Shires 1XD

[beansessette]

I recently came by one of these Shires 1XD bass trombone mouthpieces and I’ve been loving it. Is it based on a model by another maker or a copy of a specific mouthpiece? Just out of pure curiosity here...looking for some info on the background of this mouthpiece model. Thanks all-

[SirJohn]

I am far from an expert and am not a player myself but did do a bit of research on Shires mouthpieces. Shires mouthpieces are made by Pickett Brass. Pickett is well regarded. While they may be inspired by particular mouthpieces, it would probably be safe to say they are sort of their own unique pieces at this point. Consider the "1" mouthpiece size comes in variants in depth of G, MD, D, and XD, I would think among the various depths there would end up being significant difference between it and whatever originally inspired it in any case. There is actually a difference in cup diameter between the G variant and the other variants as well, at least by posted manufacturing specs. The pickett mouthpiece site does suggest that their own mouthpieces are unique designs, no idea how they extend that to the Shires labeled pieces. The few reports from players I've read suggest that the G depth variants tend to stay close to the equivalent Bach in terms of sizing and feel, though not necessarily in playing characteristics (bear in mind there is a lot of variance between Bach's of the same size historically). Some limited specs of outside diameter, inside diameter and throat are here:
http://slidebone.com/product_info.php?products_id=2283
http://slidebone.com/product_info.php?products_id=2282