NEW SHIRES ARTIST MOUTHPIECES! S.E. Shires Marshall Gilkes and Michael Davis+ mouthpiece review

Marshall Gilkes and Michael Davis have not only been two of the most influential trombonists over the past 15+ years but they have both designed amazing small bore tenor trombones with the artists at S.E. Shires! We love their trombones in the shop and when we heard about their new Signature mouthpieces with Shires we were excited to put them to the test!
With different cup width, depth, throat/backbore and rim setups these two mouthpieces provide a nice balance of options and, while they each have their own character, they are both very responsive and even-playing (just like their trombones!
Take a listen and let me know what you think!
Find out more about these mouthpieces at shop.schmittmu...

[@degelepassant1186]

After tinkering with much too many mouthpieces, you were the one showing me what can be achieved on Bach mouthpieces, and still is !

[@coolgeorgiaboy]

I also play a 7C, I keep trying other mouthpieces but cant find a reason to change. I get full range and open tone on my 7C

[@bradleybunk6463]

By the way Keith, you are looking slim. I hope that was intentional, but you look great.

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Doing my best to get in shape!

[@SilverKing3B]

The Bach is what you are most comfortable with, since that is what you’ve been using. I’d start there as well - first on my current mouthpiece, then moving back and forth between what I’m comparing it to.
To my ear, your tone was more consistent on the Gilkes (Bach being taken aside). The Davis had more clarity in the middle-upper register, but perhaps too bright for what some might be looking for? The Gilkes seemed more stable.
Having said all of this, you are a fine trombonist, and I’d very much like to hear comparisons of some of the standard mouthpieces on typical trombones, like your 3B - perhaps a Schilke 47 or 50, a Yamaha 47 or 48, a Bach 7C, 9, 11C, (et al), and then with the Shires, and perhaps the Denis Wick mouthpieces?
Each player, horn selection, and musical styles sets up a multitude of considerations. When it comes down to it, a player finds what works best for them and the horn that they play.

[@edsherrod5216]

Of all three of the mouthpieces you tried, I liked the Bach 7C, the Michael Davis, and then the Marshall Gilkes on you. I have to wonder what was the comparison of the cup sizes on the two shires mouthpieces versus the Bach, as intonation was better on the Michael Davis and the Bach than on the Marshall Gilkes, but that could be attributed to the fact that you probably didn't have a lot of playing time on the new mouthpieces versus the Bach.

[@alanwitton5039]

They look and sound like decent mouthpieces! I've always played on a V cup mouthpiece to be honest

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Thanks for watching! What’s your go-to piece right now?

[@alanwitton5039]

@@SchmittMusicTromboneShopI play on a Karl Hammond 12S which I had to order from the Netherlands! Good mouthpiece

[@philipjones2735]

To me, the 7C had the best, most consistent sound, but that may be because you are used to that one. The Davis piece was very reminiscent of the 7C, and sounded singing and clear. The Gilkes piece lost its focus on the softer passages, but seemed to comeback as you played louder, but overall it was inconsistent in the sound it gave you and too darkish, for you, to be a lead players piece. It might work for some, but it just didn't have the clarity I think is necessary for a lead piece.

[@tonyni7139]

Dumb question, but is there a large bore one?

[@SchmittMusicTromboneShop]

Yes, the Colin Williams! We are waiting for it to arrive and will review it ASAP!