution, with no compromise in sound quality or intonation. Everything I asked for they were able to deliver; I’d recommend Shires Trumpets to anyone!”
Matt Fronke
Recording Artist, Soloist, Composer, Trumpet-Celine Dion
Author of the “Beast” series of trumpet exercise books
Bb: Custom AMW
Jon Garcia
B.B. King All-Stars and Freelancing Artist
Bb: Custom BRLWF 5”
“I love playing my Shires trumpet for it’s versatility. In one week I can go from playing top 40, blues, small jazz quintet to even a fiery salsa gig and my Shires trumpet responds with excellent tone quality and precision. I couldn’t be happier to play Shires.”
Brian Garland
Professor of Trumpet at Mars Hill University
Bb: TRQ10S
Nicole Gillotti
Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Western Illinois University
Model AZ Bb
Model 4S8 C
”I am continually impressed by the ease of response, consistent intonation, and resonant sound of Shires trumpets. Whether in solo, chamber, or orchestral settings, these instruments allow me to enjoy music making and playing the trumpet.”
Scott Hagarty
Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Tennessee Tech University
Bb: TRA
C: Custom 4SE
“I like playing Shires trumpets because their awesome staff worked hard to make sure I got the exact combination of bell and leadpipe to give me the sound, response, and feel that I am striving for in my trumpet playing. Shires horns are "the one" for me.”
Bob Haley
3rd Trumpet, New York City Ballet
Bb: TRA
C: Custom 410
"My Shires model 410 S8 has become my favorite C trumpet. It sounds and blows like the trumpet I've played on for years, but is easier all-around to play, with near perfect intonation."
Adam Hayes
Professor of Trumpet, Berry College
“Shires trumpets are among the finest in the industry. Consistency in sound, pitch and slotting allocates a high level of smoothness and stability. The response is impeccable, the resistance minimal. The superb versatility of Shires trumpets supports the various musical demands of today's professional trumpet player.”
Travis Heath
Professor of Trumpet, Northeastern Illinois University
C: TR4S8
“The immediate ring and response is unlike any horn I've played. The range of colors are so vivid in the sound through all dynamic ranges. I can't wait to play this horn each day!”
Aaron Hodgson
Associate Professor, Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University
Bb: TRAZS8
“The AZS8 b-flat trumpet is a perfect fit for me thanks to its versatility, ease of playing, brilliant sound and crisp attack. Shires offers a broad range of fully-customizable trumpets, backed up by meticulous craftsmanship and excellent staff. This allows every trumpeter to find exactly what works for them.”
John Holt
Professor of Trumpet, University of North Texas
C: TR4F
Jeff Jarvis
Trumpet Soloist and Clinician
Director of Jazz Studies, California State University, Long Beach
President, California Alliance for Jazz
Bb: TRAZ
"My S.E. Shires trumpet slots smoothly and accurately, plays in tune, and allows me to color my sound to suit the music I'm performing. If you've settled for a trumpet that blows freely, but at the expense of your nice tone, you need to try Shires!"
Chris Lane
U.S. Coast Guard Band
Bb: TRAZS8
James Lind
Principal Trumpet, Pueblo Symphony Orchestra (CO)
Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Bands and Coordinator of Brass Studies, Adams State University
Founding Member of SoCo Brass
Bb:TRAF
C:TR4F
"I love the range of colors possible on this horn. I can go from warm, rich and lush to bright and broad all in one horn"