Match your .525-inch Shires tenor handslide with an M leadpipe suited to your preferred response and tonal character. Venturi size and material influence the feel, articulation, and sound of your setup.

Bore and mouthpiece compatibility:

• M: For .525-inch-bore handslides and small-shank mouthpieces.
• MT: Also for .525-inch-bore handslides, but designed for large-shank mouthpieces. MT is a separate configuration, not interchangeable with the M designation.
• For dual-bore handslides, match the leadpipe to the smaller bore of the upper tube.

Venturi:

The number following M identifies the relative size of the venturi, the narrowest point in the leadpipe.

• M1: Small venturi; centered sound with clear articulation.
• M1.5: Medium-small venturi; combines small- and medium-venturi characteristics.
• M2: Medium venturi; open sound.
• M2.5: Medium-large venturi; more open sound.

Material:

• Yellow brass: Balances warmth and brilliance with a clear, articulate response.
• Gold brass: Warm, dense sound with rounded articulation; may reduce clarity.
• Rose brass: Shires' rose brass leadpipes add warmth and a darker core compared to standard bright alloys.

Length:

• Standard M leadpipe length: 8.75 inches.

Contact us at sales@houghtonhorns.com for help selecting a configuration and confirming compatibility with your instrument.

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 orders 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!