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.”
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!”
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."
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."
Trumpeter, SPANISH BRASS
“The quality of the sound and perfect alignment of the harmonics when playing with someone else: Unique!!”
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!”
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."
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!"
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!”
Recording Artist, Soloist, Composer, Trumpet-Celine Dion
Author of the “Beast” series of trumpet exercise books
Bb: Custom AMW
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.”
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.”
Trumpet Professor, 'Istituto Musicale Pareggiato V. Bellini di Caltanissetta.
Principal Trumpet, Massimo Vincenzo Bellini Theater in Catania
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.”
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."
Copper Street Brass Quintet
"Without question, Shires trumpets are the most versatile horns I have ever played. Whether we are performing classical, pops, or jazz, there is only one horn I need to get the perfect sound."
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.”
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!”
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.”
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!"
Artist-in-Residence, University of Dayton
“I’ve never have played a trumpet that responded so quickly and had such a beautiful sound. Not only is the response unbelievable, but the control of the soft dynamics is unparalleled.”
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"
Principal Trumpet, Tonhalle Orchestra in Zürich
Bb: TRCVP
C: TR4F
Eb/D: TR6F
Piccolo: TR9Y
"Many thanks to Shires for this amazing trumpet they built for me! I need, for my orchestral and also soloist jobs, an all-around instrument. The model 4F was for me the right choice. Very full and rich sound. Perfect intonation and precision of attack. The french bead gives great security and helps me to play with ease!"
Associate Professor of Music, Pacific Lutheran University
"I did extensive research when it came time for me to upgrade my equipment, and I tried a lot of horns. In the end, it was no contest. Shires trumpets allow me to forget about the mechanical aspects of my craft and just focus on making music. I am continually amazed by how easy these horns are to play, it feels like cheating!"
Principal Trumpet, Santa Fe Symphony
Second Trumpet, New Mexico Philharmonic
Enchantment Brass, MarchianDUO
“I’ve yet to find any trumpet that sings the way a Shires does!”
Principal Trumpet, New Mexico Philharmonic
Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico
Summit Brass, Tromba Mundi, Enchantment Brass, Fountain City Brass Band, MarchianDUO
Bb: TRAHW
C: TR401
Piccolo: TR9G
Cornet: CN7A
"It's easy to play with confidence when you know you're playing the very best! And the Shires trumpets are, without a doubt, the best trumpets I have ever played. The depth to the sound and resonance is unparalleled and the ease of response and intonation unequaled. Thank you, Shires!"
U.S. Coast Guard Band, Lead Trumpet
Bb: TRAF
C: TR4F
Piccolo: TR9Y
“My Shires has been my tried and true main horn for a decade. Its tone is mellow enough for the classical idiom, but lights up beautifully in the upper register while playing lead. It’s the best crossover horn that I’ve found thus far!”
Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra
“I have finally found the best instruments. My Shires A and 401 have given me great satisfaction.”
Trumpet Educator & London Freelancer
YouTube Channels: Paul Mayes Trumpet / The Trumpet Prof / Trumpet Takeaway
Bb: TRAZ
“This is the trumpet I never believed existed. Thank you for bringing your incredible instruments to the UK. You have truly changed what is possible and I’m sure will inspire and encourage both educators and performers everywhere to reach for new levels of technical and musical creativity and achievement. I feel challenged and excited at the prospect of attempting to fulfill the vast potential your instruments offer.”
Freelance Artist. Trumpet and Trombone
Jazz and Comercial Music
Trumpet: Q10RS
Trombone: Q33
"Shires is everything a professional musician needs. Ease and versatility. A high-end instrument for any professional job."
Brass Band of Battle Creek
Adjunct Instructor of High Brass, Benedictine College
C: TR4S8
“The Shires trumpets I get to perform are nothing short of a miracle. The quick response, resonant sound, and ease of playing drew me to the instrument immediately. I don't have many regrets in life, but I seriously regret not trying out these Shires trumpets sooner... it's made my life as a musician that much easier! Thank you, Team Shires!”
Professor of Trumpet, University of Indianapolis
Bb: TRCVLA-XL
“The CVLA-XL is by far the most versatile Bb I've ever played. From quintet, big band, recording studio, classical and pops in the orchestra, it allows me to do it all with ease and efficiency, and with a beautiful tone.”
Associate Professor of Trumpet, University of Arkansas
"I enjoy the range of harmonic color, flexibility, and consistency in all registers that my Shires trumpets provide for me. In my work performing and teaching, my Shires trumpets help me execute and express the music to it's fullest."
Lead Trumpet, Afro-Cuban All-Stars
Bb: Custom CLW
"Shires trumpets are extremely easy to play. The sound is full of resonance and colors. Every note has a perfect slot on the instrument. It allows me to control my sound and execute effortlessly without limiting my playing in any way. I think it has made me a better player. These are the best trumpets I’ve ever played!"
Walt Disney World
Brian Setzer Orchestra
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
"The horn feels special holding it in my hands, and when I play it, I know it was made with pride. I love this horn because it has a beautiful centered sound. There is an ease of playing I have not experienced before."
International Trumpet Legend
Bb: TRDOC
"Today I played a trumpet that is absolutely the best trumpet I have played on in my entire life. This trumpet is not to be believed. You have to try it. As I always say, you have to blow it to know it. I truly love this horn and it loves me back. I feel that if I am willing to practice there is no limit to what I can accomplish on this trumpet."
Assistant Professor of Trumpet, Arkansas State University
Bb: TRAZS8
C: TR401
Eb/D: TR6MS8
Piccolo: Custom 9G
“There are many things that make Shires trumpets the best in the market. Sound is full, brilliant, resonant, and easy to produce different colors; Slotting is easy and intuitive; Response is immediate; Articulation is fast and clear; Intonation is superb; Flexibility is very agile and free;
This is the finest line of trumpets I have ever played. They feel like an extension of my body allowing me to be free to create and focus on music making. The Shires team is also a delight to work with, very attentive to details, professional and always there to help. It’s truly an honor and privilege to be part of this selective lineup of artists and players. I invite all of my colleagues and students to try their intruments.”
Instructor of Trumpet, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
"It is always a pleasure to work with everyone at Shires. They make the process of finding just the right horn to suit each individual player painless and simple. Performing on their trumpets is a pleasure and makes my job of making music that much more enjoyable."
Principal Trumpet, Florida Orchestra
Bb: TRA
C: Custom 4SE
“I think that what I'm experiencing with these instruments is something extraordinary - in other words, I feel like screaming: These are the best damn trumpets I've ever played!”
Atlantic Brass Quintet
"Shires trumpets are incredibly efficient and responsive, built with a craftsmanship second to none and a sound to die for!"
Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Visiting Assistant Professor of Trumpet
Bb: TRAZ
“Every time I pick up this horn, I am impressed by the ease of response, intonation, and stunning quality of sound. At the end of the day, all musicians want an instrument that provides minimal barriers so that we can focus on music-making. This is the first horn that allows me to do just that! So much gratitude for #TeamShires!”
Trumpet Soloist & Orchestra Conductor
Bb: TRAF, Custom TRA & TRDOC
"The Shires trumpet helps me to concentrate on making music. I feel great pleasure when I play my Shires because it is the finest quality trumpet!"
Recording Artist, Soloist, Composer, Trumpet DeLeon Entertainment
“My Shires horn is a true chameleon. So versatile in all genres of music. From top 40 to big band to even classical this horn is very responsive with a full rich tone. I love it!”