Shires C Trumpets

The S.E. Shires Model 401 trumpet is the latest version of our original signature C trumpet. It features a uniquely balanced heavyweight “4” bell taper, which combines a big, powerful sound with easy response. The bell of the 401 updates the design of traditional C trumpet bells in that it is bent slightly shorter, resulting in a Z-brace placement closer to the bell bend. For some players, this can solidify the feel and quicken response. Matched with the open 401 leadpipe and the centered and projecting WF tuning slide, it produces an ideal balance of breadth, clarity, depth, and projection. Yellow-brass balusters add warmth to the sound while nickel-silver valve caps add brilliance and character, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack.

• Bore: .462 inch
• 401 Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one piece, hand-hammered "4" (open) taper in balanced heavyweight yellow brass, with traditionally brazed (side) seam, brass bead, and dual-radius bell bend
• 401 Leadpipe: .351-inch venturi, standard-weight yellow brass—open and free-blowing, with easy response
• WF Tuning Slide: dual-radius bend, flanged braces, standard water key—centered core, brilliance, and presence of sound

The S.E. Shires Model 401 trumpet is the latest version of our original signature C trumpet. It features a uniquely balanced heavyweight “4” bell taper, which combines a big, powerful sound with easy response. The bell of the 401 updates the design of traditional C trumpet bells in that it is bent slightly shorter, resulting in a Z-brace placement closer to the bell bend. For some players, this can solidify the feel and quicken response. Matched with the open 401 leadpipe and the centered and projecting WF tuning slide, it produces an ideal balance of breadth, clarity, depth, and projection. Yellow-brass balusters add warmth to the sound while nickel-silver valve caps add brilliance and character, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack.

• Bore: .462 inch
• 401 Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one piece, hand-hammered "4" (open) taper in balanced heavyweight yellow brass, with traditionally brazed (side) seam, brass bead, and dual-radius bell bend
• 401 Leadpipe: .351-inch venturi, standard-weight yellow brass—open and free-blowing, with easy response
• WF Tuning Slide: dual-radius bend, flanged braces, standard water key—centered core, brilliance, and presence of sound

S.E. Shires developed the Model 4F in conjunction with Thomas Rolfs, Principal Trumpet of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It features a special "4" bell taper with a slightly square bell bend, side seam, and French bead. These characteristics give its sound added complexity, cushion the blow slightly, and enhance its projection and power. The bell of the 4F is made with the traditional, longer bend to which many players are accustomed. For some players, this can open up the feel on top of the staff; for others, it improves the attack. Matched with a YEB leadpipe and W tuning slide, it produces an ideal balance of power, warmth, and brilliance. Nickel-silver balusters and valve caps add brilliance and character, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack.

• Bore: .462
• 4F Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one piece, hand hammered, longer "4" (open) taper standard-weight yellow brass with traditionally brazed (side) seam, French bead, and dual-radius bell bend
• YEB Leadpipe: standard-weight yellow brass; warm sound, open and free-blowing, with easy response and a flexible slot
• W Tuning Slide: dual-radius bend, standard water key; strong core, brilliance, and presence of sound

The Model 502 was developed in collaboration with Boston-based soloist and trumpet phenomenon Terry Everson. Our most nimble standard model C trumpet, it features a light bell treatment for incredible agility and ease of playing, and a long, efficient leadpipe that provides clear articulations and full, rich, sound that will last for the duration of long concerts or recitals. This model has become a favorite with soloists as well as members of brass quintets and other chamber players.

• Bore: .462 inch
• 5 Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one-piece, hand-hammered, "5" (centered) taper standard-weight yellow brass with traditionally brazed seam and steel beadwire
• W9HL Leadpipe: .349" venturi, superior intonation with firm, yet flexible slotting and easy response.
• W Tuning Slide: dual-radius bend, standard water key; strong core, brilliance, and presence of sound

The S.E. Shires developed the Model 5F in conjunction with Thomas Rolfs, Principal Trumpet of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It features a special "5" bell taper with a slightly squarer bell bend, side seam, and French bead. These characteristics give its sound added complexity, cushion the blow slightly, and enhance its projection and power. The bell of the 5F is made with the traditional, longer bend to which many players are accustomed. For some players, this can open up the feel on top of the staff; for others, it improves the attack—while maintaining the centered sound of the "5" bell. Matched with a custom leadpipe and W tuning slide, it produces an ideal balance of brilliance, agility, depth and projection. Nickel-silver balusters and valve caps add brilliance and character, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack.

• Bore: .462 inch
• 5F Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one-piece, hand-hammered, longer "5" (centered) taper standard-weight yellow brass with traditionally brazed seam, French (flat) bead, side seam, and dual-radius bell bend
• WEC Leadpipe: standard-weight yellow brass—open and free-blowing, with easy response and a flexible slot
• W Tuning Slide: dual-radius bend, standard water key—strong core, brilliance, and presence of sound

Versatile, easy to play, warm, and powerful, the Model 5S/W1R transitions seamlessly from solo recitals to large orchestral performances. It features a special "5" bell taper with a slightly squarer bell bend, side seam, and steel bead. These characteristics give its sound added complexity and a steely shimmer, cushion the blow slightly, and enhance its projection and power. The bell of the 5S/W1R is made with the traditional, longer bend to which many players are accustomed. For some players, this can open up the feel on top of the staff; for others, it improves the attack—while maintaining the centered sound of the "5" bell. Matched with a custom leadpipe and W tuning slide, it produces an ideal balance of stability, flexibility, response, and projection. Nickel-silver balusters and valve caps add brilliance and character, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack.

• Bore: .462 inch
• 5S Bell: 4 ¹³⁄₁₆ inch, one-piece, hand-hammered, longer "5" (centered) taper standard-weight yellow brass with traditionally brazed (side) seam, steel bead wire, and dual-radius bell bend
• W1R Leadpipe: .351" venturi, reverse design—superior intonation with firm, yet flexible slotting and easy response.
• WR Tuning Slide: Reverse version of W tuning slide with dual-radius bend, standard water key—strong core, brilliance, and presence of sound