

S.E. Shires STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Overview
The S.E. Shires STBQ38YR is a Q-Series contrabass trombone built for players who need depth, clarity, and control in a responsive, balanced instrument. With European-style independent valve operation and precision Rotax rotary valves, it is designed to deliver an even, predictable response and smooth transitions across all registers, supporting both large-scale power and refined articulation for modern orchestral and solo repertoire.
S.E. Shires STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument: Contrabass Trombone
- Key: F/D/Bb/Ab (European tuning; independent valves)
- Bore: .590 in
- Valves: Rotax rotary valves
- Bell: 10.5 in two-piece yellow brass detachable-flare bell with soldered bead
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Series: Q-Series
- Case: S.E. Shires case
- Accessories: Mouthpiece and care kit
Condition & Setup
New. This instrument has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested to confirm proper slide function, valve alignment, and consistent response through the full valve combinations and range.
Who the STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The STBQ38YR is a European-tuned F/D/Bb/Ab contrabass trombone designed for advanced and professional trombonists who need contrabass power with controlled response and reliable valve technique. Its independent valve system favors using each valve on its own (rather than a dependent configuration), helping players avoid extended slide positions and move through technical passages with an efficient blend of valve and slide technique.
The .590 in bore and 10.5 in detachable-flare yellow brass bell are built to produce a rich, resonant tone with focused projection and a vibrant core. This configuration supports the agility required for modern repertoire and complex orchestral writing while maintaining the balance and mechanical consistency associated with S.E. Shires builds.
Common Questions About The S.E. Shires STBQ38YR
What does European tuning mean on the STBQ38YR?
European tuning on the STBQ38YR refers to an independent valve system in F/D/Bb/Ab where each valve is intended to be used independently, making common passages less dependent on extended slide positions and improving technical agility in modern orchestral and solo literature.
Are the valves independent or dependent on this contrabass trombone?
The STBQ38YR uses independent F/D/Bb/Ab tuning with Rotax rotary valves, designed for even response and predictable intonation tendencies across valve combinations, with smooth transitions between open and valved registers.
What is the advantage of the detachable-flare bell?
The 10.5 in detachable-flare bell improves portability and supports flexibility in feel and response while retaining the core tonal characteristics of a two-piece yellow brass bell.
We are proud to be an authorized S.E. Shires dealer
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99
S.E. Shires Model Q38YR Q-Series Contrabass Trombone with Rotax Valves
S.E. Shires STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Overview
The S.E. Shires STBQ38YR is a Q-Series contrabass trombone built for players who need depth, clarity, and control in a responsive, balanced instrument. With European-style independent valve operation and precision Rotax rotary valves, it is designed to deliver an even, predictable response and smooth transitions across all registers, supporting both large-scale power and refined articulation for modern orchestral and solo repertoire.
S.E. Shires STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument: Contrabass Trombone
- Key: F/D/Bb/Ab (European tuning; independent valves)
- Bore: .590 in
- Valves: Rotax rotary valves
- Bell: 10.5 in two-piece yellow brass detachable-flare bell with soldered bead
- Finish: Clear lacquer
- Series: Q-Series
- Case: S.E. Shires case
- Accessories: Mouthpiece and care kit
Condition & Setup
New. This instrument has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested to confirm proper slide function, valve alignment, and consistent response through the full valve combinations and range.
Who the STBQ38YR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The STBQ38YR is a European-tuned F/D/Bb/Ab contrabass trombone designed for advanced and professional trombonists who need contrabass power with controlled response and reliable valve technique. Its independent valve system favors using each valve on its own (rather than a dependent configuration), helping players avoid extended slide positions and move through technical passages with an efficient blend of valve and slide technique.
The .590 in bore and 10.5 in detachable-flare yellow brass bell are built to produce a rich, resonant tone with focused projection and a vibrant core. This configuration supports the agility required for modern repertoire and complex orchestral writing while maintaining the balance and mechanical consistency associated with S.E. Shires builds.
Common Questions About The S.E. Shires STBQ38YR
What does European tuning mean on the STBQ38YR?
European tuning on the STBQ38YR refers to an independent valve system in F/D/Bb/Ab where each valve is intended to be used independently, making common passages less dependent on extended slide positions and improving technical agility in modern orchestral and solo literature.
Are the valves independent or dependent on this contrabass trombone?
The STBQ38YR uses independent F/D/Bb/Ab tuning with Rotax rotary valves, designed for even response and predictable intonation tendencies across valve combinations, with smooth transitions between open and valved registers.
What is the advantage of the detachable-flare bell?
The 10.5 in detachable-flare bell improves portability and supports flexibility in feel and response while retaining the core tonal characteristics of a two-piece yellow brass bell.
We are proud to be an authorized S.E. Shires dealer
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
30-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping for all U.S. orders over $99

S.E. Shires Model Q38YR Q-Series Contrabass Trombone with Rotax Valves
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
-
Shipping Information
Orders valued over $99 ship via FedEx 2-Day within the U.S. and via DHL internationally. A physical address (no P.O. Boxes) and signature are required. Smaller accessories ship via USPS (2–5 day service) and do not require a signature if valued under $99. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
-
Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 30-day return policy to ensure you’re completely satisfied. If you’re unhappy for any reason, return the item for a full refund or full exchange credit (reeds and other consumables are non-returnable once opened). Every instrument we sell is guaranteed to be free of mechanical defects—if an issue arises, contact us and we’ll either reimburse a local repair or provide a prepaid return label for repair, exchange, or refund. If you simply change your mind, you may still return the item for a full refund, but return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless free returns were purchased through Redo at checkout. Please see our FAQ for additional details.
-
Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box, used, and vintage items include a two-year warranty serviced by our in-house repair shop, and we guarantee every instrument will be free of mechanical defects. Warranty coverage does not include damage from accident, misuse, negligence, improper operation, unauthorized alterations or removed serial numbers, normal wear and routine maintenance, environmental damage (including perspiration, corrosion, or extreme temperature and humidity), lacquer or plating wear, or consumable parts such as springs, pads, and felts. Please see our FAQ for additional details.

