Should I get a custom b.a.c or a Michael Davis shires

SamEdwTbone · by **SamEdwTbone** » 2025-01-14 10:30 p.m.

Basically what the title Says, I played on the shires and liked it, although it felt a bit weak in the lower range, (I play on a king 2103 3b) :biggrin:

Thrawn22 · by **Thrawn22** » 2025-01-14 11:16 p.m.

Neither

RJMason · by **RJMason** » 2025-01-14 11:19 p.m.

Neither seconded.

tbonesullivan · by **tbonesullivan** » 2025-01-14 11:44 p.m.

Why not a custom Shires or Edwards, instead of a horn you felt was "weak" in the low range? Or maybe just keep playing the 3b for now?

SamEdwTbone · by **SamEdwTbone** » 2025-01-14 11:47 p.m.

[quote="tbonesullivan"]Why not a custom Shires or Edwards, instead of a horn you felt was "weak" in the low range? Or maybe just keep playing the 3b for now?[/quote]
I'll probably stay on my 3b for a bit longer, it's my dad's horn so I can't just take it for college, I've never played on an Edwards and the only custom shires I've played was a large bore f attachment

Rusty · by **Rusty** » 2025-01-15 12:12 a.m.

The Shires MD+ (.508 bore) is more like your 3B and plays very open, with a meaty low range. Great horn! That being said, I probably prefer how a good 3B or Yamaha 891z feel in the upper range, I find the MD+ a little more effort up there.

hyperbolica · by **hyperbolica** » 2025-01-15 12:40 a.m.

I'd also pick something else. The MD+ is very nice. I personally prefer the Getzen 3508. It kind of depends on what you're going to do with it.

Digidog · by **Digidog** » 2025-01-15 5:51 a.m.

If you sense a deficit with a horn you try out, you should not pursue a purchase of that very horn. The reason for that sensation could be anything from your playing style not suiting the traits of that specific horn to that specific horn being flawed or damaged. To be certain how a specific horn suits you, you'd have to play several back to back, and if you haven't: don't buy one that doesn't feel good when you play it.

There are so many variants of trombones of all sorts out there, from great used to equally great new. You should play around to see what suits you, or buy and try with an absolute option of sending that which fall short back without any significant cost for you.

dukesboneman · by **dukesboneman** » 2025-01-15 7:26 a.m.

Try a Herb Bruce Trombone. Great horns top to bottom

tbonesullivan · by **tbonesullivan** » 2025-01-15 10:31 a.m.

[quote="SamEdwTbone"]I'll probably stay on my 3b for a bit longer, it's my dad's horn so I can't just take it for college, I've never played on an Edwards and the only custom shires I've played was a large bore f attachment[/quote] Maybe pick up another 3B? or a Bach LT16M? There are a good number of those on the used market, especially if you like that bore size. No real reason to go spend a bunch on a horn that you may or may not like.

Finetales · by **Finetales** » 2025-01-15 12:12 p.m.

[quote="SamEdwTbone"]I'll probably stay on my 3b for a bit longer, it's my dad's horn so I can't just take it for college, I've never played on an Edwards and the only custom shires I've played was a large bore f attachment[/quote]

Do you like the 3B? If so, why not look for a 3B of your own?

Personally, I have yet to play a small horn that I would replace my 3B with, and certainly not a BAC or Shires. And for your first small bore to take to college, I definitely don't think you need to be shelling out for a fancy new horn.

harrisonreed · by **harrisonreed** » 2025-01-15 12:48 p.m.

I also would not go with either of those options

Matt_K · by **Matt_K** » 2025-01-15 1:55 p.m.

I wouldn't buy either new, personally. In your shoes a pre-owned 3B will save an insane amount of money and if you're still playing in a couple years, you'll almost certainly be a much different player and in a better position to get something that will suit you more long-term. You may also find that whatever used 3B you pick up now just... works and never have to replace it.

harrisonreed · by **harrisonreed** » 2025-01-15 2:47 p.m.

The new Kings aren't as good as the old ones, anyways

ssking2b · by **ssking2b** » 2025-01-15 2:52 p.m.

Neither. If you like the size of the 3B but want something with excellent low and high range response, try the XO Brass 1634RLT. Designed by John Fedchock for XO Brass. Super horn! I use a .500 version, the 1632RG-LT and to me, it's unbeatable. You will find the price to be a lot kinder than the Shires MD or BAC horn.

Finetales · by **Finetales** » 2025-01-15 2:54 p.m.

[quote="harrisonreed"]The new Kings aren't as good as the old ones, anyways[/quote]

I tried a new 3B at NAMM a couple years ago that was every bit as good and characterful as my excellent 1970 3B. It would be a plug-and-play replacement.

harrisonreed · by **harrisonreed** » 2025-01-15 3:00 p.m.

[quote="Finetales"]<QUOTE author="harrisonreed" post_id="264259" time="1736970473" user_id="3642">
The new Kings aren't as good as the old ones, anyways[/quote]

I tried a new 3B at NAMM a couple years ago that was every bit as good and characterful as my excellent 1970 3B. It would be a plug-and-play replacement.
</QUOTE>

I had the opportunity to receive and go over four brand new 3BFs in 2021. They were not new old stock -- we had to wait a year for them to be built. All four had heavy corrosion on each tuning leg, frozen rotors, and excessive beads of solder clogging the inside of the tuning legs. It might have been a bad week for the factory, but let's just say I wouldn't buy sight unseen. They actually sounded okay, but the main hand slide was scratchy, and the craftsmanship was not anywhere near my 60's King.

Also, no clue why they got rid of the kidney linkage.

Finetales · by **Finetales** » 2025-01-15 3:15 p.m.

Yeah I mean, I wouldn't spend almost $3k on a new 3B for any reason when so many vintage ones are easily found. But good ones are around.

JKBone85 · by **JKBone85** » 2025-01-15 4:09 p.m.

The oft forgotten Shires Q33 is also a .508 bore, with an 8" bell, like a 3B. There was an update made to the neckpipe and tuning slide lower leg a couple of years ago, after a bit of feedback from players. It's a better horn now than when it first came out. It is a Shires, it is a new horn, and it isn't $3k. Might be worth checking out if there is one near you to try.

SamEdwTbone · by **SamEdwTbone** » 2025-01-15 7:12 p.m.

Thank you all for your feedback, I'm gonna try and playtest more horns and see what fits :)

Posaunus · by **Posaunus** » 2025-01-15 8:49 p.m.

[quote="SamEdwTbone"]Thank you all for your feedback, I'm gonna try and playtest more horns and see what fits :)[/quote]

:good:

Back2jazzbone · by **Back2jazzbone** » 2025-03-12 6:51 p.m.

kiss more frogs to find your prince...or princess.

timbone · by **timbone** » 2025-03-12 8:39 p.m.

Sounds like you are looking for a .500 bore horn, or smaller? If you want more in the low range you have to go .508. And a heavier slide will give you more core.

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Should I get a custom b.a.c or a Michael Davis shires