Through the successful merger with its new parent company, Eastman Music Company, S.E. Shires has developed a more affordable class of professional brass instruments, named “Q Series” after Eastman founder Qian Ni.
These instruments represent the philosophy of Eastman to produce the finest musical instruments at every price point and embody the reputation of 
Shires: to produce the highest quality hand crafted instruments for every player.
“We understand not every musician may be ready for a Shires custom instrument or may find those costs prohibitive,” says S.E. Shires founder Stephen Shires, “so the development of the Q Series with Eastman allows the best aspects of our custom instruments to be at a very affordable price; certainly worthy of the Shires name.”
S.E. Shires introduced the following Q Series Trumpets and Tenor and Bass Trombones:
• Bb Trumpets – TRQ10S
• Large-Bore Tenor Trombones – TBQ30YR, TBQ30GR, TBQ30YA, TBQ30GA
• F/Gb Rotary Valve Bass Trombone – TBQ36YR and TBQ36GR
Keith Hilson, Trombone Shop and Store Manager of Schmitt Music in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, has this to say about the Q Series: “The excellent playability of these instruments along with the quality of construction, interchangeability with custom Shires components and very accessible price points result in a terrific value. The Q Series has already become a fast favorite of ours and our customers!”
The Q Series instruments are set for a Fall 2016 release and will be available at S.E. Shires Authorized Dealers.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)