Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast
Results 11 to 20 of 22

Thread: First recording of Shires Custom Series

  1. #11
    I was hesitant to post any technical info that I've gotten from Shires in case they were waiting on the official press release, but since Jake was able to get the "standard" model sheet, it doesn't seem like they're keeping anything a secret, so I'll go ahead and post the current available options I was given:

    Bell

    • Taper: EI (E One) taper
    • Alloy: Yellow brass, standard weight only
    • Beadwire: Brass or Steel
      • Size: Beadwire T9 and T11


    Leadpipe

    • Alloy: Gold, Yellow, Nickel
    • Construction: Drawn or seamed (only available for yellow or gold brass)


    Receiver Bits

    • Large and Medium shank in all sizes


    Tuning Trigger

    • available by request
    I'm hopping on a call with the crew at Shires next week to chat about the development of the horns and will hopefully be able to bring back some decent insight.

    It should be said, from a dealer standpoint, that Shires is a fantastic company to work with, and the staff are all great people.

    *Edited for clarity of intent.
    Last edited by spkissane; 11-19-2021 at 12:13 PM.
    Sean Kissane
    Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
    Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
    Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band

  2. #12
    I just e-mailed info@seshires.com and they sent it to me and didn't ask me to keep it secret or anything so I figured anyone can do it. They said they are waiting for official professional pictures to come back before launching it but they are currently taking pre-orders.
    Adams E3 0.6 with SS Bell
    K&G 3.5D
    ---------------------------------
    Founder and Solo Euphonium
    San Francisco Brass Band

  3. #13
    I had a really nice conversation with James, Sam, Matt over at Shires yesterday and learned some illuminating things about the custom euphonium line. The official launch of the horns is currently just waiting on photography.

    Of the two standard configurations, the "custom" model is based on the Q41, but they've "broadened" (and sweetened a bit, from what I hear in Hiram's video) the sound - as Hiram said, a deeper, richer overall horn that retains the response and clarity of the Q41.

    The "solo" model is evidently not based on any specific horn, but from what I understand it's really their take on a bigger/wider overall sound profile than the custom. The annealing treatment on the bell supposedly warms the sound up a bit, while the seamed leadpipe provides a little "bouncier" articulations, as well as a "freer" slotting sensation between partials (easier to bend pitches, etc.).

    Currently they aren't offering any custom finishes other than traditional lacquer and silver plate.

    Umm, that's all I can remember for now without my notes in front of me. They will have at least one of the horns at Midwest in Chicago.

    Edit: Just remembered one other detail - I asked about the guage of the bell... I don't remember the exact number they gave me because they use inches and my brain was thinking in mm, but James was a bit taken aback at how thin my .6mm Adams is, so it's definitely thicker than that. I know it's not exactly apples to apples though, since their bells aren't sheet brass, so it's not going to be the exact same measurement throughout the entire bell.
    Last edited by spkissane; 11-23-2021 at 02:23 PM. Reason: Additional info

  4. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Summerville (SC)
    Posts
    483
    Fascinating info... Am I correct to infer that Hiram Diaz performed the Davoren Concerto on a Custom model, rather than on the Solo variant?

    Regards, Guido
    M5050L - DC2&3, SM2&4U, BT16, Carbonaria Heavy & New
    Wessex EP104 Festivo - available
    Carolbrass CCR7772 Bb cornet - Available

  5. #15
    Interesting. I wonder what the target market is for the “solo” model.




    Quote Originally Posted by spkissane View Post
    I had a really nice conversation with James, Sam, Matt over at Shires yesterday and learned some illuminating things about the custom euphonium line. The official launch of the horns is currently just waiting on photography.

    Of the two standard configurations, the "custom" model is based on the Q41, but they've "broadened" (and sweetened a bit, from what I hear in Hiram's video) the sound - as Hiram said, a deeper, richer overall horn that retains the response and clarity of the Q41.

    The "solo" model is evidently not based on any specific horn, but from what I understand it's really their take on a bigger/wider overall sound profile than the custom. The annealing treatment on the bell supposedly warms the sound up a bit, while the seamed leadpipe provides a little "bouncier" articulations, as well as a "freer" slotting sensation between partials (easier to bend pitches, etc.).

    Currently they aren't offering any custom finishes other than traditional lacquer and silver plate.

    Umm, that's all I can remember for now without my notes in front of me. They will have at least one of the horns at Midwest in Chicago.

    Edit: Just remembered one other detail - I asked about the guage of the bell... I don't remember the exact number they gave me because they use inches and my brain was thinking in mm, but James was a bit taken aback at how thin my .6mm Adams is, so it's definitely thicker than that. I know it's not exactly apples to apples though, since their bells aren't sheet brass, so it's not going to be the exact same measurement throughout the entire bell.
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

  6. Thank you all for your responses and interest!

    Yes this horn is the “Custom” model.

    I had the pleasure of playing all 3 variants back in March and I was deeply impressed with the sound of each horn. Each variation provided a different set of colors and responses in the sound, perfectly suited to their customization ideology. Personally, I loved the Custom version for so many things, as it felt like it covered most of my needs (Solo, concert band, chamber setting, orchestral playing). But BOY did I love playing the “solo” model. It was so fun and responsive, and it also had a wider variety of available colors. In the limited time I tried both side by side, my thoughts were to choose a more consistent sound that was more easily accessible for all the things that I do professionally.

    I hope this super esoteric commentary helps at least one person, ha!

  7. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Summerville (SC)
    Posts
    483
    Thank you Hiram, freely admitting that I might be amongst those esoterically-minded euphophiles... I find myself fascinated by your tidbits above

    Was your mention of "3" prototypes a typo.... Or has Shires been developing a third member of the family... And what was its character?

    Hope that before long we will be able to hear the Custom and Solo variants recorded side-by-side -- Hint to Alexis Smith

    Best regards, Guido
    M5050L - DC2&3, SM2&4U, BT16, Carbonaria Heavy & New
    Wessex EP104 Festivo - available
    Carolbrass CCR7772 Bb cornet - Available

  8. #18
    Quick FYI for folks - the Shires SOLO model from Midwest will be available at Paige's Music in Indy for the next several weeks! I had about a half hour at the conference of playing time on it, and it's really a great horn. Looking forward to putting in some more time on it.

  9. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2018
    Location
    Summerville (SC)
    Posts
    483
    That's exciting SPKissane.... At first blush, how would you characterize the tone and other performance characteristics of the Shires Solo, contrasted to the Custom variant?

    Thanks, Guido
    M5050L - DC2&3, SM2&4U, BT16, Carbonaria Heavy & New
    Wessex EP104 Festivo - available
    Carolbrass CCR7772 Bb cornet - Available

  10. #20
    Anything special needed to come play it?

    Quote Originally Posted by spkissane View Post
    Quick FYI for folks - the Shires SOLO model from Midwest will be available at Paige's Music in Indy for the next several weeks! I had about a half hour at the conference of playing time on it, and it's really a great horn. Looking forward to putting in some more time on it.
    Mike Taylor

    Illinois Brass Band
    Fox Valley Brass Band

Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 123 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •