Pre-Owned Custom S.E. Shires Professional Tenor Trombone - Tru-Bore Valve (USAF Provenance)
We have a fascinating and somewhat rare custom-shop piece on the bench today. This is an S.E. Shires professional tenor trombone featuring the proprietary Shires Tru-Bore™ valve stamped with US Patent 7112735, and an incredibly open wrap layout.
Carrying serial number 6073 on the body receiver, this horn has a distinguished military provenance, having served with the United States Air Force (USAF) Band of the West. If you were looking at the valve section and thinking the tubing layout looked a little unconventional, you are not crazy! That unique geometry is the hallmark of the Tru-Bore system.
The Tru-Bore valve was Stephen Shires' patented solution to bridge the gap between traditional rotary valves and axial-flow designs. It is specifically engineered to capture the pure, free-blowing feel of a straight trombone when open, while offering a smooth, continuous response without the typical acoustic "bump" when the valve is engaged. It requires a highly specific tubing wrap to make that air path work, resulting in the distinct look you see here.
Key Features & Specifications
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The Shires Tru-Bore™ Valve: Features a unique, patented rotor design (US Pat. 7112735) that provides a continuous, free-blowing response between the open and engaged positions.
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Custom Open Wrap Architecture: The distinct, wide-open tubing layout minimizes resistance and air-flow disruption, giving the F-attachment a massive, resonant core.
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Custom Modular Shires Craftsmanship: Hand-built in Massachusetts, featuring exquisite, traditional floral engraving on the bell.
Condition & Shop Inspection
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Cosmetics: Professional Player's Condition. It displays the honest character of a professional military service horn, with normal signs of use and typical lacquer wear expected from an actively played custom instrument.
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Mechanics: Bench-Tested & Ready. Our in-house master technicians have fully inspected, cleaned, and regulated the horn. The slide is smooth, and the Tru-Bore valve has been dialed in for fast, reliable action.
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Accessories: Original Case.
Specifications
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Brand: S.E. Shires
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Valve Type: Tru-Bore™ Valve (Open Wrap)
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Serial Number: 6073
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Finish: Clear Lacquer
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Provenance: USAF Band of the West
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Condition: Pre-Owned / Professional Player's Condition
The Fleming Music Commitment
When you purchase a custom professional instrument from Fleming Musical Instruments & Repair, you gain a dedicated support team. Every instrument is meticulously inspected and regulated by our on-site master technicians before it leaves our hands, backed by our 14-day return window and full 1-year warranty. Reach out to our team directly at https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact to discuss pricing, financing, trade-ins, or the instrument's unique modular characteristics. Local to Houston? We encourage you to visit the shop and put air through the horn yourself. Keep up with our latest arrivals and local events on our social channels at https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music.
