Trombone Handslides
The slide tubing of S.E. Shires handslides 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. Handslide models are specified by letters indicating instrument type (A = alto, T = tenor, B = bass) and crook width (no indication for standard, W = wide, B = bass crook), followed by bore size in inches (second two digits only), then tube material, weight, and crook material, if non standard.
Single bore slides have a clear sound and can be more articulate than dual bore. Examples include:
T47: .547-inch (large) bore tenor handslide with tenor crook—centered sound and feel
TW47: .547-inch (large) bore tenor handslide with wide crook—our most popular design, combines efficient feel and response with orchestral breadth of sound—very easy to adapt to any playing situation
TB47: .547-inch (large) bore tenor handslide with bass crook—for players desiring an expansive sound and feel
T25: .525-inch (medium) bore tenor handslide
TW25: .525-inch (medium) bore tenor handslide with wide crook
B62: .562-inch bore bass handslide
T85: .485-inch (small) bore tenor handslide
T00: .500-inch(small) bore tenor handslide
T08: .508-inch (small) bore tenor handslide
Single Bore Slides
Dual Bore Slides
Dual bore slides have an open sound and feel, require more air, and produce a larger sound compared to the upper-leg's single bore equivalent,. The first number indicates the bore of the upper leg of the slide; the second number the lower leg. Examples include:
B62•78: .562-.578 bore bass handslide
TB47•62: .547-.562 bore tenor or small bass handslide
T25•47: .525-.547 bore tenor handslide
TW25•47: .525-.547 bore tenor handslide with wide crook
T08•25: .508-.525 bore tenor handslide
T00•08: .500-.508 bore tenor handslide
T85•95: .485-.495 bore tenor handslide
A85•95: .485-.495 bore alto handslide with tuning in crook
Slides with no additional markings are standard weight, with yellow-brass tubes, nickel-silver sleeves, and a nickel-silver crook. Other options are available:
LW: Lightweight—no sleeves—quicker response, more open, brilliant sound
N: Nickel-silver outer tubes—brilliant, articulate sound
G: Gold-brass outer tubes—warm sound, rounded articulations)
YC: Yellow-brass crook—warmer, rounder sound and articulations
For example: TB47NLW denotes a Tenor handslide with Bass (nickel silver)crook, .547-inch bore, and outer tubes made of Nickel-silver with no sleeves (i.e., lightweight)
