WE'VE BEEN WAITING! S.E. Shires Alessi Custom Tenor Trombone Review

[@michaelhilton4859]

The horn seems to have great response, and the sound doesn't crack at dynamic extremes. It cannot be just the horn, but it sounds like it's easier to play than most of the other horns you have reviewed in the past.

[@noahclayton4437]

I actually tried one out the other day because I was thinking of getting one, and had my Yamaha Xeno to compare. It felt very easy and open, with much less resistance when playing. It handled extremes very well, without letting pedals sound muddy. Had a very warm, dark tone to it, but can be bright when needed. Great option, highly recommend

[@jazzbariman]

I think you need to get one for yourself. I would be hard pressed to find another video on here where you sounded better than with this model trombone. Your sound is great, your articulations were superb, and your intonation was fantastic. I have to wonder if some of your articulation complaints were more mouthpiece related than instrument. Have you tried this trombone with a different mouthpiece? Any way, you sounded great on this trombone. The excerpts were beautiful and were the highlight of this video. Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance. Thank you.

[@cmw12]

Same. He sounds great on this instrument!

[@kirstybeilharz8427]

Sounds beautiful! You make want this instrument and it sounds confident and controlled in all registers with solid intonation. Thank you for this video.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for much for watching!

[@halfshim]

I’ve never seen you more excited than this video! How does this compare to the Q Series? Does this have similar characteristics? Is there really a signifcant difference? etc.

[@Ffhjle]

Keith, you always sound great, but this horn is made for you! Wow! Fantastic sound!!!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thank you for watching! It was a blast to play and I can't wait to get our next one in!

[@stevesellers3170]

I've been watching your videos. You are an excellent player. I'm just starting out at 61. Just learning to play scales and thats hard enough. Dying to take lessons but don't want to do on line lessons. I feel you should be in the room with the teacher. I will keep plugging away at it. Hopefully will be able to play something in the near future. Right now I sound like a wounded duck going to different registers. You make it look so easy. I know its all in the embouchere. Takes times. Anyway I enjoy your videos.

[@ultroscentauri509]

Never stop playing. You wont regret it, Steve

[@salt4858]

One thing that helped me a lot was to focus on air, I fully recommend a book called the Breathing Gym. Extremely important to sound development.

[@stephaniecurry45]

He’s alright. I’m not a huge fan of his articulation sound

[@seansolberg2907]

I agree with everyone here, you and that horn are a great fit. Cool review, always good to hear you play!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks Sean! I hope you and yours are well! I don’t know if you caught it in my intro but this particular instrument is actually heading your direction, to a good customer of mine in the Saitama Prefecture. Stay safe and let’s chat soon!

[@alankramer8734]

Joe Alessi, get on here and give this a thumbs up. He has done a great service promoting your horn. This video clinched it for me.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for the kind comment; I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed getting to play it! As an aside we do have an Alessi custom in the shop that just arrived a few weeks ago...😉

[@raymondfallon7429]

That should be your orchestral instrument. Never heard you sound this good.

[@salvatorequaratino2602]

I remember trying his Q-series and artist model at a trombone event back in February. As I went down the line of shires models, those 2 (especially the artist model) are pretty special! Sound beautiful on it by the way! :)

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

I’m glad you have had the chance to try both of these horns; I think they’re worth trying! Thanks for watching!

[@Markinsky]

Beautiful high register playing!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thank you very much!

[@robertmarsh3588]

Have just built / bought a couple of Shires but this really makes me think. I've heard you on lots of trombones - have never heard you sound better.

[@tboorer]

Such informative, honest and fantastic reviews. Fine playing too. Bravo.

[@vicdupuis1871]

I really appreciate this review. I would appreciate your comments regarding how the custom model and the Q series model compare, given the price difference between the two. Also, I'm curious about how the instrument would sound if one used the .525/547 slide with it, as compared to the straight .547 slide. Thanks again

[@kylehuntley149]

You should make a video noting the similarities and differences between student model trombones and professional model trombones. I think you would have a great answer for this.

[@DLudwg42]

Keith, I agree with others that on this instrument you sounded as good as I've heard you play on your videos. A step above the Shires Alessi Model Q Series to be sure. (I expect the price reflects that.) Kudos! Great playing. I also wonder how you would find the articulations and general sound / response with a different mouthpiece. I've never been a huge fan of the Bach 5G. Too "middle of the road?" Perhaps try mating the Shires Alessi Custom with a Griego 5M or CS5? Or a Schilke 51 or D5.1?

[@iittssccuurrllyy8083]

Thanks for the great content as always!

[@salt4858]

How does this compare to the old T396?

[@ARCODEMUSIC]

It’s an awesome sounding instrument. It sounds majestic and rich.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

I kind of miss having it in the shop already! We have another on order but it might be a while before we see it...

[@CA-jd3bn]

This is the best you have ever played in my opinion. Did the horn make all the difference?

[@Masami-Diet]

A clerk at a musical instrument store, a good man.I want this instrument.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

I want this trombone as well; it is pretty amazing!

[@stanislavgolovinov171]

Dear Author, review the S.E.Shires trombone model by Colin Williams if possible. Thank you.

[@cristodelgado3104]

Which one weighs more, the Edwards alessi or the Shires custom alessi?

[@MightyRavenoO]

Beautiful sound, well played! Which models would you recommend (at 12:30) ?

[@salt4858]

“Heavier in stem, lighter in flare” maybe so that the horn isn’t as front heavy as the T396 is?

[@okaymarcel9273]

I'm looking at a pro horn upgrade for orchestra work later. I'm wanting to try one of these before I decide.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

We may be able to help with that! We offer in-home instrument trials in the continental US (and have an Alessi custom in stock right now.). Feel free to email us at [e-mail] if you would like more info…

[@alanwitton5980]

Looks and sounds like a great horn! I've only ever played on Yamahas though and standard medium bore without the F attachment

[@robertmarsh3588]

Hi Eric, do you know how much this model will retail for and when its going to be more generally available from?

[@stanislavgolovinov171]

Great video.Dear Author, review the S.E.Shires trombone model by Colin Williams if possible. Thank you.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for the suggestion! The next time I am able to put hands on the Colin Williams model I will absolutely grab a video with it!

[@oblegobble6496]

What the piece he played at 1:43

[@evcado]

Mahler 3

[@musicofnote1]

Just listened to your new video covering the Yamaha 8820GD. While this sounds great, the Yamaha sounds different and frankly, its sound is better suited to the orchestral excerpts you played, than this Shires. There's almost too much "shine" on the sound with this Shires - maybe a bit better with a gold-brass bell???

[@joaopinto3218]

Is it even better than a greenhoe?

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

It is different from the Greenhoes in some respects, not necessarily better or worse; however, it has the natural weighted response that I love in the Greenhoes so there are some similarities as well...

[@Potter5416]

It can be yours for the low low price of 30000 dollars!

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Not quite that much! We’re not talking about a flute or harp here... 🙂

[@Potter5416]

Schmitt Music Trombone Shop color me surprised, a shires with alese’s name ! I thought it would be a kingly sure!

[@counterfit5]

Potter5416 it’s a Shires, not a Monette 🤣

[@Potter5416]

counterfit5 for trombones shires is considered the top of the line

[@salt4858]

Brb selling kidney.....jk

[@davidbucher4095]

What it sounds and plays like with a Bach 5G is not what it's like with something bigger. A trombone is the bell, slide and mouthpiece together, producing a unique sound. Playing it with a 5G is probably not what was intended. I doubt you can get the full potential on such a small mouthpiece.

[@walkerpercy8702]

5G isn't a small mouthpiece if you're playing 1st trombone. A bigger mouthpiece doesn't necessarily mean better.

[@CA-jd3bn]

I don't understand how you can play so high on such a large mouthpiece. My Peter Sullivan mouthpiece seems much smaller than a Bach 5 and my upper range is still lacking👎☹️