S.E. Shires Q Series Joseph Alessi Alto Trombone Overview

Like new professional Shires Alto trombone, freshly serviced and ready to play. The S.E. Shires Alessi Q Series Joseph Alessi Alto Trombone is a professional Eb alto built for modern orchestral and ensemble demands, developed in collaboration with Joseph Alessi of the New York Philharmonic. Featuring a 6.5-inch, two-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell with a distinctive bell-tuning design, it delivers confident projection while retaining a broad, warm core and unmistakable alto clarity. The dual-bore .485"/.495" build and the QAlessi handslide provide a stable feel and quick response that supports both section playing and solo work. This is an ideal choice for tenor players adding alto to their toolkit, with intonation characteristics that help make the switch feel natural.

Players choose this Alessi Q alto for its balanced combination of brilliance and warmth, with a centered tone that carries without becoming edgy. The bell-tuning design helps the sound bloom in larger ensemble settings, while the medium-weight, hand-hammered construction keeps articulation clean and the response immediate. The gold brass tuning slide and gold brass outer slide tubes add a touch of added stability and color to the sound, supporting a smooth, even scale. Craftsmanship details—traditionally brazed seams, an unsoldered bead, and Joseph Alessi custom engraving—reflect S.E. Shires’ boutique approach to fit, finish, and consistency.

Shires Q-Series Alessi Alto Trombone Specs

• Brand/Series: S.E. Shires Alessi Q Series
• Instrument: Alto Trombone in Eb
• Artist Design: Designed with New York Philharmonic principal trombonist and S.E. Shires artist Joseph Alessi
• Bore: .485"/.495" dual bore
• Bell: QAlessi Alto 6.5" two-piece, hand-hammered medium-weight yellow brass bell with traditionally brazed seams, unsoldered bead, and bell tuning design
• Bell/Response Concept: Unique bell tuning promotes projection while maintaining a broad, warm sound with true alto character
• Handslide: QAlessi Alto handslide with gold brass outer tubes and yellow brass crook
• Tuning Slide: Gold brass
• Engraving: S.E. Shires Joseph Alessi custom engraving
• Finish: Lacquer (yellow brass)
• Case: S.E. Shires Cordura-covered wood shell alto case
• Accessories: 7C mouthpiece

Condition & Setup

Lightly used trombone with no cosmetic defects. Instrument has been freshly cleaned, serviced, and professionally set up to ensure proper mechanical function. Any necessary adjustments have been completed so the trombone is performance-ready upon arrival. Buying from a specialty brass and woodwind retailer ensures the instrument meets professional standards before it reaches the player.

Who the Shires Alessi Alto Trombone is Best For

The S.E. Shires Q Alessi Alto Trombone is best for advanced brass musicians, professional orchestral players, and serious trombonists looking to master the alto trombone’s unique, bright, and focused voice in ensemble and solo repertoire. Crafted in collaboration with New York Philharmonic principal Joseph Alessi, this alto trombone delivers a broad, warm sound with excellent projection and nuanced control that helps players stand out in chamber groups, orchestras, and audition settings, while its dual-bore design supports excellent intonation and transition from tenor trombone playing. Its professional-level construction makes it ideal for experienced players seeking to expand their performance range with a reliable, expressive alto instrument.

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