Shires Bass Mouthpieces

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Trombola2112
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2022 4:55 pm

Shires Bass Mouthpieces

Post by Trombola2112 »

Currently trying out the Shires 1.25g that came with my used bass trombone. Was using a Schilke 58 when I started learning the bass, but thought about revisiting the 1.25g now that I have more experience. I think it has potential. How do Shires pieces compare to others? I found the specs online, but feel like they don't get mentioned a ton on here. Curious what kind of experience people have with them.
Posaunus
Posts: 3967
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:54 pm
Location: California

Re: Shires Bass Mouthpieces

Post by Posaunus »

Shires mouthpieces are just fine (for some folks).
The Shires 1.25G is appreciably larger than the Schilke 58, so there will be a learning curve.
It does have "potential."
JMudge
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2019 3:45 pm

Re: Shires Bass Mouthpieces

Post by JMudge »

If it’s marked 1.25 G, I’m guessing it’s from their original “Vintage” line. That’s similar to Bach 1 1/4g specs and the feel of a Schilke 59.

Initially there were two lines of Shires pieces; Vintage and New Classic. The current line is marked Shires USA and is manufactured by Pickett. Along with the stamps, the original lines had some distinctive knurling on the shank. The specs for the Vintage 1.25 and the other lines of 1.25s aren’t really that similar. The Vintage line had some good reviews but wasn’t widely popular.

Personally I’ve had the New Classic 1.25MD and the USA 1.25MD that came with my bass. I felt some minor differences with the rims between the two, but they’re generally the same. Semi-flat rim, smooth contour, same throat. I preferred the New Classic to the USA. Overall…. Comfortable, flexible, efficient. …..a Laskey 85MD alternative. I imagine a Vintage would have some similar characteristics.

Shires has introduced some artist models over the last couple of years. So, in general the line has some good things going for it. Hope this helps.

J
Trombola2112
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2022 4:55 pm

Re: Shires Bass Mouthpieces

Post by Trombola2112 »

The piece says "S.E. Shires, USA, 1 1/4G". The knurling on the shank looks pretty similar to the Bach and Schilke I have. So I guess it's a newer one? Either way, initial impressions are good.
JMudge
Posts: 71
Joined: Tue Jun 18, 2019 3:45 pm

Re: Shires Bass Mouthpieces

Post by JMudge »

Sorry…..hadn’t seen a new one marked that way yet. That must be a newer version. Hard to keep track sometimes.

But……knowing that now…..I would say it’s same/similar to the other 1.25MD versions. Still a quality piece and a good choice.
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