Trombone Leadpipes

The leadpipe is the first point of contact with the player after the mouthpiece. It plays an important role in determining the overall feel and sound of the instrument. The diameter of the venturi, the material of the pipe and its length all have a significant effect on the instrument's playing characteristics.

S.E. Shires trombone leadpipes are made to fit handslides of a specific bore size (if the handslide is dual bore, this is the bore of the upper tube—the smaller diameter of the two). The leadpipe prefix represents the bore size that it is designed to fit and indicates mouthpiece shank size compatibility.

• T85: .485-inch bore, compatible with small-shank mouthpiece
• T0: .500-inch bore, compatible with small-shank mouthpiece
• T8: .508-inch bore, compatible with small-shank mouthpiece
• M: .525-inch bore, compatible with small-shank mouthpiece
• MT: .525-inch bore, compatible with large-shank mouthpiece
• [Unmarked]: .547-inch bore, compatible with large-shank mouthpiece
• VE: Vintage Elkhart taper, .547-inch bore, compatible with large-shank mouthpiece (unique venturi size, 8-inch length)
• B: .562-inch bore (bass), compatible with large-shank mouthpiece
• BB: .578-inch bore (XL bass), compatible with large-shank mouthpiece

The central number of the leadpipe model indicates the relative size of the venturi (the tightest point in the taper). The venturi largely determines the efficiency of the blow and also influences response, articulation, timbre, and density of sound.

• 1: small venturi diameter—centered sound with very clear articulation
• 1.5: medium-small venturi diameter—mix of small and medium-venturi characteristics
• 2: medium venturi diameter—open sound, generally the most popular size
• 2.5: medium-large venturi diameter—more open sound
• 3: largest venturi diameter—large, broad sound

After the venturi, the material of the leadpipe is indicated:

• [Unmarked]: yellow brass—ideal balance of brilliance and warmth for most players, clear and articulate (the overwhelming majority of S.E. Shires players prefer yellow-brass leadpipes)
• N: nickel silver*—brilliant and clear, crisp articulation and response (can limit timbral flexibility)
• G: gold brass*—warm, dense sound, rounded articulations (can limit clarity)
• SS: sterling silver*†—strong fundamental and presence of sound with clean, simple overtone presentation, clear attack (can lack warmth and brilliance)

Length of the leadpipe is indicated last:

• [Unmarked]: standard length—7.5 inches for T85, T0, and T8; 8.75 inches for M, MT, standard .547" bore, and bass; 9.75 inches for sterling silver
• L: long—more centered sound and feel—9.75 inches (not available for T85, T0, and T8, or for sterling silver pipes, which are 9.75 inches long by default)
• S: short—more open sound and feel—7 inches for T85, T0, and T8; 8 inches for M, MT, standard .547" bore, and bass; 8.75 inches for sterling silver

*Nickel silver (N), gold brass (G), and sterling silver (SS) leadpipes available by special order only

†Sterling silver leadpipes (SS) are available for bass and .547"-bore tenor, only, and ship standard in 9.75-inch length