Shires vs Edwards

[masonsat]

I’m looking for some thoughts on trombones as I’m looking to purchase a new one. Particularly Shires and Edwards. I’ve been told that both are equally as good, and that it all comes down to preference. What are your experiences with either?

[VJOFan]

Back in the day I went to Elkhorn, WI for an Edward’s fitting. You get three hours with a tech, and by the end you’ll have something that does what you want it to do. I imagine Shires has a similar service. With the “custom” horns I don’t see the point of doing it any other way if actually having a horn built for you is possible. Otherwise, I would think if you’ve played one Edward’s, you”ve played one Edward’s.

As far as how my Edward’s performed, it was superb and taught me how to play better.

[walldaja]

I'd rank them equal in quantity and performance. I think the deciding factors would ergonomics and where you have to go for a fitting. Definitely worth going somewhere you can try different models if you aren't going full custom.

[bassbone1993]

They're both definitely great trombone makers. I've owned 2 shires (Curran model and a bass with trubores) and 1 Edwards (502). IMO (big big grain of salt), Shires has a bit more color to their sound, but the Edwards I had was much more even and consistent.

[Arendsdale]

I’ve played both and I prefer shires much more. I’m just not a fan of the sound I get on an Edwards. They’re great horns, just not for me

[Matt K]

Shires, especially tenors, has a few more options (one piece bells, several additional valve types, altos and small bores with f attachments, notably) but Edwards still has a dizzying array of options that either way I would be really surprised if 95+% were unable to find something that worked brilliantly for them, given enough time and funding. Incidentally, both the Getzen line up and the Shires Q series are each companies respective “popular” options, so not only do I suspect that most players can find something that works great from both companies, but I would likely be able to gamble on what they ultimately choose and possibly beat the house choosing a fairly small subset of options. And, on paper, those “popular” configurations are nearly identical: two piece, medium weight yellow brass bell, Thayer valve, and a wide (but not bass bore), regular weight slide.