I'm going to be going to Dillon Music this summer to get a new trombone, and looking at their website I was wondering if Shires trombones are worth the $4400 they cost. I'm not necessarily planning on buying one, I'm most likely just going to try out their used horns and get one I really like, I was just curious.

Shires are extremely well built horns, and they are modular, which means that you can basically create THE ultimate set-up that fits you best. With all the different parts available, you can customize your Shires with virtually no limits.

This being said, Shires are not everyone's cup of tea. They are very popular with college students in my area, but I personally would never play one. I've tried a couple different configurations, and I find they have an extremely bright sound, even with a gold brass bell. They sound great for solo playing, especially lighter stuff, but section blend is a bit of an issue.

Also, 4000$ is probably the price for the most basic configuration. If you go with more specialized or rare parts, a Shires can cost well above 5000$...As far as modular horns go, the signle Edwards tenor I tried was better than anything I tried from Shires. And Edwards are a little less expensive. I'd be curious to try the new non-modular Alessi model.

If you like a big dark tone, Shires is definately not for you.

To answer your question (if it's worth its price), I think it's a matter of personal taste, but for me, definately not. I believe that there are amazing horns out there among the more 'conventional' and less expensive models. You simply have to try a lot of horns before you find one that is really outstanding (or be extremely lucky and the first horn you try is perfect for you...). Try as many used Bach 42's and Conn 88H's and you are pretty sure to find something great for under 2000$.

It depends.

If you are asking if they are well made and that you are getting a good value for the money you are spending, the answer is "Yes." Steve Shires is a craftsman who is also a trombonist and he takes great care to produce instruments with a very high quality.

If, on the other hand, you are asking whether it is worth it to you to buy a Shires trombone, only you can answer the question.

Another person responded that the Shires horns are "too bright," but you must qualify that. The particular combination of components that he/she tried may have been too bright for him/her. Another person may select components that have exactly the sound they are looking for, whether that sound is bright or dark or anywhere in between. I say this from experience, because I know people who play on Shires trombones, and I play on them myself. With the right components for you, you can achieve the kind of sound you want. It just takes time, and a knowledgeable dealer (or a visit to the factory), to find the right mix.

The only way to know whether a particular instrument is for you, is for you to play it. If you like the way it plays and it makes it easier for you to get the kind of sound and response you are looking for, and you can afford to pay whatever it costs, then buy it. You will have gotten a great value.

I'm a little late to the conversation, but...

(I had a longer response but I will just get to the point.)

I'm going to have to agree with LeTromboniste - not worth it! Stick with a longevity brand, such as Bach or Conn (perhaps even Yamaha), that offers a better value to cost ratio. The boutique makers are charging premium prices but they haven't rightfully secured their place in the instrument realm with 50+ years of instrument making experience to justify their price.

Responding to forcca, I will say that, while both Conn and Bach have built excellent instruments over the years, those horns have, over the last 20 - 30 years lost some of their luster in the professional arena, due to manufacturing inconsistencies. One aspect of buying a horn from companies like Shires, Edwards, Rath, etc. is the highly consistent quality of the products. And when you look at the MSRP for current Bach Stradivarius trombones, you will see prices over $5,000, which is in the same price range as Shires, Edwards and Rath.

For trombonists in particular, the reasons for buying from those small companies include things like high quality, modularity (i.e., the ability to assemble exactly the components you need for the effect you desire), personal service, etc. Value is not solely defined by money. What do you get for the money you spend? History may have sentimental value, but just because a company has been around for a long time, doesn't necessarily mean the products are as well made as they once may have been.

Now, for you, forcca, at your current level of development (whatever that may be), Bach (or Conn, Holton, King, etc.) may be the most desirable instrument, and therefore be the best value. Other players may think differently.

To get back to the OP's question, are Shires trombones worth the money? Yes. But everyone has different needs and can choose to spend their money where it makes the most sense (i.e. has the most value), for them.

For some people, for example, a Toyota Yaris is the perfect car. It gets them from place to place inexpensively, if without many creature comforts. Others are willing to pay more for better handling, a different look, extra features, etc., and buy an Audi A3 or BMW 1 series.