Shires lightweight double valve sections

modelerdc · by **modelerdc** » 2024-02-21 5:03 p.m.

I see that Shires offers a lightweight option for it's double valve bass trombone sections. I'm not thinking of buying one, but instead considering modifying one that I have. I'm less concerned about weight than balance. The standard sections have enough weight far enough back that the horn feels tail heavy. No I'm not going to add a weight to the end of the slide. But I've tried practicing with the D slide removed, and that is a real improvement in the way the horn balances in the hand. Looking at what few photos I can find, it seems that the Shires factory lightweight section doesn't have the braces on the F and D slides. I figure these could be removed. Does anyone know where else the factory light section is modified? If need be it seems that the overlap of the outer nickel and inner brass on the slides on the valves could be reduced. The brace on the tuning slide could be removed, though I'd like to avoid this as the brace helps move tight tuning slides. Thanks.

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2024-02-21 5:05 p.m.

Fewer braces, and much less pull on the valve tuning slides so more of the section is brass tubing.

modelerdc · by **modelerdc** » 2024-02-21 5:58 p.m.

Thanks anyone have some photos that show these modifications?

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2024-02-21 6:25 p.m.

<IMGUR id="a/NieE1AA">~~[media]~~https://imgur.com/a/NieE1AA</IMGUR>

modelerdc · by **modelerdc** » 2024-02-21 6:58 p.m.

I see the lack of a brace on the d tuning slide. I can’t see any more brass telescopic tubing showing than normal. Are the brass inner tubes of the F and D slides shorter than normal?

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2024-02-21 8:03 p.m.

On the F side especially, there is a lot less nickel outer- there is much less pull on that slide than a normal one.

modelerdc · by **modelerdc** » 2024-02-21 10:12 p.m.

Thanks I’ll search the web for a photo

Burgerbob · by **Burgerbob** » 2024-02-21 10:22 p.m.

[quote="modelerdc"]Thanks I’ll search the web for a photo[/quote]

I uploaded an album, just click to the right and you'll see it

modelerdc · by **modelerdc** » 2024-02-21 10:43 p.m.

Ok thanks

Blabberbucket · by **Blabberbucket** » 2024-02-22 6:36 p.m.

You'll need to replace the ferrules on the F and D slides if you want to remove the brace rod and sockets, as the sockets are brazed to the ferrules on a standard bass Axial valve set.

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Shires lightweight double valve sections