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The S.E. Shires Q39YR is a professional Q-Series contrabass trombone that brings the company's modular low-brass design approach to a specialized dual-valve instrument. Its independent Rotax system uses the American-tuning configuration, giving contrabass specialists a distinct alternative to the European-tuning Q38YR. This model is intended for orchestral, large-ensemble, and contemporary repertoire that calls for the weight, range, and tonal foundation of a true contrabass trombone.
S.E. Shires Q39YR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Contrabass trombone
- Valve System: Independent Rotax valves with F/C/Db/A American tuning
- Bore Size: .590-inch
- Bell: 10.5-inch two-piece, hand-hammered, detachable bell with soldered bead
- Bell Material: Yellow brass
- Leadpipe: three interchangeable leadpipes
- Case: Fitted S.E. Shires soft-sided case
- Accessories: Laskey 103C large-shank mouthpiece, valve oil, slide cream, tuning-slide lubricant, and polish cloth
- Serial Number: Q22536
Condition & Setup
This instrument is in excellent playing order. As a Shires floor model, it has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. The lacquered exterior remains glossy, with light handling and polishing marks visible on portions of the receiver and mechanism hardware.
Who the Q39YR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The Q39YR is intended for professional contrabass trombonists, advanced low-brass specialists, and institutions seeking a dedicated instrument for orchestral, wind ensemble, studio, and contemporary repertoire. Its .590-inch slide and large yellow-brass bell support a broad contrabass foundation, while the independent American-tuning valve layout provides alternate-position flexibility throughout the extended low register. Players comparing Shires contrabass models should consider the Q39YR when the American-tuning layout better matches their technical approach than the European-tuning Q38YR.
Common Questions About the S.E. Shires Q39YR
How does the Q39YR differ from the Q38YR?
The Q39YR uses independent F/C/Db/A American tuning. The related Q38YR uses independent F/D/Bb/Ab European tuning. Both models use .590-inch yellow-brass handslides, 10.5-inch detachable yellow-brass bells, and Rotax valves.
What does the independent Rotax valve system offer?
The independent layout allows each valve to be used separately and the valves to be combined, providing additional alternate positions and chromatic options in the contrabass register. Rotax valves are designed to provide an efficient air path while retaining the compact operation of a rotary system.
How do the .590-inch bore and 10.5-inch bell shape the playing concept?
The large bore accommodates the air volume expected of a contrabass trombone, while the broad bell supports a substantial low-register foundation and projecting orchestral presence. This configuration rewards a developed contrabass air concept and is intended for experienced low-brass players.
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 Q39YR Q-Series Professional Contrabass Trombone in Lacquer
S.E. Shires Q39YR Contrabass Trombone Overview
The S.E. Shires Q39YR is a professional Q-Series contrabass trombone that brings the company's modular low-brass design approach to a specialized dual-valve instrument. Its independent Rotax system uses the American-tuning configuration, giving contrabass specialists a distinct alternative to the European-tuning Q38YR. This model is intended for orchestral, large-ensemble, and contemporary repertoire that calls for the weight, range, and tonal foundation of a true contrabass trombone.
S.E. Shires Q39YR Contrabass Trombone Specifications
- Instrument Type: Contrabass trombone
- Valve System: Independent Rotax valves with F/C/Db/A American tuning
- Bore Size: .590-inch
- Bell: 10.5-inch two-piece, hand-hammered, detachable bell with soldered bead
- Bell Material: Yellow brass
- Leadpipe: three interchangeable leadpipes
- Case: Fitted S.E. Shires soft-sided case
- Accessories: Laskey 103C large-shank mouthpiece, valve oil, slide cream, tuning-slide lubricant, and polish cloth
- Serial Number: Q22536
Condition & Setup
This instrument is in excellent playing order. As a Shires floor model, it has been professionally serviced, set up, and play-tested by The Mighty Quinn Brass and Winds. The lacquered exterior remains glossy, with light handling and polishing marks visible on portions of the receiver and mechanism hardware.
Who the Q39YR Contrabass Trombone Is For
The Q39YR is intended for professional contrabass trombonists, advanced low-brass specialists, and institutions seeking a dedicated instrument for orchestral, wind ensemble, studio, and contemporary repertoire. Its .590-inch slide and large yellow-brass bell support a broad contrabass foundation, while the independent American-tuning valve layout provides alternate-position flexibility throughout the extended low register. Players comparing Shires contrabass models should consider the Q39YR when the American-tuning layout better matches their technical approach than the European-tuning Q38YR.
Common Questions About the S.E. Shires Q39YR
How does the Q39YR differ from the Q38YR?
The Q39YR uses independent F/C/Db/A American tuning. The related Q38YR uses independent F/D/Bb/Ab European tuning. Both models use .590-inch yellow-brass handslides, 10.5-inch detachable yellow-brass bells, and Rotax valves.
What does the independent Rotax valve system offer?
The independent layout allows each valve to be used separately and the valves to be combined, providing additional alternate positions and chromatic options in the contrabass register. Rotax valves are designed to provide an efficient air path while retaining the compact operation of a rotary system.
How do the .590-inch bore and 10.5-inch bell shape the playing concept?
The large bore accommodates the air volume expected of a contrabass trombone, while the broad bell supports a substantial low-register foundation and projecting orchestral presence. This configuration rewards a developed contrabass air concept and is intended for experienced low-brass players.
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 Q39YR Q-Series Professional Contrabass Trombone in Lacquer
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.

