This Shires C trumpet is in surprising shape for a "pre-owned" horn. Most stores would consider this "demo" or "B-stock" in this condition. It was briefly played by one adult owner, with no major signs of wear or repair, great valve compression, and 99% original silver plating remains. It includes the original Shires case, 1.5C mouthpiece, and polishing cloth. It has been ultrasonically cleaned and inspected by our world-class shop. For half the new price, this is an excellent deal on a professional C trumpet!

This specific model has very similar specs to the Yamaha Chicago Artist series trumpets, with a hidden reversed leadpipe, YS style bell, and two-piece valve casing with nickel upper balusters and outer slides. This produces a trumpet with a smooth and responsive feel, and excellent control and projection. It is one of the few models made with these premium features and hand-built craftmanship, normally seen at two to three times this price.

Compression

Lubrication used: JM #1 (light) on pistons / JM #5 (light) on 1st & 3rd slide / JM #7 (heavy) on 2nd & main tuning slide

• 1st: 1
• 2nd: 1.2
• 3rd: 1
• Leadpipe - 0
• Overall compression: 1

From Shires: "A fantastic orchestral C trumpet, the model Q11RS trumpet features our more open bell taper which produces a big, powerful sound with easy response. Matched with a firm, yet flexible slotting reverse leadpipe, this trumpet achieves an ideal balance of breadth, clarity, agility, and projection. Nickel-silver balusters and valve caps add brilliance and character to the sound, increase its core, and contribute to cleanness and immediacy of attack."

Specifications

• Key: C

• Bore: .462 inch

• Bell: 4 13/16-inch, one-piece, hand-hammered open QII taper in yellow brass with round brass bead

• Leadpipe: hidden, reversed QRS construction with .348-inch venturi, heavyweight yellow brass; open and free blowing with well-defined slots and easy response

• Tuning Slide: QWR in yellow brass with nickel outer slide and ferrules

• Piston material: hand-lapped Monel

• Valve cluster: two-piece casings, standard weight, with nickel balusters

• Top valve caps: Nickel Silver

• Lower valve caps: Nickel Silver

• Bell engraving: S.E. Shires makers mark, model designation, and traditional floral pattern

• Finish: Silver plate

• Includes: original case, backpack style

Warranty

Your investment is protected with the Houghton Horns Used Instrument Warranty. Enjoy one year 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.

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WARNING: Brass instruments and their accessories can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, and Nickel, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to:

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Most new instruments and accessories over $75 are eligible for free shipping to the continental US.

Thein instruments, tubas, and pre-owned instruments are excluded from free shipping.

Click here for our full shipping policy.

Most products sold in the United States receive a 15-day return policy that starts on the day the customer receives their order. The customer is responsible for the cost of initial and return shipping, except in the case of new French horns, trumpets, and trombones, which will receive free return shipping from 48 US states. There will be a $5 cleaning fee for each returned mouthpiece.

Some product categories are ineligible for return, which include special orders, sheet music, consumables such as lubricants or cleaning snakes, and personal items such as clothing or face masks.

Unfortunately, as of May 12, 2025, we can no longer offer returns, exchanges, or refunds to international customers due to the tariff situation. We hope to restore international returns soon.

See the policy links at the bottom of our website for more information.

Click here to request a return.

Any product labelled "Special Order" is a final sale, no refunds or exchanges. Likewise, any product that has been customized at the customer's request can no longer be returned.

Click here for more information on special orders. If you want it, we will try our best to get it to you!