Hand-built for the Professional Player
With over 25 years building world-class brass instruments, the S.E. Shires Company has become an industry leading manufacturer and brand. From the very beginning, the S.E. Shires company has been dedicated to advancing the heritage of craftsmanship in both the design and production of our world-renowned instruments. Our philosophy remains consistent: Push the limits of our creativity and ingenuity, demand the highest possible quality from ourselves, and give life to the instruments that are proudly made by S.E. Shires.
"After years of development, the Shires Custom Series has expanded to horn. They’re finally here, and yes, you’re going to love them." - S. E. Shires Company
Features
Shires horns are built with Rotax valves, among the best metal valves available, delivering exceptionally fast action and consistent performance. The leadpipe and bell tail are attached to the horn via a long solder joint rather than standard bracing, a meticulous technique typically found on custom horns and premium German instruments. This soldered construction produces a richer, deeper sound and provides precisely balanced response across the instrument’s entire range. Shires crafts the perfect choice for players who value precision and refinement.
The "Houghton Horns" Custom Model
This configuration was personally selected by Dr. Derek Wright for its broad, rich overtones and resonant core. You will notice its expansive and singing quality, along with its flexibility and openness. Models sold by Houghton Horns will have the following specifications as standard:
- Open Inline Geyer-style wrap (200)
- Yellow brass body and bell - for a balanced sound
- Yellow brass slides
- Unlacquered
- Detachable bell
- Spun bell flare (SP) - broad, resonant, and refined in Medium Weight (M)
- Extra light-weight bell stem (XLW)
- H1Y leadpipe - open taper with more volume
- Modular mouthpiece receiver to accept both US and Euro shank mouthpieces
What's Included
- Shires by Marcus Bonna case, handcrafted in Brazil
- Cleaning Cloth
- Shires Mouthpiece
- Shires Care Kit
Design your own horn from the ground up with this groundbreaking innovation from S.E. Shires! Here are some of the options available to you:
Wrap
- Open Inline "Geyer" (200)
- Compact Inline “Knopf” (210)
- Compact Closed “Kruspe” (220)
- Piston "Schmidt" (230)
Wrap material
- Yellow brass inner and outer slides (1)
- Nickel silver inner and outer slides, yellow brass crooks (2)
- All nickel silver slides (3)
- Gold brass inner slides, nickel silver outer slides, yellow brass crooks (4)
Leadpipe tapers
- H1 – Faster initial taper, gradually slowing after first 1/3 of pipe.
- H2 – Even taper throughout most of the pipe, becoming cylindrical for last ¼.
Leadpipe Receiver
- Modular leadpipe receiver with bit for US shank (US).
- Modular leadpipe receiver with bit for Euro shank (EUR).
- Additional receivers available to fine-tune insertion depth.
Leadpipe Material
- Yellow Brass – Clear and balanced (YBL)
- Gold Brass – Warm and broad (GBL)
- Nickel Silver – Clear and dense (NSL)
Bell tail / flare weight
- Extra lightweight (XLW)
- Lightweight (LW)
- Medium (M)
- Standard (S)
- Heavyweight (HW)
Bell tail / flare material
- Yellow brass (XLW, LW, M, S, HW available)
- Gold brass (M, S, HW available)
- Red brass (XLW, LW, M, S, HW available)
- German brass (Standard only)
- Sterling silver (M, S, HW available)
Bell flare construction
- Hand spun – Broad, resonant, refined (SP)
- Hand hammered – Bright, clear, articulate (HH)
Bell bead
- T9 Brass (Standard) - Clear and balanced. Small beads mean more point and breadth.
- T8 Brass
- T7 Brass
- S8 Steel – Sharp, bright, articulate, and responsive.
Bracing
- Standard bracing - Adds focus, clarity, and core. Bell branch and long F branch are soldered together. Leadpipe is soldered to bell tail.
- Open bracing - More open, resonant, and responsive. Open space between bell branch and long F branch. Leadpipe soldered to bell tail.
- Optional F 3rd slide brace - Adds clarity and articulation to low range.
Water key on leadpipe
- Amado water key
- Lever-style water key
- None
Options
- Optional Amado or lever-style water key on short F branch
- Optional adjustable pinky hook
- Optional duck foot hand brace
- Optional attachment point for hand strap
Schedule an in-person or Zoom appointment here to discuss your options with a professional horn player.
Request a quote for your custom Shires horn design.
*****
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns New Instrument Warranty. Enjoy two years of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.
Hand-built for the Professional Player
With over 25 years building world-class brass instruments, the S.E. Shires Company has become an industry leading manufacturer and brand. From the very beginning, the S.E. Shires company has been dedicated to advancing the heritage of craftsmanship in both the design and production of our world-renowned instruments. Our philosophy remains consistent: Push the limits of our creativity and ingenuity, demand the highest possible quality from ourselves, and give life to the instruments that are proudly made by S.E. Shires.
"After years of development, the Shires Custom Series has expanded to horn. They’re finally here, and yes, you’re going to love them." - S. E. Shires Company
Features
Shires horns are built with Rotax valves, among the best metal valves available, delivering exceptionally fast action and consistent performance. The leadpipe and bell tail are attached to the horn via a long solder joint rather than standard bracing, a meticulous technique typically found on custom horns and premium German instruments. This soldered construction produces a richer, deeper sound and provides precisely balanced response across the instrument’s entire range. Shires crafts the perfect choice for players who value precision and refinement.
The "Houghton Horns" Custom Model
This configuration was personally selected by Dr. Derek Wright for its broad, rich overtones and resonant core. You will notice its expansive and singing quality, along with its flexibility and openness. Models sold by Houghton Horns will have the following specifications as standard:
- Open Inline Geyer-style wrap (200)
- Yellow brass body and bell - for a balanced sound
- Yellow brass slides
- Unlacquered
- Detachable bell
- Spun bell flare (SP) - broad, resonant, and refined in Medium Weight (M)
- Extra light-weight bell stem (XLW)
- H1Y leadpipe - open taper with more volume
- Modular mouthpiece receiver to accept both US and Euro shank mouthpieces
What's Included
- Shires by Marcus Bonna case, handcrafted in Brazil
- Cleaning Cloth
- Shires Mouthpiece
- Shires Care Kit
Design your own horn from the ground up with this groundbreaking innovation from S.E. Shires! Here are some of the options available to you:
Wrap
- Open Inline "Geyer" (200)
- Compact Inline “Knopf” (210)
- Compact Closed “Kruspe” (220)
- Piston "Schmidt" (230)
Wrap material
- Yellow brass inner and outer slides (1)
- Nickel silver inner and outer slides, yellow brass crooks (2)
- All nickel silver slides (3)
- Gold brass inner slides, nickel silver outer slides, yellow brass crooks (4)
Leadpipe tapers
- H1 – Faster initial taper, gradually slowing after first 1/3 of pipe.
- H2 – Even taper throughout most of the pipe, becoming cylindrical for last ¼.
Leadpipe Receiver
- Modular leadpipe receiver with bit for US shank (US).
- Modular leadpipe receiver with bit for Euro shank (EUR).
- Additional receivers available to fine-tune insertion depth.
Leadpipe Material
- Yellow Brass – Clear and balanced (YBL)
- Gold Brass – Warm and broad (GBL)
- Nickel Silver – Clear and dense (NSL)
Bell tail / flare weight
- Extra lightweight (XLW)
- Lightweight (LW)
- Medium (M)
- Standard (S)
- Heavyweight (HW)
Bell tail / flare material
- Yellow brass (XLW, LW, M, S, HW available)
- Gold brass (M, S, HW available)
- Red brass (XLW, LW, M, S, HW available)
- German brass (Standard only)
- Sterling silver (M, S, HW available)
Bell flare construction
- Hand spun – Broad, resonant, refined (SP)
- Hand hammered – Bright, clear, articulate (HH)
Bell bead
- T9 Brass (Standard) - Clear and balanced. Small beads mean more point and breadth.
- T8 Brass
- T7 Brass
- S8 Steel – Sharp, bright, articulate, and responsive.
Bracing
- Standard bracing - Adds focus, clarity, and core. Bell branch and long F branch are soldered together. Leadpipe is soldered to bell tail.
- Open bracing - More open, resonant, and responsive. Open space between bell branch and long F branch. Leadpipe soldered to bell tail.
- Optional F 3rd slide brace - Adds clarity and articulation to low range.
Water key on leadpipe
- Amado water key
- Lever-style water key
- None
Options
- Optional Amado or lever-style water key on short F branch
- Optional adjustable pinky hook
- Optional duck foot hand brace
- Optional attachment point for hand strap
Schedule an in-person or Zoom appointment here to discuss your options with a professional horn player.
Request a quote for your custom Shires horn design.
*****
Warranty
Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns New Instrument Warranty. Enjoy two years of coverage for defects in material and workmanship. Keep your instrument in perfect condition.
What Makes Houghton Horns Special
Houghton Horns is special because of its deep commitment to quality, expertise, and personalized service. As a family-owned business with a passion for brass instruments, Houghton Horns offers a carefully curated selection of premium instruments and accessories. Their team of skilled technicians provides top-tier repair and customization services, ensuring each instrument performs at its best. Houghton Horns is also known for its educational resources and support, helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instrument and develop their skills. With a reputation for excellence and a genuine love for music, Houghton Horns stands out as a trusted partner for brass players worldwide.