Description
Instrument type designations
- S: small bore tenor trombone
- T: medium or large bore tenor trombone
- B: bass trombone
N.B.: S.E. Shires alto trombones are equipped with a tuning-in-slide mechanism—they do not have bell-side tuning slides.
Alloy
Tuning slides are available in either yellow brass, for clear sound and articulations, or gold brass, for warmer sound and more rounded articulations. Deutch German Brass is available for seamed tuning slides only. A gold brass tuning slide complements a yellow brass bell, adding warmth to the sound. A yellow brass tuning slide complements a gold or red brass bell, clarifying the articulations and keeping the sound focused.
- Y: yellow brass
- G: gold brass
- D: German rose brass
Taper
Tuning slide crooks in several different tapers have been designed for each type of trombone, to meet players’ different needs.
Small bore
- (No number): The original S.E. Shires small-bore tuning slide taper——very open feel
- 1.0: Centred and clear, somewhat open feel
- 1.5: Newer design—improved intonation and response/feel characteristic of classic small-bore instruments—our most popular small-bore tuning slide
Tenor
- [Unmarked]: Standard orchestral tenor tuning slide taper, by far the most popular, known for its open, clear, flexible sound, and superior intonation
- X: Focused tenor tuning slide taper—aligns harmonics in a way familiar to players accustomed to classic New York instruments—works well with TB handslides and TII bells
Bass
- B: Produces a compact feel and centred sound
- C: Designed for players who prefer an open feel and larger sound
