Do you have a serious high-school or college trombone student who is looking to step up their playing? The Q30 from S.E. Shires offers four fantastic options that just might fit the bill. These professional-level trombones balance high-quality craftsmanship with unmatched value, making them an excellent investment for advancing musicians.

Each model in the Q30 line comes with two key choices:

• Bell material: Gold brass or yellow brass
• F-trigger valve type: Traditional rotor or axial flow

These options create four distinct models:

1. Q30GR – Gold brass bell, rotor valve
2. Q30YR – Yellow brass bell, rotor valve
3. Q30GA – Gold brass bell, axial flow valve
4. Q30YA – Yellow brass bell, axial flow valve

So, how do you decide which one is best for your student? Let’s break it down.

Bell Material: Gold Brass vs. Yellow Brass

The material of the bell affects the trombone’s tone and response.

• Gold Brass (Q30GR & Q30GA) – Warmer, darker tone with a smooth response. Ideal for musicians who want a rich, mellow sound.
• Yellow Brass (Q30YR & Q30YA) – Brighter, more focused tone with increased projection. Great for students who need a clear, cutting sound.

If your student plays in a jazz band or needs strong projection in an ensemble, yellow brass might be the way to go. If they prefer a warmer, more nuanced tone, gold brass is an excellent choice.

F-Trigger Valve: Rotor vs. Axial Flow

Valve design impacts airflow and response when using the f-attachment.

• Rotor Valve (Q30GR & Q30YR) – A traditional, reliable mechanism with a compact feel. Offers a slightly more resistant blow but is very responsive and widely used in most settings.
• Axial Flow Valve (Q30GA & Q30YA) – Provides smoother airflow and a more open, free-blowing feel. This is great for players who prefer effortless legato phrasing and a less resistant response. Axial valves need slightly more care to keep working smoothly.

The type of valve a trombonist prefers is very much a matter of personal taste. If your student values a classic trombone feel, a rotor valve is a solid choice. If they want something more fluid and open, the axial flow valve is a fantastic upgrade.

Which Model Is Right for Your Student?

Each student’s playing style and musical goals will determine the best choice.

• For a warm, smooth sound with a traditional feel → Q30GR (gold brass, rotor)
• For a bright, clear sound with a traditional feel → Q30YR (yellow brass, rotor)
• For a warm, smooth sound with an open-blowing feel → Q30GA (gold brass, axial)
• For a bright, clear sound with an open-blowing feel → Q30YA (yellow brass, axial)

All four models are currently in stock and available for testing.

Hear the Difference

To help with your decision, we’ve included a playing video showcasing the differences in tone and response between these models – featuring Dr. Chris Van Hof. Hearing them side by side can make it easier for you and your student to find the right fit.

Try One Today

Of course, there is no substitute for trying an instrument out in person. Make an appointment to come into Paige’s and let your student test each model and figure out what works best for them. An upgrade to a Shires Q30 could be the perfect next step for your advancing trombone student. See (and hear) the difference for yourself!