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The S.E. Shires Q39GR Q-Series is a professional contrabass trombone built around an American-tuning independent valve layout, giving specialist low-brass players a practical modern platform for repertoire that calls for the contrabass voice. The Q-Series places Shires design concepts in a standardized configuration, and the Q39GR pairs Rotax valves with a detachable gold-brass bell and large-bore slide for demanding orchestral and ensemble work.
S.E. Shires Q39GR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Contrabass Trombone
- Tuning: Independent F/C/Db/A American tuning
- Valves: Dual Rotax rotary valves
- Bore Size: 0.590 inches
- Bell: 10.5-inch detachable, two-piece hand-hammered gold-brass bell with soldered bead
- Leadpipe: One interchangeable leadpipe
- Case: S.E. Shires padded soft case
- Accessories: Laskey 105C large-shank mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning-slide lubricant, trombone slide lubricant, and polishing cloth
Condition & Setup
This instrument is in excellent playing order and very good cosmetic condition. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. The polished brass surfaces remain bright, with light handling marks and slight localized discoloration on portions of the linkage and receiver-area hardware. The bell, slide assembly, braces, and dual-valve mechanism are complete and well aligned, and the included S.E. Shires case is in very good condition.
Who the Q39GR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The Q39GR is intended for professional low-brass players, advanced specialists, and institutions that need a dedicated contrabass trombone for orchestral, operatic, contemporary ensemble, and low-brass choir literature. Its American-tuning valve configuration will be especially relevant to players who prefer F/C/Db/A pitch relationships, while the independent Rotax layout provides direct access to the instrument's valve combinations. This is a specialized professional instrument rather than a general-purpose bass trombone.
Common Questions About the S.E. Shires Q39GR
How does the Q39GR differ from the Q38 contrabass trombone?
The Q39 uses an American-tuning F/C/Db/A valve configuration. The related Q38 uses a European-tuning F/D/Bb/Ab configuration, making the choice primarily a matter of preferred pitch relationships and established playing approach.
What does the independent Rotax valve layout provide?
Each valve can be engaged independently, allowing the player to use either valve by itself or both together. This provides the complete set of Q39 pitch configurations without a dependent second-valve path.
What musical applications suit the Q39GR?
The Q39GR is designed for repertoire requiring the depth, range, and tonal weight of a true contrabass trombone, including orchestral and operatic works, contemporary compositions, recording work, and specialized low-brass ensembles.
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 Q39GR Q-Series Professional Contrabass Trombone with Rotax Valves
S.E. Shires Q39GR Contrabass Trombone Overview
The S.E. Shires Q39GR Q-Series is a professional contrabass trombone built around an American-tuning independent valve layout, giving specialist low-brass players a practical modern platform for repertoire that calls for the contrabass voice. The Q-Series places Shires design concepts in a standardized configuration, and the Q39GR pairs Rotax valves with a detachable gold-brass bell and large-bore slide for demanding orchestral and ensemble work.
S.E. Shires Q39GR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Contrabass Trombone
- Tuning: Independent F/C/Db/A American tuning
- Valves: Dual Rotax rotary valves
- Bore Size: 0.590 inches
- Bell: 10.5-inch detachable, two-piece hand-hammered gold-brass bell with soldered bead
- Leadpipe: One interchangeable leadpipe
- Case: S.E. Shires padded soft case
- Accessories: Laskey 105C large-shank mouthpiece, valve oil, tuning-slide lubricant, trombone slide lubricant, and polishing cloth
Condition & Setup
This instrument is in excellent playing order and very good cosmetic condition. It has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested. The polished brass surfaces remain bright, with light handling marks and slight localized discoloration on portions of the linkage and receiver-area hardware. The bell, slide assembly, braces, and dual-valve mechanism are complete and well aligned, and the included S.E. Shires case is in very good condition.
Who the Q39GR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The Q39GR is intended for professional low-brass players, advanced specialists, and institutions that need a dedicated contrabass trombone for orchestral, operatic, contemporary ensemble, and low-brass choir literature. Its American-tuning valve configuration will be especially relevant to players who prefer F/C/Db/A pitch relationships, while the independent Rotax layout provides direct access to the instrument's valve combinations. This is a specialized professional instrument rather than a general-purpose bass trombone.
Common Questions About the S.E. Shires Q39GR
How does the Q39GR differ from the Q38 contrabass trombone?
The Q39 uses an American-tuning F/C/Db/A valve configuration. The related Q38 uses a European-tuning F/D/Bb/Ab configuration, making the choice primarily a matter of preferred pitch relationships and established playing approach.
What does the independent Rotax valve layout provide?
Each valve can be engaged independently, allowing the player to use either valve by itself or both together. This provides the complete set of Q39 pitch configurations without a dependent second-valve path.
What musical applications suit the Q39GR?
The Q39GR is designed for repertoire requiring the depth, range, and tonal weight of a true contrabass trombone, including orchestral and operatic works, contemporary compositions, recording work, and specialized low-brass ensembles.
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 Q39GR Q-Series Professional 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.
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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.
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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.
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Shop Warranty:
Brand new items are covered by the full manufacturer’s warranty unless otherwise noted (see the individual maker for details). Open box/refurbished, 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.

