The valve controls much more than the low register; it can be used to focus or loosen the feel in the center of the instrument. The articulation, sound density, and stability of the sustained tone is affected by each valve type.
Because an airtight valve is essential to quick response and centered feel in all registers -- and many valve options on the market do not meet their pressure-test standards -- S.E. Shires chooses to produce all of their valves in house. They thoroughly test for tight fit and perfect action at every stage of manufacture.
Large- and medium-bore tenor valve sections can be made with a choice of five different valves: the S.E. Shires rotary valve, the S.E. Shires twin valve, the S.E. Shires axial-flow valve, the S.E. Shires dual-bore valve, or the S.E. Shires Tru-Bore™ valve (U.S. Patent 7112735).
A gooseneck, interchangeable with the valve section, can be ordered to convert any orchestral tenor or bass trombone to a straight instrument.
Axial-Flow Valve
The S.E. Shires axial-flow valve is constructed of nickel-plated brass in a brass casing. It has the most open feel and sound of any valve on the market today. Orchestral players, in particular, appreciate its broad sound, pronounced low and middle overtones, and superior blending characteristics.
Rotary Valve
The S.E. Shires rotary valve is a superior version of the traditional rotary valve design, maintaining the size and shape of the tubing through the valve ports. Many players choose the S.E. Shires rotary valve for its secure feel and articulations, stable sound in all registers, and light, quick action.
Dual-Bore Valve
The S.E. Shires dual-bore valve is of their own design. Focused and clear, it maintains a straight tenor sound in all registers. It has the shortest throw and quickest action of any S.E. Shires valve.
Tru-Bore™ valve
The S.E. Shires Tru-bore™ valve is of their own design, a valve that captures many of the free-blowing, evenly responding characteristics of a straight trombone, with an amazingly continuous response between the open and engaged positions. It combines clear articulations with broad sound and feel.
Twin Valve
Shires' newly patented valve design. This valve utilizes two valves, each with only one wind-way that rotates 120 degrees. As a result, the bends going into the valve are more gradual, the two valves alleviate any bumps in the sound or in air flow when the valve is engaged, and the instrument feels more open and responsive. This valve features quick, light action and a short throw. The Shires Twin Valve is our latest endeavor in creating a state of the art orchestral trombone.
Neckpipe
A straight neckpipe (no valve—also known as a gooseneck) is interchangeable with the valve section, and can be ordered to convert any orchestral (.525- or .547-inch bore) tenor or bass into a straight trombone. It eliminates the valve altogether for an open feel and brilliant sound, with quick response—a popular option for soloists, principals, and commercial players.
Other Options
Bass trombone double valve sets can be ordered with either independent (inline) or dependent (stacked) valve configuration:
Independent (inline): F and D valves are connected in parallel—each can be used independently. This is by far the most popular bass valve configuration.
Dependent (stacked): F and D valves are connected in series—D valve can only be accessed if the F valve is engaged. This allows the build of the valve section to include a tapered neckpipe. Some players prefer the sound and stability of this system, and its relatively efficient feel in the low register.
The valve controls much more than the low register; it can be used to focus or loosen the feel in the center of the instrument. The articulation, sound density, and stability of the sustained tone is affected by each valve type.
Because an airtight valve is essential to quick response and centered feel in all registers -- and many valve options on the market do not meet their pressure-test standards -- S.E. Shires chooses to produce all of their valves in house. They thoroughly test for tight fit and perfect action at every stage of manufacture.
Large- and medium-bore tenor valve sections can be made with a choice of five different valves: the S.E. Shires rotary valve, the S.E. Shires twin valve, the S.E. Shires axial-flow valve, the S.E. Shires dual-bore valve, or the S.E. Shires Tru-Bore™ valve (U.S. Patent 7112735).
A gooseneck, interchangeable with the valve section, can be ordered to convert any orchestral tenor or bass trombone to a straight instrument.
Axial-Flow Valve
The S.E. Shires axial-flow valve is constructed of nickel-plated brass in a brass casing. It has the most open feel and sound of any valve on the market today. Orchestral players, in particular, appreciate its broad sound, pronounced low and middle overtones, and superior blending characteristics.
Rotary Valve
The S.E. Shires rotary valve is a superior version of the traditional rotary valve design, maintaining the size and shape of the tubing through the valve ports. Many players choose the S.E. Shires rotary valve for its secure feel and articulations, stable sound in all registers, and light, quick action.
Dual-Bore Valve
The S.E. Shires dual-bore valve is of their own design. Focused and clear, it maintains a straight tenor sound in all registers. It has the shortest throw and quickest action of any S.E. Shires valve.
Tru-Bore™ valve
The S.E. Shires Tru-bore™ valve is of their own design, a valve that captures many of the free-blowing, evenly responding characteristics of a straight trombone, with an amazingly continuous response between the open and engaged positions. It combines clear articulations with broad sound and feel.
Twin Valve
Shires' newly patented valve design. This valve utilizes two valves, each with only one wind-way that rotates 120 degrees. As a result, the bends going into the valve are more gradual, the two valves alleviate any bumps in the sound or in air flow when the valve is engaged, and the instrument feels more open and responsive. This valve features quick, light action and a short throw. The Shires Twin Valve is our latest endeavor in creating a state of the art orchestral trombone.
Neckpipe
A straight neckpipe (no valve—also known as a gooseneck) is interchangeable with the valve section, and can be ordered to convert any orchestral (.525- or .547-inch bore) tenor or bass into a straight trombone. It eliminates the valve altogether for an open feel and brilliant sound, with quick response—a popular option for soloists, principals, and commercial players.
Other Options
Bass trombone double valve sets can be ordered with either independent (inline) or dependent (stacked) valve configuration:
Independent (inline): F and D valves are connected in parallel—each can be used independently. This is by far the most popular bass valve configuration.
Dependent (stacked): F and D valves are connected in series—D valve can only be accessed if the F valve is engaged. This allows the build of the valve section to include a tapered neckpipe. Some players prefer the sound and stability of this system, and its relatively efficient feel in the low register.