The bell is the primary driver of a trumpet’s timbre, tone, and projection. From the shape of the taper to the choice of alloy and bead treatment, each detail plays a role in how the instrument speaks—whether you’re looking for brilliance and shimmer, warmth and depth, or something in between.

All S.E. Shires trumpet bells are one-piece hand-hammered bells, crafted from a single sheet of brass with a continuous brazed seam. This traditional construction offers exceptional resonance, flexibility, and nuanced color, giving each horn a vibrant and responsive character.

Bell Tapers

Each bell taper has its own sonic fingerprint:

• A Taper – Compact sound with strong core and excellent projection. A versatile, all-purpose choice. (Comparable to Bach 37)

• B Taper – Brilliant and open, with flexible slotting and wide tonal palette. (Comparable to Bach 43)

• C Taper – Broad, rich, and resonant—reminiscent of vintage French trumpet voices. (Comparable to Besson/Benge)

• D Taper – Focused and compact for precision and clarity. (Comparable to Schilke B)

Bell Weights

Weight affects how the bell responds under dynamic pressure:

• Lightweight (LW) – Quick response, high resonance, and brilliant tone.

• Medium Weight (MW) – Balanced feel with slightly more control.

• Heavyweight (HW) – Holds together at high volumes and produces a dense, centered sound.

Treatments & Bead Options

Bell treatments further refine articulation, slotting, and projection:

• S – Steel bead wire: adds clarity and edge to articulations.

• E – Annealed bell: enhances warmth and tonal richness.

• F – French bead: refined feel with elegant tonal bloom.

• DF – Detachable flare: allows for easy transport and bell swapping.

• T7 – Thinner bead wire for a more open feel and effortless articulation.

• T8 – Standard beadwire for balanced flexibility and slotting.

• T9 – Wider beadwire for firm slotting and strong, deliberate articulation.

The valve cluster is central to how a trumpet plays and sounds. It affects articulation, tone clarity, response, and overall feel. Through variations in weight, materials, and design, it shapes everything from the instrument’s core sound to its ease of play—making it a key element in customizing your horn.

Bore size also plays a major role in how an instrument speaks and feels. Smaller bores offer a more compact sound with increased resistance and precision, while larger bores tend to produce a broader tone with a more open blow. 

Our standard model B♭ trumpets are available in .459-inch bore with options available in medium bore (.454), large bore (.462), and extra-large bore (.465).

Tuning slides do more than adjust pitch—they influence how the instrument responds, resonates, and colors each note. At S.E. Shires, our trumpet tuning slides are carefully engineered to optimize resistance, slotting, and tonal complexity.

Square, Round, and Semi-Round Bends

• Square bends tend to offer a more focused, defined core with increased resistance.

• Round bends feel freer and more open, with smoother slotting and greater flexibility.

• Semi-round designs strike a balance between the two—responsive yet powerful.

Bracing Configurations

• Options range from unbraced for maximum resonance and flexibility, to braced or double-braced for added stability and a more centered feel.

Taper Variations

• Single bore and dual bore options change how air moves through the horn, impacting how open or compact the instrument feels.

The leadpipe is the first point of contact with the player after the mouthpiece. It plays an important role in determining the overall response, resistance, and tone.

Subtle variations in venturi size (the narrowest point of the pipe), material, and taper length all dramatically affect how the instrument feels and sounds.

Venturi Size

• A smaller venturi creates more resistance and a compact, centered feel—great for increased projection and control.

• A larger venturi offers a more open, free-blowing experience with less resistance and a broader sound.

Material & Weight

• Leadpipes are available in different materials (such as yellow brass or nickel) and weights (lightweight or heavyweight).

  • Lightweight pipes offer quick response and flexibility.

  • Heavier pipes add stability, focus, and depth to the sound.

• Taper & Length

  The shape and length of the taper influence airflow, affecting articulation, slotting, and the horn’s tonal complexity.

Top and bottom valve caps, along with finger buttons, might seem like cosmetic details—but they can meaningfully shape how a trumpet feels, responds, and projects. These components affect weight distribution, resonance, and articulation clarity, allowing players to fine-tune the color, core, and personality of their horn.

Top & Bottom Valve Caps

• Available in nickel or brass, and in lightweight or heavyweight options, each configuration adds or reduces mass around the valve block.

  • Heavier caps tend to increase focus and density.

  • Lighter caps offer quicker response and a more flexible feel.

  • Brass adds warmth and richness, while nickel contributes brightness and brilliance.

Finger Buttons

Choose from a range of finishes and styles to personalize both feel and aesthetic:

• Brass with Inlay – Standard on silver-plated models; offers a balanced tactile experience and refined look.

• Nickel with Inlay – Adds clarity and a bright visual accent.

• Lightweight Brass (No Inlay) – For players seeking maximum sensitivity and agility under the fingers.

Want to learn more about our Custom Series components? Enter the catalogue.