Originally Posted by
bayoung36
I got to try one at TMEA back in February, it is a gorgeous sounding horn. Compared to the Q series, it has a much more open and darker tone. It is also very easy to play, my only turn off from it was it didn't feel quite right to hold with my stature! Then again at the time I was trying to move away from heavier feeling instruments so there is probably some bias there. I would say it is probably one of the better horns on the market in the high end spectrum of things.
Do you mean ergonomics or just weight? In my experience, the Shires "feels" smaller/more compact in the hands than even an Adams E1, which is certainly a "lighter" horn. I could honestly see how someone with longer arms might not love the ergonomics of the Shires. To me, ergonomically, it compares more to a Willson than any other horn - which I always liked about Willsons - the third valve slide is set very close to the body of the instrument, so I'm actually having to adjust to how easy it is for my left hand to reach the 4th valve. I'm also finding that when I play sitting, I can't let the horn rest on my lap like I could with my Adams. Currently I'm just holding it, the way I would if I were standing, but I'm doing with the idea of a lap pad/cushion. (I'm thinking this is due to how the leadpipe is situated, which has the receiver closer to the bell than the Adams)
BTW hope the E1 is working great!!!
Sean Kissane
Low Brass Specialist, Paige's Music
Principal Euphonium, Indianapolis Brass Choir
Principal Euphonium, Crossroads Brass Band