Hi all, I was just curious if anybody had any experience using a Hoelle tuning slide on their shires trombone. I'm looking to change my tuning slide, and I'm interested in one of the seamed copper tuning slides, but I wanted to see what everybody's thoughts were first!

Have your tried all the Shires options first? Adding aftermarket parts that are not particularly designed for a Shires adds another variable.

That`s not really answering the question

I can guarantee the Hoelle slide will not sort your socks or transform you into Joe Alessi. Will it make the instrument play better? Big maybe.

There are three key differences between the Hoelle and the standard Shires oferings, although in theory I believe you could get something similar. My understanding of the Hoelle TS is that they are patterned around a Bach 42, are seamed material, and of course, can be made from nickel and copper. Hoelle does offer a gold brass TS, and so while I've never seen one, if Shires would produced a seamed "X" tuning slide, a "GXS" would probably play similar to a Hoelle gold brass tuning slide. As noted, I've never known anyone to have a Shires Hoelle, though I know they exist. I also have never known anyone with a GXS or even an XS tuning slide. However, you might be able to get an idea by seeing what people say about the "X" tuning slide, which resembles a Bach 42 taper as well as tuning slides in seamed construction.

I tend to like seamed tuning slides but they're expensive new. I need to get some stuff sold first, but I plan on trying some out. Brad Close also makes seamed tuning slides of a variety of material. Thinking about trying these out but not anytime soon as the drawn tuning slides I have on my horns are working fine for me now. Incidentally, I am selling an Shires "X" and a seamed, yellow brass tuning slide ("YS"), but not an "XS" tuning slides. Seamed have some really great projection and the "X" puts overtones where you might expect them to be coming from more common designs.

I ordered tuning slides (yellow and gold brass) for Shires last October, but this past May, Mr. Hoelle informed me that production was delayed for some reason.

If they arrive, I may share my impressions here!

Almost two years after ordering two Hölle tuning slides for Shires, they have finally arrived. When the valve section and bells arrive I will compare them to the TG and TYS I have.

What is it you're wanting to achieve by using the different tuning slide? What perceived benefit do you expect?