S.E. Shires Q33 Professional Small Bore Trombone Overview

The S.E. Shires Q33 Professional Small Bore Trombone is a .508-inch bore tenor trombone designed for jazz, commercial playing, and lighter classical work. Its 8-inch two-piece yellow brass bell uses the S.E. Shires QS taper with a soldered bead, producing a crisp, centered sound with strong projection. The lightweight nickel handslide supports quick response, clean articulation, and secure playing across the register, making the Q33 a practical choice for both gigging professionals and advancing students seeking a responsive professional small-bore trombone.

S.E. Shires Q33 Professional Small Bore Trombone Specifications

• Key: Bb
• Finish: Clear lacquer
• Bell: QSY8 8-inch two-piece hand-hammered yellow brass bell
• Bell Taper: QS taper, medium weight, soldered bead
• Bore: .508-inch small bore
• Handslide: Q08NLW lightweight nickel handslide with nickel-silver wide crook
• Tuning Slide: QSY tuning slide
• Included Features: Counterweight, S.E. Shires maker’s mark, traditional floral bell engraving
• Case: Original case
• Accessories: 7C Mouthpiece and care kit

Condition & Setup

This S.E. Shires Q33 is a used trombone in wonderful condition. A small dent was removed from the bell which has left a faint cosmetic scar. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested in our shop to confirm proper slide action, response, and overall playing condition.

Who the Q33 Professional Small Bore Trombone Is For

The S.E. Shires Q33 is a professional small-bore Bb tenor trombone built for players who need a responsive, projecting instrument for jazz, commercial, pit, and lighter classical settings. Its .508-inch bore and lightweight nickel handslide provide fast response and crisp articulation, while the yellow brass bell gives the instrument a clear, brilliant core with enough breadth for expressive lead, section, and solo work.

This model is especially well suited to the gigging professional who needs efficiency and consistency, as well as the advancing student moving into a professional-quality small-bore setup. Within the S.E. Shires Q Series, the Q33 offers a focused small-bore voice with an open low register and a supported upper register, distinguishing it from larger-bore symphonic models intended primarily for orchestral tenor trombone work.

Common Questions About the S.E. Shires Q33

Is the S.E. Shires Q33 suitable for professional use?

Yes. The S.E. Shires Q33 is a professional small-bore tenor trombone with a .508-inch bore, lightweight nickel handslide, and hand-hammered yellow brass bell. It is designed for professional jazz, commercial, and versatile freelance playing.

What type of sound does the Q33 produce?

The Q33 produces a crisp, clean, and brilliant sound with strong projection. The yellow brass bell and small-bore design emphasize clarity, quick articulation, and a focused tonal center while retaining an open low register and supported upper register.

How does a .508-inch bore trombone compare with a large-bore tenor trombone?

A .508-inch small-bore trombone generally responds faster, articulates more immediately, and produces a brighter, more compact sound than a large-bore tenor trombone. The Q33 is better suited to jazz and commercial work than to primary large-bore orchestral tenor trombone roles.

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